Chicago’s Raven Theatre returns with live theater with the announcement of its 2021-22 season, featuring three productions previously postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new season also marks Raven’s transition to an Equity theatre company.
Raven Theatre’s 2021-22 Season
October 27 – December 12, 2021
The Last Pair of Earlies – World Premiere!
By Joshua Allen
Directed by Tyla Abercrumbie
Ever since he was a teenager in Mississippi, Wayland Early could count on two things – his talent for making handmade shoes and the love of his bride, Della Rose. But danger forces them to flee north to Chicago. Before they know it, nearly two decades have passed, and both Wayland and Della find themselves increasingly unable to count on anything, including their marriage. As they each contend with the weight of their spent youth and unrealized dreams, a life-altering question comes to the surface: are we still enough for each other? Joshua Allen, from the award-winning writers’ room of Empire and Executive Producer of HBO’s In Treatment, hits home with this world premiere.
February 9 – March 27, 2022
Beautiful Thing
By Jonathan Harvey
Directed by Mikael Burke
Anonymous among the thousands living in the working-class flats of southeast London, two boys struggle to carve out their own space in a constricting world. Driven away by his erratic family, Ste seeks order and purpose in sports and academics, building the idealized life he hasn’t lived. Jamie, instead, turns his back on structure, preferring independence and sharp wit to scholastic honors. With the pressures of their divergent lives mounting, the boys find solace with one another. Ste’s nightly refuge at Jamie’s house evolves into something more, something transformative: something beautiful. After redefining gay representation nearly 30 years ago, Beautiful Thing brings the warmth of first love back to Chicago.
May 4 – June 19, 2022
The Luckiest – Chicago Premiere!
By Melissa Ross
Directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle
Lissette and Peter are best friends living their best lives. But when an out of nowhere diagnosis shatters Lissette’s world, Peter is left trying to pick up the pieces. Suddenly finding herself at odds with both her best friend and her mom – who each come bearing strong opinions wrapped in good intentions – Lissette is forced to navigate between the two while unflinchingly forging her own path for her future. This tender, funny and keenly-observed play explores the uncertain and sometimes heartbreaking territory of how we choose to take ownership of our lives.
Raven Theatre’s 2021-22 season directors Tyla Abercrumbie, Mikael Burke and Cody Estle.
Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville)
2021-22 Season Announcement
for tickets and subscription packages, call 773.338.2177 or visit Raven Theatre
