Displaying items by tag: Christina Casano

Monday, 23 March 2026 11:56

Readings on Ravenswood - Remy Bumppo Rehearsal Space - Through June 15th

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is proud to announce four of the six titles for the return of its Readings on Ravenswood series, curated by Artistic Director Marti Lyons and Creative Producer Christina Casano. Readings on Ravenswood, now in its third year, begins May 4 and continues through June 15 on Monday nights at Remy Bumppo’s rehearsal space, 1751 W. Grace. This reading series introduces audiences to relevant plays, both old and new, and includes post-reading conversations that reflect the themes of the plays. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and readings begin at 7 p.m. Readings on Ravenswood are free to attend with a suggested donation. The VIP package for $125 includes admission to all six readings and recognition in Remy Bumppo’s program and on its website. Reservations and VIP Packages for the 2026 readings are now available RemyBumppo.org.

“As we continue our 30th Anniversary season, I look forward to welcoming back audiences to our Readings on Ravenswood series,” said Artistic Director Marti Lyons. “Our specially curated series gives attendees an insight into some of the works we are excited about at Remy Bumppo. I am thrilled to share these plays, featuring our ensemble, this spring in our home on Ravenswood.”

Creative Producer Christina Casano added, “I can’t wait to hear what audiences and artists think about the scripts we’ve programmed. They are all sure to generate exciting conversations and Readings on Ravenswood is a special opportunity to get to hear immediate responses and reflections.”

All Readings on Ravenswood take place at Remy Bumppo’s rehearsal space at 1751 W. Grace. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and readings begin at 7 p.m. The 2026 series currently includes the following:

Monday, May 4

Arcadia

By Tom Stoppard

Directed by Artistic Director Marti Lyons

This brilliant play moves smoothly between 1809 and the present as it explores the nature of truth and time, the difference between classical and romantic temperaments and the disruptive influence of sex on our life orbits - the attraction Newton left out.

Monday, May 11

Furlough’s Paradise

by a.k. payne

In this radiant, nuanced two-hander – a staggering plea for empathy and connection – cousins Sade and Mina struggle to reconnect after returning home for a funeral.

Monday, May 18

Laughs in Spanish

By Alexis Scheer

This fast-paced, cafecíto-induced comedy – set at Art Basel, the annual high-stakes art fair in Miami – is a hilarious look at art and success... and mothers and daughters.

Monday, June 1

TBA

Monday, June 8

TBA

Monday, June 15

Marjorie Prime

By Jordan Harrison

Directed by James Bohnen

In this richly spare, wondrous new play, Jordan Harrison explores the mysteries of human identity and the limits – if any – of what technology can replace.

Additional titles, directors and cast to be announced.

ABOUT REMY BUMPPO THEATRE COMPANY

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company expands and enriches their community’s view of the world, and their own, by producing both the great plays of the past and the important plays of today. As an ensemble-driven theater company, Remy Bumppo authors a more humane culture that listens to, and seeks to understand, the voices, the ideas and the stories of one another.

Published in Now Playing

Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Dear Elizabeth' at Theater Wit

(L to R) Christopher Sheard and Leah Karpel in DEAR ELIZABETH from Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Remy Bumppo Creative Producer Christina Casano, now playing through November 17, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.

What a treat to have two of Evanston-native Sarah Ruhl’s plays running concurrently at Theatre Wit. Alongside the Shattered Globe Theatre’s Midwest premier of Ruhl’s Becky Nurse of Salem is Remy Bumppo’s production of Dear Elizabeth. Directed by Christina Casano, this epistolary play has all the elements that make Ruhl’s plays so enjoyable.

Dear Elizabeth is an intimate play that explores the letters between two of the world’s most celebrated poets: Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop. Ruhl crafts a tender narrative out of the beautifully written letters, and it’s wonderfully acted by Christopher Sheard and Leah Karpel.

Sarah Ruhl is one of America’s most popular playwrights because of her unique brand of quirky storytelling. Through her inventive style audiences who may not be familiar with the poets will walk away with more than just a book report. Though, this play will certainly tickle classic literature enthusiasts. The 90-minute play is crackling with trivia and humorous hot takes.

The dialogue in Dear Elizabeth may be contained to letters, but the contents of those letters whisk audiences all over the world. Both poets did extensive traveling during their careers, with Elizabeth Bishop residing in Brazil for some years. Through their words we get rich descriptions of where these characters are in their lives physically but more importantly emotionally. Though the romantic throughline is a bit mirky (as is often the case in life), the deep love between them is palpable.

Staging and visuals are important aspects of Ruhl’s work. Seeing how she sees her story, and seeing how a director and set designer interprets her vision are as moving as the words themselves. Catalina Niño’s design for Dear Elizabeth is nothing short of gorgeous. Though minimal in nature, the emotions certain moments conjure are haunting.

Dear Elizabeth is also a celebration of the art of letter writing. This is a theme Ruhl has touched on in other works as well. We may be living in the most advanced age of communication, but so much is lost in emojis and brief text messages. In these heartfelt letters there’s such depth and substance that you’re nearly envious of their loyal friendship.

If it’s Sarah Ruhl you’re after this season, look no further than Theatre Wit in Lakeview. Two of Chicago’s most esteemed companies impeccably bring her riveting works to life. Dear Elizabeth is a great showcase of Ruhl’s earlier style whereas Becky Nurse of Salem feels more like a new direction. And just like Robert and Elizabeth, they’re great companions.

Through November 17 at Remy Bumppo at Theater Wit. 1229 W Belmont Ave. (773) 975-8150

Published in Theatre in Review

Spaceman: Into the Quiet Terror of the Void

22 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Spaceman, presented by [producingbody], touches down at The Edge Off-Broadway with a quiet, unnerving force, pulling audiences into the fragile…

Inside a Real ‘Fire House’ You Are Immersed in Phantasmic Lives of Firefighters

22 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Set in Chicago’s oldest fire station (now Firehouse Art Studio) the immersive play "Fire House” is only loosely tethered to…

Spamalot Is Every Monty Python Fan’s Dream Come to Life

21 May 2026 in Theatre in Review

Spamalot rides into the Windy City courtesy of Broadway In Chicago, inviting theatergoers to join King Arthur’s quest now through…