Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Our There and Back Again journey has begun… THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE opens this evening, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be sharing this beautiful production with Chicago. Come join us in Middle-earth, now through September 1! Photos by Liz Lauren THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien Book and Lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus Music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale Directed by Paul Hart

“I’ll take the ring to Mordor, though I don’t know the way...” We’re thrilled to share this first look at our US premiere production of THE LORD OF THE RINGS - A MUSICAL TALE. Come join us in Middle-earth for this epic there and back again journey, now through September 1. www.chicagoshakes.com/lotr THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien Book and Lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus Music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale Directed by Paul Hart

A Long-Expected Party begins…TONIGHT! We can hardly wait to welcome audiences to the first preview of THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE. Come celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ 111st birthday with us…and prepare for a theatrical journey you won’t soon forget! Now through September 1. P.S. We’re happy to share that our ticket system is back online after being affected by this morning’s global outage. So there’s no reason to delay in grabbing your tickets! www.chicagoshakes.com/LOTR THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien Book and Lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus Music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale Directed by Paul Hart Photo by Liz Lauren

“I’m telling you. For anyone who loves a mega musical, but also something that feels intimate — I think we do a really amazing job of having that grand, epic scale, but really feeling like you’re sitting around a campfire, and we’re all telling the story together.” - Spencer Davis Milford (Frodo Baggins) Check out this great preview of THE LORD OF THE RINGS - A MUSICAL TALE from WBEZ Chicago, and get your tickets today for performances beginning this weekend! www.chicagoshakes.com/lotr

This Saturday, July 13 in the lobby for CORDUROY, browse a pop-up bookshop from Brown Babies Books, which is on a mission to ensure that children of color see themselves and their communities reflected in the books they read. Founder Tameca Lyons was inspired to launch her business after falling in love with the character Lisa in Corduroy as a child. Explore the shop: www.brownbabiesbooks.com.

Next stop—Middle-earth! We are thrilled to share that, following its US premiere later this month, our production of THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE will transfer to Auckland, New Zealand this fall! Performances at The Civic Theatre begin November 5. Ever since the release of Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning film trilogy, New Zealand has had a deep connection to this story for fans around the globe, making this an extra special next step for this stunning show.

CST strives to create a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment for all to experience our performances and programs, and we’re happy to share that this Wednesday’s 11:00 a.m. performance of CORDUROY is Sensory Friendly. This means that aspects of the show—including lights, sound, and audience engagement—are adjusted to create a comfortable and safe environment for patrons with sensitivities. To learn more about this and our other accessibility offerings for this season, check out Arts Are For All page: https://lnkd.in/g-q_tSuq

Audiences of all ages love CORDUROY!! Come on out and enjoy this lively and fun production with the young people in your life this weekend. Running through July 14 only! 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/gHHGigwJ

Announcing Shakes in the City—a new evolution of Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks—offering pop-up performances and activities at parks, neighborhood festivals, and other events across Chicago! Check out https://lnkd.in/gtFDagxP for a full schedule, spanning over 20 neighborhoods from July 20–August 18. 🌳☀️ Shakespeare’s joyful comedy TWELFTH NIGHT comes to life in an immersive 45-minute performance infused with music and the playful spirit of Carnival. Tyrone Phillips, who helmed the acclaimed production of TWELFTH NIGHT on our Courtyard stage last fall, directs an acting ensemble featuring Yaw Agyeman, Ernest Bentley, Tafadzwa Diener, Dennis William Grimes, Charence Higgins, Weléla Mar Kindred, Jamaque Newberry, and Juwon Tyrel Perry. The company also includes Music Director Robert Reddrick, Production Designer Beth Laske-Miller, Stage Manager Katrina Herrmann, and Assistant Stage Manager Gianni Carcagno. At select events, teaching artist Sadira Muhammad will be leading Afro-Caribbean inspired dance and movement workshops—check out our website for more information. We can’t wait to see you out and about this summer!

“We have everything in this show—we’ve got incredible music, unbelievable actors, puppetry, projection—just so much going on.” Director Paul Hart is thrilled to be staging the US premiere of THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE here in Chicago. Experience it all with us beginning July 19. www.chicagoshakes.com/lotr THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien Book and Lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus Music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale Directed by Paul Hart