PERFORMANCES

Cabaret — Now Closed (January 14 – March 19, 2023)

Bold and provocative, this landmark musical  shines a spotlight on Berlin in the late 1920s and the colorful, gritty and hedonistic lives found there. Filled with iconic songs and electrifying dance the story of American writer “Clifford Bradshaw’s” relationship with English cabaret performer “Sally Bowles” as the Nazi party is rising to power is one you’ll never forget. Overseen by an ominous “Emcee” at the fabled Kit Kat Club, Cabaret is an astonishing and eye-popping tale that has renewed resonance in today’s political climate. “Your table’s waiting” for this winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Music by John Kander

Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the 1951 play I am a Camera by John Van Druten adapted from the 1939 novella Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood

Directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber

Music Directed by Linda Madonia

Associate Directed & Choreographed by Brenda Didier

Promotional photography by Joe Mazza


LEARN ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF CABARET!

CABARET ORIGINS
CABARET INFLUENCES
CABARET AT PORCHLIGHT

HEAR WHAT AUDIENCES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT CABARET!


INTERVIEW WITH THE COMPANY OF CABARET

(PAUL LISNEK’S “BEHIND THE CURTAIN”)


CATCH THE CAST OF CABARET ON WGN’S AROUND TOWN


GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH THE COMPANY OF CABARET

 


PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Liz Lauren.


RENT — Now Closed (Oct. 29 – Dec. 11, 2022)

Over the last 25 years, this Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical has become a cultural phenomenon with millions of fans around the world. Porchlight’s production celebrates this legacy and adds a new page to the story of a year in the life of a diverse group of artists struggling to survive and create in Lower Manhattan’s East Village under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. In the thriving days of bohemian Alphabet City at the end of the millennium, these friends are determined to follow their dreams without selling out..

Music, Lyrics & Book by Jonathan Larson

Based loosely on Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera La Bohème

Directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo

Music Directed by Dr. Michael McBride

Choreographed by Laura Savage


LEARN ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF RENT

RENT ORIGINS
RENT INFLUENCES
PORCHLIGHT’S RENT

HEAR WHAT AUDIENCES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT RENT

CATCH THE CAST OF RENT ON WGN’S AROUND TOWN

GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH THE COMPANY OF RENT

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Liz Lauren


Porchlight Revisits I am a Camera — NOW CLOSED (Feb. 8 & Feb. 9, 2023)

Premiering in 1951 starring Julie Harris as “Sally Bowles,” this special event production is a rare opportunity to experience the remarkable play that became the inspiration for the musical Cabaret. Never revived on Broadway and not seen in Chicago in decades, the title is a quotation taken from Christopher Isherwood’s “Goodbye to Berlin’s” first page: “I am a camera with its shutter open, quite passive, recording, not thinking.” Before Kander and Ebb. Before Bob Fosse. Before Liza Minnelli. Come see the play that started it all!

Now in its ninth season, Porchlight Revisits celebrates the rarely seen gems of Broadway, off-Broadway and beyond and is the ticket to go behind the scenes with an introduction to the luminaries who created these plays and musicals and an opportunity to discover a new ‘old’ favorite all in one big show. Chicago’s finest talents dust off these treasures and escort audiences into the world of the art of theatre’s past for a limited run. In addition to productions from days gone by, each Porchlight Revisits includes the Behind the Show Backstory, an entertaining and informative multimedia presentation, created and hosted by Artistic Director Michael Weber+, introducing the evening’s production including the show’s creative history, juicy backstage stories and much more.

Written by John Van Druten

Directed by Nate Cohen


PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Lobo Tate


Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree — NOW CLOSED (Dec. 7 & Dec. 8, 2022)

The songwriting team behind Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me created this witty, tuneful and charming piece that was Tony nominated for Best Musical. Made up of three musical miniatures, each directed by a different person, Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree includes

The Diary of Adam and Eve, a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world’s first couple, adapted from Mark Twain’s short stories; The Lady or the Tiger?, a 1960’s rock and roll fable set in a mythical kingdom, which explores the fickleness of love and Passionella based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella-story about a chimney sweep who dreams of being a “glamorous movie star.”

Music by Jerry Bock

Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

Book by Bock & Harnick with contributions from Jerome Coopersmith

Music Directed by David Fiorello

The Diary of Adam and Eve
Directed by Frankie Leo Bennett

The Lady or the Tiger?
Directed & Choreographed by Jamal Howard

Passionella
Directed & Choreographed by Laura Savage


PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Oni Wright


Broadway in your Backyard 2022

Playing to packed crowds across Chicagoland parks in 2021 and 2022, Porchlight Music Theatre’s free concert series Broadway in your Backyard is part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Broadway in your Backyard is performed at a number of different parks in the Chicagoland area and features a rotating company performing favorite songs from RENT, Hello, Dolly!, The Music Man, Grease, Six, The Little Mermaid, Hair, West Side Story, Mamma Mia! and MORE. Photos below by Lobo Tate and Oni Wright.

