Broadway in your Backyard

Porchlight’s Free Neighborhood Concert Series is Back!

Pack a picnic, bring your friends and family and join Porchlight Music Theatre for the return of its free concert series Broadway in your Backyard! This 60-minute concert, held in parks throughout Chicago is sponsored by Chicago Free For All Fund (series) and Bill Bergfalk (Welles Park performance).

Broadway in your Backyard features some of the best loved hits from the Broadway and Hollywood musical songbooks including songs from Hello, Dolly!, Hamilton, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Toy Story, The Wiz and others.

Broadway in your Backyard is directed by Michael Weber and music directed by Linda Madonia. Our series venues include:

• Monday, July 14, 2025 at 6PM – Berger Park / Waterfront Cafe, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.
• Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6PM – Northcenter Town Square,  4100 N. Damen Ave.
• Wed, July 16, 2025 at 6PM – Ping Tom Memorial Park Pagoda, 239 W. 18th St.
• Mon, July 21, 2025 at 6PM – Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
• Tue, July 22, 2025 at 6PM – Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
  • PMTeens Debut Performance featuring students enrolled our summer camp.
  • Kids’ Day with activities and treats for children under 12, while supplies last.
  • Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board Picnic that includes tasty bites, refreshing drinks and show-stopping performances by your favorite Porchlight stars – all for free in the park! Must RSVP HERE.
• Wed, July 23, 2025 at 6PM – Washington Square Park, 901 N. Clark St.

All dates, park locations and performers subject to change.

MEET THE COMPANY

The cast includes Tafadzwa Diener, Nik Kmiecik, Lorenzo Rush Jr and Ava Stovall.

Previously at Porchlight: Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II, Anything Goes

Tafadzwa Diener is so excited to be joining Porchlight Music Theatre again! You may have recently seen her in Anything Goes and Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II with Porchlight. Other Chicago credits: A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Rock of Ages (Mercury Theater); 1919 (Steppenwolf Theatre); Sound of Music, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Marriott Theatre); An Educated Guess (Definition Theatre); MotherFreakingHood (Venus Cabaret). Regional: Ragtime, Pirates of Penzance (Utah Shakespeare Festival) TV: “Chicago PD.” She is represented by Big Mouth Talent. IG: @tafadzwadiener

Previously at Porchlight: Broadway in your Backyard, Chicago Sings Series: Broadway Pop II, Rock & Roll and Sondheim, Revisits Series: Call Me Madam, Minnie’s Boys, Can-Can and New Faces Sing Broadway 1939.

Nik Kmiecik is delighted to be back for his 4th year of Broadway in your Backyard. Porchlight credits include Rent, Can-Can, Minnie’s Boys and Call Me Madam. Other Chicago credits include, WAITRESS (Ogie), ONCE (Andrej), Paramount; GREASE, Drury Lane; TWELFTH NIGHT, Writers Theatre; SS! MACBETH, LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, HENRY V, Chicago Shakespeare; HELLO AGAIN, Theo Ubique. Nik is represented by Stewart Talent.

Previously at Porchlight: Broadway in your Backyard, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Memphis, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Various Chicago Sings

Lorenzo Rush Jr is honored to be a part of celebrating this Porchlight milestone. Congratulations PMT for persevering and inspiring Chicago with 30 YEARS of amazing work. You are a part of what makes Chicago theater the best in the world! Regional Credits: Marriott Theater, Paramount Theater, Porchlight Music Theater, Drury Lane Theater, Skylight Music Theater, Court Theater. TV/FILM: “Chicago Fire,” “Fargo,” “Sirens,” “Chicago PD”. Joseph Jefferson Award recipient (Five Guys Named Moe, Aint Misbehavin, Sophisticated Ladies). Black Theater Alliance Award (Memphis). Represented by Stewart Talent. Phoebe is my motivation. Proverbs 18:16.

Previously at Porchlight: New Faces Sing Broadway NOW (2024), ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza (2024)

Ava Stovall is ecstatic to be back at Porchlight for some summer fun! Chicago credits include Alice by Heart (Kokandy), ICONS Gala, New Faces Sing Broadway NOW (Porchlight), Rock of Ages (Metropolis PAC), and Legally Blonde (Music Theatre Works). Select regional credits: Jekyll and Hyde, Little Women, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, The Sound of Music, Much Ado About Nothing. Offstage, Ava is the proud owner of an independent voice studio, a voice actor, multi-instrumentalist, 2021 NATS champion, and an aspiring writer for both stage and screen. As always, she thanks the people she loves most. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Broadway in your Backyard?

Porchlight Music Theatre brings some old and new favorites to your neighborhood park for a free 60-minute concert each summer at parks all over Chicago!

Should I bring my own chair, blanket or towel to Broadway in your Backyard?

Yes! Porchlight will be unable to provide chairs or blankets at these events. Please bring your own, pack a picnic and join us for some of Broadway’s best tunes.

How long is the concert?

Each performance of Broadway in your Backyard is one hour.

Will there be public restrooms available?

Patrons who plan on attending Broadway in your Backyard should read more about the facilities offered at each park on the Chicago Park District website.

Is the concert appropriate for all ages?

Broadway in your Backyard is perfect for the entire family!

Can I bring food?

Yes, you may bring coolers, non-alcoholic beverages and/or food to the park. Please follow all rules and regulations of the Chicago Park District, information found at their website. And be sure to place all trash at the end of the event in trash cans at the parks.

May I take photos?

Yes, please take photos and share on social media. Be sure to tag Porchlight and use the hashtags #BroadwayInYourBackyard #BIYB

What if it rains?

In the event of inclement weather, a public announcement will be made by Porchlight about its cancellation and potential rescheduling.

Broadway in your Backyard 2025 series sponsor