Here’s an exciting snapshot of how Goodman Theatre spent the summer this year!
Written by Vicky Mejia
Chicago Summer ’24 was one to remember for Goodman Theatre all thanks to our audiences seasoned and new. From kicking off the month of May (we’re counting this as summer) with a month-long activation, debuting a long-awaited world premiere on our stage, and sharing a Mexican folktale-inspired outdoor play, our lobbies and Chicago Park districts were nothing short of bustling with activity.
Read on to learn more about how we spent our summer!
The Alice Center for Education and Engagement kicked off the summer with a month-long activation series that consisted of FREE, curated programs for all ages, produced in partnership with local artists, influencers and educators. This fall, the center will host another activation called “ACTivate!.” The event will include a series of paid workshop intensives designed for Chicago’s youth, theatre professionals, and lifelong learners. Stay tuned to our website and socials for more information!
The world premiere of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil written by acclaimed author John Berendt brought together musical theatre aficionados, book fanatics, and Savannahians alike. The sensational cast changed the city of Savannah (and our hearts / and the Goodman stage) forever with the musical adaptation that closed on August 11. We were honored to partner with several organizations such as The American Writers Museum to host none other than John Berendt for book signing and conversation. From a fun night out at Musical Mondays with Sidetrack to a Play on Words poetry conversation with Chicago’s very own poet laureate avery r. young, the southern spirit of Midnight truly showed out in the city.
Attendees of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil had the opportunity to witness the makeover of our lobby! Spanish moss and replicas of “Birdgirl” donned the space as well as Instagram-worthy photo ops to give patrons the chance to enter the Visit Savannah sweepstakes. Hundreds of submissions were received and we’re very excited to announce the winners of the Visit Savannah prize package in September!
This summer, four new works written by members of the 2023/2024 New Stages Residency were showcased in live readings. The new works included George Washington’s Mexican Birthday, a play exploring the intersection of identity in Laredo, TX, Nightbirds, a queer new musical based in Reconstruction-Era D.C., Disillusioned, a tender story about the pursuit of passion in Chicago’s magic scene, and Leftover Men, a dystopian satire inspired by mythology and late-stage capitalism.
Students from Goodman’s Musical Theatre Intensive and Playbuild Youth Intensive programs expressed their talent as they explored the 23/24 theme “Remix Reality.” Participants 14 to 18 years of age came together to perform in a highly-anticipated and SOLD OUT evening of dance, poetry and storytelling surrounded by their family and friends.
During the months of July and August, Chicago Park Districts opened their doors to its youngest participants and families for The Lizard y El Sol, a FREE outdoor play featuring interactive storytelling, colorful puppets, and Mexican-inspired music and dance. Over 1,200 young attendees and their caregivers enjoyed the enchanting retelling of the Mexican folktale on a quest to find and bring back the light (El Sol / The Sun).
In partnership with The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, The Sweetest Season: A Gathering of Indigenous Creativity returned in its third year at Goodman Theatre. Many cherished events returned to two-day festival like the “Sweetest Season Social Hour,” “Sorrel and Sassafras,” and the popular “Celebration of Indigenous Spoken Word and Song.” Participants also had the opportunity to learn about and explore their creative interests in new workshops like “Pottery” and “Visual Dialogue Through Fashion.”
Goodman All Staff Party
This year, the Goodman all-staff party was held at SPIN where staff had the chance to indulge in a little friendly competition with ping pong tournaments. We thank our phenomenal staff for all their wonderful work during the 2023/2024 season!
Vicky Mejia is the Digital Marketing Associate at Goodman Theatre