Learn more about Broadway in your Backyard

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Chicago Sings Broadway Pop — March 27, 2023 at the House of Blues Chicago

Chicago Sings is Porchlight’s signature fundraising concert, featuring live performances by Chicago music theatre’s best-loved artists, the presentation of the 2023 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago and more. Chicago Sings returns in 2023 for Chicago Sings Broadway Pop.

Since its earliest days, songs that have appeared on Broadway have crossed over to the music charts and popular songs heard on the radio have found their way to Broadway stages. In 2023, Chicago Sings Broadway Pop celebrates these Broadway musicals with an eclectic night of songs from such shows as Chess, Dreamgirls, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, 9 to 5 and others.

All Chicago Sings proceeds benefit our youth education, artistic and community outreach programs — support that advances Porchlight’s resilience and commitment to illuminating the past, present and future of music theatre.

BUY TICKETS TO CHICAGO SINGS BROADWAY POP

CELEBRATE POP MUSIC ON BROADWAY WITH BROADWAY ON THE STREET

 


 

EDUCATION

PMT EDUCATION (2022 – 2023)

Our Youth Programs serve ages 4-17 years and are grounded in the power of the American art form of music theatre to tell stories and inspire confidence and a love of the arts. Our Engagement Programs deepen audience connection to the art, artists and the community. Have a question? Reach out to Education Director Rebeccah Singer* at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PMT EDUCATION

JOIN US FOR PORCHLIGHT’S 2023 SUMMER CAMP

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT PORCHLIGHT’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS


 

PERFORMANCES

Spring Awakening — NOW CLOSED (Apr. 23 – June 2, 2022)

The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Porchlight’s production will thrill you with a story over 130 years in the making! Set against the backdrop of a repressive and provincial late 19th-century Germany, and based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play that was immediately banned due to its subject matter, Spring Awakening tells the timeless story of youthful self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. Haunting and provocative, this landmark American musical celebrates a journey from adolescence to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget.

Music by Duncan Sheik

Book and lyrics by Steven Sater

Based on the 1891 German play Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind 

Directed and Choreographed by Brenda Didier

Music Directed by Justin Akira Kono


HEAR WHAT AUDIENCES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT SPRING AWAKENING

GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH THE COMPANY OF SPRING AWAKENING

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Liz Lauren


Blues in the Night — NOW CLOSED (Feb. 9 – Mar. 20, 2022)

The Blues is one of America’s original art forms and Chicago was the home to some of the greatest Blues performers ever. Set in a history-filled hotel on Chicago’s south side one fateful night in the late 1930s, this Tony Award-nominated celebration interweaves the stories of three women who share their highs and lows of romance through the iconic songs of Bessie SmithDuke EllingtonJohnny MercerHarold ArlenAlberta HunterJimmy CoxIda Cox and others.

Conceived by Sheldon Epps

With the music of Bessie SmithJohnny MercerHarold ArlenVernon DukeGordon Jenkins, and Alberta Hunter and others

Directed and Choreographed by Kenny Ingram

Music Directed by David Fiorello

Associate Music Directed and Conducted by Maulty Jewell IV

Assistant Choreographed by Ariel Dorsey


BLUES IN THE NIGHT — WINNER OF 4 JEFF AWARDS

HEAR WHAT CRITICS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT BLUES IN THE NIGHT

 

INTERVIEWS WITH THE CAST & COMPANY OF BLUES IN THE NIGHT

BLUES IN THE NIGHT FEATURETTES

 

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Anthony Robert La Penna


Pump Boys & Dinettes — NOW CLOSED (Oct. 30 – Dec. 12, 2021)

Porchlight’s 27th season kicks off with a stop at the Double Cupp Diner for Pump Boys & Dinettes, one of the longest running shows in Chicago Theatre history and a country fried phenomenon filled with toe-tapping music on guitar, piano, bass and a kitchen utensil or two! This North Carolina dinette is your home off the highway and located just across the street from the filling station. Run by Prudie and Rhetta Cupp, beloved sisters who are always ready with a cup of Joe, a slice of pie, a homespun song and a “Welcome back!” The New York Times said “It doesn’t merely celebrate the value of friendship and life’s simple pleasures, it embodies them.”

