The Goodman Theatre
Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer have announced “Our Next Act”—Goodman Theatre’s 2021 Season of eight plays on its two stages (the 856-seat Albert Theatre and 350-seat flexible Owen Theatre) scheduled to begin when it is deemed safe for audiences, artists and staff.
The Membership line-up includes newly announced plays plus rescheduled works that were postponed due to COVID-19. One postponed work, Falls’ production of Molly Sweeney, has been canceled.
“We can’t wait to welcome back our audiences for our dynamic 2021 Season that exemplifies the very best of our art form,” said Artistic Director Robert Falls. “As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our artists and audiences, we remain flexible in our planning and will share production dates when the time is right.”
“We’re proud to announce four exciting world premieres, including a Goodman commission,” said Falls. “Cheryl L. West’s Fannie, directed by Henry Godinez, a passionate rallying cry inspired by the life of famed civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, featuring E. Faye Butler in the title role. the ripple, the wave that carried me home by Christina Anderson, a world-premiere co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, is a stunning meditation on protest, legacy and reconciliation; and we’re delighted to welcome back Christina, whose bold, imaginative How to Catch Creation was a memorable favorite last year.”
“In addition, Good Night, Oscar by Doug Wright, directed by Leigh Silverman stars Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) as Oscar Levant—the larger-than-life American humorist with a dangerous edge,” Falls continued. “Finally, we’ll produce the highly anticipated new musical we postponed due to COVID-19—The Outsiders, based on the novel by S.E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola’s film, with a book by Adam Rapp, music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, choreography by Lorin Latarro and directed by Liesl Tommy. A beloved story of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ that defined a generation is told anew.”
“At the same time, classic revivals are a signature of Goodman programming, and I’m delighted to announce a major new production of The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, adapted and directed by Manilow Resident Director Mary Zimmerman. The 1993 premiere of this production signaled a pivotal moment for Mary in her career, and it will be a joy to revisit her beautiful, sensual piece nearly three decades after its premiere,” said Falls.
“We’re thrilled to produce our three postponed Chicago premieres—including the off-Broadway sensation, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Lili-Anne Brown that was halted just a few days shy of its opening. We’ll also produce American Mariachi by José Cruz González, directed by Henry Godinez—the funny, heart-warming story of an all-female mariachi band in an era when this defied social norms—in a co-production with Dallas Theater Center. And celebrated pianist, actor and playwright Hershey Felder in A Paris Love Story, directed by Trevor Hay, makes his Goodman debut in a tour de force tribute to the life and music of Impressionist composer Claude Debussy,” concluded Falls.
Memberships to the upcoming season are now available, including the “Whenever Membership” flexible package.
