A PERFECT EIGHT

Dave Malloy’s singular a cappella
musical proves just as spellbinding
in its Goodman transfer

Grace Steckler, Joryhebel Ginorio, Elliot Esquivel, Teressa LaGamba, Jordan Golding, Sam Shankman, Neala Barron, Ryder McDaniel in Raven Theatre’s Octet at The Goodman Theatre

Theatrical sensations happen when audiences find themselves captivated by something utterly unique. Stories resonate not only because they’re piercingly relatable, but because they’re presented in a way unlike anything else onstage. That, in essence, is Octet. Dave Malloy’s consciously dark, entirely a cappella musical bravely explores humanity’s pervasive addiction to the internet and the lure of its endless specious rabbit holes. It dazzles through its daring while humbling audiences with its emotional honesty.

Sam Shankman

Ryder Dean McDaniel, Teressa LaGamba, Jordan Golding, Neala Barron, Sam Shankman, Elliot Esquivel

As we noted in our review of Octet‘s acclaimed run at Raven Theatre, this remarkable work stands among the most original musicals of recent years. Now, having transferred to Goodman Theatre under the splendid direction of Keira Fromm, it proves every bit as compelling on a larger stage. The intimacy remains intact while the production gains the added resonance of playing before a larger audience confronting the same digital compulsions the musical so eloquently dissects.

Teressa LaGamba

Elliot Esquivel

With music, lyrics, book, and vocal arrangements by Dave Malloy, Octet stands as a testament to the astonishing creative power of the human imagination. More than that, this Goodman engagement offers audiences another opportunity to experience the extraordinary expressive capabilities of the unaccompanied human voice, used here not simply as musical accompaniment but as dramatic storytelling in its purest form.

Jordan Golding

Ryder Dean McDaniel, Teressa LaGamba, Jordan Golding, Neala Barron, Sam Shankman, Elliot Esquivel

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photos by Joe Mazza

Octet
Raven Theatre
Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. in Chicago
Thurs–Sat at 7:30; Sun at 3
ends on June 21, 2026
ends on August 2, 2026
for tickets ($44-$94, subject to change), call 312.443.3800 or visit Goodman Theatre

for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago

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