Fight Night is back! Get ready to rumble...but in a very safe, theatrical way

Ghostlight is excited to be a part of the return of Fight Night — a violent cabaret celebrating the art of stage combat through original storytelling and violence design — with The House of Ideas: The Lost Scene.

Fight Night: Origins takes place on Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. at the Factory Theater in Rogers Park. Six companies premiere original combat pieces in an electrifying event that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The last Fight Night, produced under Nothing Special Productions in 2016, was the very first thing we did as a company.

The House of Ideas: The Lost Scene imagines a more violent end to the collaboration between Stan “The Man” Lee — writer, co-creator, self-positioned face of and greatest champion for Marvel Comics in the 1960’s and beyond — and Jack “The King” Kirby — his rough and tumble collaborator and arguably the greatest artist the genre has ever seen.

Tickets are on sale now via The Factory Theater.

Low ticket warning for Holiday Spirits at the Driehaus Museum

Tickets are almost sold out for our one-night only holiday event at the Driehaus Museum: Holiday Spirits: A collection of Victorian Yuletide Ghost Stories.

The show is a multi-story and multi-storied immersive, site-specific adaptations of classic Victorian ghost stories. Three distinct stories will unfold over three floors of the museum. Some seating will be provided, but be prepared to move with the actors as they uncover these otherworldly visitors.

As of this week, only 10 tickets remain. Don’t miss this one-of-kind event! Tickets are available via the Driehaus website by clicking here.

Audiences love ‘Alabama Story’; Final 3 performances begin Friday

Only three performances remain of Ghostlight Ensemble’s production of Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones, Oct. 18, 19 & 20.

The production has been highly recommended by critics and audiences alike.

Raves include:

“My family thoroughly enjoyed Alabama Story…I grew up in Deep South Georgia. The writing, the inflections and the hypocrisy were spot on…We simply must NOT go back!!

Please continue your good work.” — Eloise  

“It’s a really good show, highly recommend seeing this one!” — Ana

“Beautiful performance of Alabama Story!” — Ginny

“You chose a topical, engrossing story…Nuanced, powerful, visceral. I’m gushing and it’s deserved. Well done, Ghostlight!” — Carol

Check out our reviews here:
Read the full Third Coast review here.

Read the full New City Stage review here.

Read the full The Reader review here.

The remaining shows take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, October 19 and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, at Haymarket House, 800 W Buena Ave, Chicago.

Alabama Story is a fictional play based on very real events that took place in 1950s Alabama when a children’s book called The Rabbits’ Wedding by illustrator Garth Williams (known for his work on Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little and Little House on the Prairie) was released.

The play tells the story of a segregationist senator and the state librarian who clash over the content of The Rabbit’s Wedding. The play contrasts that story with a reunion of childhood friends — a Black man and a woman of white privilege — providing a private counterpoint to the public events swirling in the state capital.

Tickets are pay-what-you-will, with an average donation of $25, and are available at https://ghostlightensembletheatreco.thundertix.com/. More information about the show can be found at https://www.ghostlightensemble.com/alabama-story.

And if you’ve already seen Alabama Story and loved it, consider helping nominate us for the 2024 Broadway World Chicago Awards. You can submit here through Oct. 31: https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/votenominations.cfm. (You do not not need to fill out all categories or blanks.)

Ghostlight Ensemble acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Alabama Story is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.

Recommended: Two weeks left to check out Alabama Story's 'brilliant performances'

(From left) Maria Burnham as Emily Wheelock Reed and Tom Goodwin as Sen. E.W. Higgins in Ghostlight Ensemble’s production of Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones. (Photo by Pete Guither)

More glowing reviews for Ghostlight Ensemble’s production of Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones. New City Stage and Third Coast Review both recommend the production saying “The play is smoothly directed by Robison, who uses the bookstore event space smartly to change scenes and move characters in and out” (Third Coast) and “The cast delivers brilliant performances all around.” (New City)

Alabama Story runs two more weekends, Oct 11-13 & Oct 18-20, at Haymarket House, 800 W Buena Ave, Chicago .

Read the full Third Coast review here.

Read the full New City Stage review here.

Recommended: Don’t miss our ‘timely reflection on censorship and moral awakening’

From left: Haley Basil as Lilly, Justin Broom as Thomas, Maria Burnham as Emily and Khnemu Menu-Ra as Joshua in Ghostlight Ensemble’s production of Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones. (Photo by Pete Guither)

“The production’s commitment to historical storytelling, combined with the bookstore setting, makes Alabama Story a compelling and evocative piece of theater.” — The Reader

Ghostlight Ensemble’s Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones is Reader AND audience recommended. The drama about censorship, book banning and Civil Rights has struck a chord with patrons who, in only one weekend, have returned to see it multiple times. Join us this weekend at After-Words Bookstore for this “daring production,” directed by Holly Robison. (Read the full Reader review here.)

