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Come to The Goodman Leave More Human

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A decorative sword with a wavy blade, ornate hilt, and a handle wrapped in red and blue fabric, featuring a detailed metallic design.

“A glorious world premiere.”
– Chicago Reader
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Feb 21 – Apr 12 in Owen Theatre

Close-up of a brass trumpet against a white background, showing the bell and valve section in detail.

“A genuine American masterpiece.”
– Chicago Reader
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Mar 28 – May 3 in Albert Theatre
Extended by Popular Demand!

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Feb 21 – Apr 12 in Owen Theatre

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Mar 28 – May 3 in Albert Theatre
Extended by Popular Demand!

MORE FROM THE GOODMAN

Explore events, upcoming plays and opportunities, on and off stage.

1 1-4 of 5
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May 2 – May 31

Covenant

"A striking new Southern gothic" (The New York Times).

June 20 – July 26

Iceboy!

Nick Offerman joins Megan Mullally in the cast of "Iceboy!" the musical.

Multi-Event

July 2025 – August 2026

100 Free Acts of Theater

An epic citywide year-long event—100 Free Acts of Theater—activates all 50 wards of Chicago.
Multi-Event
A group of adults and children stand indoors with arms raised, participating in a group activity or class.

September 2025 through July 2026

Second Saturdays

Second Saturdays at the Goodman are family-focused intergenerational workshops centered on joy.
A group of people in workout attire practice dance or exercise movements in a brightly lit studio with large windows.

Starting March 11, 2026

ACTivation

The Goodman's ACTivation series offers a dynamic lineup of workshops designed to spark creativity and build community.
Red wax seal with an embossed inverted cross, accompanied by three drops of red wax, on a white background.

May 2 – May 31

Covenant

"A striking new Southern gothic" (The New York Times).

June 20 – July 26

Iceboy!

Nick Offerman joins Megan Mullally in the cast of "Iceboy!" the musical.

Multi-Event

July 2025 – August 2026

100 Free Acts of Theater

An epic citywide year-long event—100 Free Acts of Theater—activates all 50 wards of Chicago.
Multi-Event
A group of adults and children stand indoors with arms raised, participating in a group activity or class.

September 2025 through July 2026

Second Saturdays

Second Saturdays at the Goodman are family-focused intergenerational workshops centered on joy.
A group of people in workout attire practice dance or exercise movements in a brightly lit studio with large windows.

Starting March 11, 2026

ACTivation

The Goodman's ACTivation series offers a dynamic lineup of workshops designed to spark creativity and build community.

Presented by The Goodman

Around the Corner & in the neighborhood

Check out our “off-campus” experiences—mind-blowing magic and a major new downtown immersive attraction.

A man in a suit stands outside a building with a sign reading "MAGIC PARLOR" above the entrance.

Dennis Watkins’ The Magic Parlour

Performances available now through August 2026!

Step into 3rd Generation Magician Dennis Watkins’ custom magic theater around the corner from The Goodman and see why he’s “Chicago’s premiere resident magician.” (Chicago Tribune).
A table with a pink cloth and a cake sits in a garden between open doors, leading to a yellow house with bunting, white fences, and a paint can on the grass.

From David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar: Theater of the Mind

Extended through July 12!

Co-created by Academy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar, and presented by The Goodman, Theater of the Mind is a new theatrical experience you’ll see, feel, taste and hear.

Celebrate our 25/26 Season with Us

A Century of The Goodman

For a century, The Goodman has been more than a theater—it’s been the heartbeat of Chicago. Where stories come alive and move us to dream bigger and feel deeper. Here, art doesn’t just entertain you—it awakens.

This is The Goodman—where humanity takes center stage. Join us for our Centennial 25/26 Season.

Come to The Goodman. Leave more human.

25/26 Memberships Donate Now

Show Spotlight

the brief wondrous life of oscar wao

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is “sweetly personal” (New York Times). Experience a production that’s “directed with grit, integrity and compassion” (Chicago Theater Review)—performances are extended through April 12!

TICKETS & FULL DETAILS

Recent Press

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In Byrne's Words

As "Theater of the Mind" continues its run into the summer, co-creator David Byrne shares insight into the immersive experience.

Spring Standouts

"Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom" and "Theater of the Mind" are recognized among the best things to do across Chicagoland this April, with our Second Saturdays programming also noted for bringing families together through creativity and play.

Inside the Mind

David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar channel lifelong fascination with perception and identity into "Theater of the Mind", an experience shaped by personal insight.

A Full-Circle Moment

Harry J. Lennix reflects on his history with August Wilson’s "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom" and his role in shaping its return to The Goodman stage.

From Page to Stage

In talking about bringing this Dominican story to Chicago, director Wendy Mateo and actor Lenin Izquierdo explore its themes of love, family and history.

Telling Oscar's Story

Wendy Mateo, director of "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao", discusses the production, rehearsal process and theater in Chicago.

Nick Offerman Comes to The Goodman

Stage and screen star Nick Offerman will return to Chicago to join his wife Megan Mullally in "Iceboy!", a new musical from the writers of "Urinetown" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".

A Fever Dream

David Byrne has spent a decade exploring neuroscience and perception, and now he’s bringing that curiosity to Chicago with "Theater of the Mind".

A New City, A New "Oscar Wao"

Playwright Marco Antonio Rodriguez, director Wendy Mateo, and performers Kelvin Grullon and Julissa Calderon reflect on bringing "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" to new audiences.

On the Radar

"The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" and "Iceboy!" earn must-see status in a national roundup of spring's buzziest shows.

Chicago Arts Spotlight

Starring Emmy Award-winner Megan Mullally, the new musical comedy "Iceboy!" is selected as a can’t-miss pick for 2026.

Engage & Learn

Art in service of a wider vision of social change

Explore our programs and partnerships that aim to activate authentic collaboration with Chicago’s citizens, schools and organizations—and better our city.

Education & Engagement programming

For Youth

Chicagoland youth! Learn about how you can get involved in Goodman’s creative community through our exciting after-school programs, hands-on theatre workshops and immersive summer programs.

For Community

Participate in Chicago’s vast artistic landscape, where creativity and curiosity come together. Immerse yourself in the themes and stories of our productions or join a hands on workshop designed for artists of all ages.

For Schools

Enhance your classroom experience with our arts education programs. Access professional development workshops and teaching resources to enrich your teaching methods or plan a field trip to a student matinee performance.

For Professionals

The next generation of arts professionals become acquainted with the theater through internships and engagement opportunities across the theater.
1993: The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci
2012: Camino Real
1978: A Christmas Carol
1998: Death of a Salesman
2009: Ruined