The company of “West Side Story” at the Lyric Opera. (Credit: Todd Rosenberg)

Two very different musicals now on stage in Chicago — a revival of “West Side Story” at Lyric Opera, and a new work, “Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon,” at Lookingglass Theatre — are in many ways driven by the issue of immigration. 

The view from the stage out into the nearly empty seats of a concert hall. (Kevin Schmid / Unsplash)

When the COVID-19 lockdown hit in March 2020, Chicago’s artistic productions were abruptly placed on hold. Now more than two years later, theater companies are evaluating a path forward with an audience that has new expectations. 

The Eugene Williams memorial marker at 31st Street beach. (WTTW News)

This Wednesday, the Lookingglass Theatre Company will honor Eugene Williams at 31st Street Beach with an artistic ritual. On July 27, 1919, 17-year old Eugene Williams was stoned to death after unintentionally swimming over to the “Whites only” section of Lake Michigan. 

A scene from “Sunset 1919.” (Lookingglass Theatre / Kareem Bandealy)

The short film written and produced by Lookingglass Theatre’s J. Nicole Brooks premieres Monday to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the start of 1919 Chicago race riots.

Ensemble member Christine Mary Dunford in “Her Honor Jane Byrne.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Lookingglass Theatre’s dazzlingly performed world premiere production is a theatrical and sociological gem of a work that should catapult its writer-director, ensemble member J. Nicole Brooks, to genuine fame.

Ensemble Member Christine Mary Dunford performs in “Her Honor Jane Byrne.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

On stage at Lookingglass Theatre, a new play looks at a Chicago moment from March 1981 when Jane Byrne, the city’s first woman mayor, moved into the Cabrini-Green housing project. 

Lookingglass Theatre Company Artistic Associate Walter Briggs, left, and Keith Gallagher in “Frankenstein.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

The 200th anniversary of “Frankenstein” was celebrated by a slew of Chicago theaters last year. Lookingglass’ new production has arrived a bit late in the game, but with its raw beauty and feverish emotion, it turns out to be well worth the wait.

This feverishly verbal play, now receiving its world premiere at Lookingglass Theatre, poses some epic, cosmic questions while capturing the more familiar aspects of family relationships and identity crises. But it supplies no answers. 

The cast of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” at Lookingglass Theatre. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

From monsters and novelists to a depressed construction foreman in Belarus, the Chicago theater scene is as varied as ever. Hedy Weiss joins us with reviews and recommendations.

Alex Stein and Kasey Foster in “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

To bring Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” to vivid life, director Mary Zimmerman looks to the English pantomime tradition, and draws on her ingenious, visually stunning storytelling tricks.

Actor David Schwimmer talks television, movies and the new play he brought to Lookingglass Theatre.

Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure novel "Treasure Island" became a children's classic almost from the moment it was published in 1881. Scores of adaptations followed. But a new stage production at Lookingglass Theatre, adapted and directed by Tony award-winner Mary Zimmerman, is being praised for its original take on the story. Zimmerman joins us tonight.

Theater and Dance Critic of the Chicago Sun-Times, Hedy Weiss reviews a new production of "Avenue Q" – plus the latest from Lookingglass Theatre and more. Learn more about the plays reviewed by Hedy and watch web extra video reviews.

Memory Play Recalls a Taboo Love Affair

Lookingglass Theater opened their 26th season on Saturday with the deeply sensual drama, The North China Lover.

Find out what Chef Rick Bayless is cooking up on stage when we visit a rehearsal of his new show at Lookingglass Theatre.