Created by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Tony winner Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann

Directed by Daryl D. Brooks

Music Directed by Robert Reddrick

Choreographed by Rueben D. Echoles

Costumes & Wigs designed by Rueben D. Echoles


HEAR WHAT AUDIENCES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT PUMP BOYS & DINETTES

MEET THE CAST & COMPANY OF PUMP BOYS & DINETTES

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Chollette


Porchlight Revisits Passing Strange — NOW CLOSED (May 18 & May 19, 2021)

From L.A. to Amsterdam to Berlin, a young musician chases youthful dreams and spiritual clarity against a shifting backdrop of locales and acquaintances as he rebels against his conservative upbringing. This hit rock musical, loaded with soulful lyrics and passion, debuted to critical acclaim on Broadway in 2008, winning both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards and went on to be a critically acclaimed motion picture filmed by Spike Lee+ in 2009. The New York Times said about its Broadway debut, “Call it a rock concert with a story to tell … Or call it a sprawling work of performance art … I’ll just call it wonderful.”

Lyrics and Book by Stew

Music by Heidi Rodewald and Stew

Directed by Donterrio

Music Directed by Bryan McCaffrey

Choreographed by Terri K Woodall


PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Lobo Tate


Porchlight Revisits Nunsense — NOW CLOSED (Nov. 17 & Nov. 18, 2021)

Porchlight Revisits launches its 2021-2022 season with this heaven-sent musical. Join the Little Sisters of Hoboken for a wholesome variety show to raise emergency funds for the convent. After 52 of the nuns met an untimely end from Sister Julia, Child of God’s vichyssoise, the surviving sisters need to throw the fundraiser to pay for their burials. This funny foray has blessed theatregoers worldwide for more than 30 years and has had six sequels, three spin-offs and a TV special starring “Golden Girl” Rue McClanahan as “Mother Superior!”

Book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin

Directed by Michelle Lauto

Music Directed by Kailey Rockwell

Choreographed by Jenna Schoepe


PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photos by Justin Kocher


Broadway in your Backyard 2021

Playing to packed crowds across Chicagoland parks in 2021 and 2022, Porchlight Music Theatre’s free concert series Broadway in your Backyard is part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Broadway in your Backyard is performed at a number of different parks in the Chicagoland area and features a rotating company performing favorite songs from RENT, Hello, Dolly!, The Music Man, Grease, Six, The Little Mermaid, Hair, West Side Story, Mamma Mia! and MORE. Photos below by Lobo Tate and Oni Wright.

Learn more about Broadway in your Backyard

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

ICONS Gala 2022 —Sept. 23, 2022 at the Ritz-Carlton

Chaired by Joe Higgins and Scott Hoesman and honoring ICON Donna McKechnie*, who received a Tony Award for her performance as “Cassie” in the original company of A Chorus Line, “the most entertaining gala in town” welcomed performing arts lovers and advocates from across the region to gather in the Ritz-Carlton’s beautiful 12th-floor ballroom overlooking the city.

Honoring ICONS Award Recipient Donna McKechnie
with Luminary Award recipient Dan Ratner

Directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber

Co-directed and choreographed by Jenna Schoppe

Additional choreography by Christopher Chase CarterKelly Felthous and Reneisha Jenkins

Music Directed by Linda Madonia


PHOTOS OF ICONS GALA 2022

Photos by Chollette

 


Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim — May 23, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Chicago Sings is Porchlight’s signature fundraising concert, featuring a lineup of Chicago’s best and brightest music theatre and cabaret favorites. In 2022, our annual celebration revolved around the incomparable Stephen Sondheim and his legacy as a titan of American music theatre with a concert experience that shines a spotlight on all of his most beloved songs and some hidden gems. The evening also included the presentation of the Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago.

All Chicago Sings proceeds benefit our youth education, artistic and community outreach programs — support that advances Porchlight’s resilience and commitment to illuminating the past, present and future of music theatre.


LEARN MORE ABOUT CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM

PHOTOS OF CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Photos by Chollette


 

EDUCATION

PMT EDUCATION (2021 – 2022)

Our Youth Programs serve ages 4-17 years and are grounded in the power of the American art form of music theatre to tell stories and inspire confidence and a love of the arts. Our Engagement Programs deepen audience connection to the art, artists and the community. Have a question? Reach out to Education Director Rebeccah Singer* at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PMT EDUCATION

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPRING & SUMMER CLASSES

JOIN PORCHLIGHT’S SUMMER CAMP

‘TOP OF THEIR CLASS’: A CLASS FOR THEATRE ENTHUSIASTS