Court Theatre in Hyde Park has announced its 2025-25 season, the milestone 70th season for one of Chicago’s leading Equity theaters. It will also be the final season programmed by current artistic director Charles Newell, who steps down this summer and will remain as a consultant. He’ll direct the world premiere play “Berlin” as the final show of the season.
“East Texas Hot Links” (Sept. 6-29): By Eugene Lee, directed by resident artist Ron OJ Parson. Set in 1955 in East Texas, the Top O’ the Hill Café is a community gathering spot until the pressures of the outside world force their way in. Parson returns to the play he has directed before, including in its 1995 Chicago premiere with the Onyx Theatre Ensemble, and at Writers Theatre in 2016.
“Falsettos” (Nov. 8 to Dec. 8): Music and lyrics by William Finn, with book by William Finn and James Lapine. Co-produced with TimeLine Theatre Company and directed by Nick Bowling. In this Tony Award-winning musical, Marvin has left his wife for his male lover, his wife has married his therapist and their son is grappling with it all.
“A Raisin in the Sun” (Feb. 7 to March 9, 2025): By Lorraine Hansberry, directed by associate artistic director Gabrielle Randle-Bent. Hansberry’s masterpiece and Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner, set on Chicago’s South Side and coming to Court Theatre for the first time.
“Berlin” (April 25 to May 18, 2025): By Mickle Maher, directed by Newell. A world premiere based on a graphic novel by Jason Lutes set amidst the decline of Weimar Germany and the rise of Fascism as everyday people try to survive.
dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