The play, set in 1959 Montgomery, Alabama, is the story of a segregationist senator (the fictional-characterization-based-on-a-real-person, Sen. E.W. Higgins) and the state librarian (based on a very real Emily Wheelock Reed) who clash over the content of a children’s book about bunny rabbits. The play contrasts that story with a reunion of childhood friends — a Black man and a woman of white privilege — providing a private counterpoint to the public events swirling in the state capital.

Alabama Story is taking place at two site-specific, book-centric locations: After-Words Bookstore (23 E. Illinois St., Chicago) and Haymarket Books at Haymarket House (800 W. Buena Ave, Chicago). There is one more weekend of performances at After-Words Bookstore, Oct. 4-6; followed by two weekends at Haymarket Books, Oct. 11-13 and Oct. 18-20. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Suffrage Takes Center Stage in Ghostlight's Plays For Women! This Wednesday

Rehearsals for Lady Geraldine’s Speech by Beatrice Harraden.

Ghostlight Ensemble returns to the Richard H. Driehaus Museum this week with Plays for Women!: A collection of overlooked suffrage plays.

Though once a vital part of the suffrage movement, these four short works are rarely performed in modern day. Plays for Women! is a co-production with the Driehaus Museum that coincides with March as Women’s History Month and is part of Ghostlight's For Your (Re)Consideration series.

“These little-known American and British suffrage plays are excellent examples of thought-provoking and entertaining plays that are still shockingly relevant to our current environment. Encountering these plays – written in the early 20th century – more than a 100 years later, illuminates the issues we are still fighting for, the barriers that still exist and the arguments still used to justify oppression,” said director Holly Robison.

Suffrage theatre was a form of dramatic literature which emerged during the suffrage movement in the early 20th century, particularly in Great Britain, but here at home organizations such as the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) also viewed theater as an effective way to highlight women’s issues and spread pro-suffrage sentiment.

Pro-suffrage plays often featured strong female characters who were intelligent and well-informed voters who spent the majority of their time on stage dispelling stereotypes perpetuated by the anti-suffrage movement. The plays themselves were written so as to be more widely performed with no set and few props.  

The works which are part of Plays for Women! vary widely in tone, from an incisive social problem play to a farce-like comedy. They are:

• Something to Vote For by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: A short play by the famed American feminist author that follows a women’s club meeting whose members must face real-world implications and consequences when women are denied a voice in policy making and government. The play touches on issues of feminism, as well as classism, capitalism and consumerism that are still relevant today. Cast: Maria Burnham as Dr. Strong, Sera Young as Mrs. Carroll, Juliana Zepeda as Mrs. Reedway, Sydney Ray as Mrs. O’Shane, Jessye Mueller as Mr. Arnold, Christine Marie as Mr. Billings and Squeek Rangel as Miss Carrie Turner and Holly Robison as narrator and additional voices.

• An Anti-Suffragist, or, The Other Side by H.M. Paull: A humous satirical monologue from a privileged young lady who looks to be active in the anti-suffrage movement. She attempts to persuade the audience to her side but in actuality, makes a deeply comical and revealing argument against herself. Cast: Maria Burnham as Chairwoman and Holly Robison as Miss De Lacey.

• The Mother’s Meeting by Mrs. Harlow Phibbs: Another comic monologue, but this one is delivered from a working-class character who pokes holes in the anti-suffrage arguments made by upper and middle-class women of privilege. The woman inadvertently attends an anti-suffrage meeting and recounts how she ultimately makes a resounding speech in favor of suffrage and women’s rights. Cast: Squeek Rangel as Mrs. Puckle.

• Lady Geraldine’s Speech by Beatrice Harraden: A comic short play about the troubles of Lady Geraldine, who agrees to give an anti-suffrage speech despite never having contemplated the issue seriously. She seeks out the help of her friend. At the home of this friend Lady Geraldine encounters women of multiple professions that she admires who convince her of the merits of the suffragist movement. Cast: Juliana Zepeda as Lady Geraldine, Jessye Mueller as Dr. Alice, Maria Burnham as Gertrude Silberthwaite, Sydney Ray as Nora Baillie, Christine Marie as Hilda Crowninshield and Sera Young as Nellie Grant.

 “These plays are overlooked historical gems that modern audiences will find surprisingly familiar,” Robison said.

 Plays for Women!: A collection of overlooked suffrage plays is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Nickerson Ballroom at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum (40 East Erie St., Chicago, IL 60611). Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. The reading runs about 90 minutes with an intermission. A brief talkback will follow. Tickets are available through the Driehaus Museum at https://driehausmuseum.org/programs/detail/plays-for-women. Please note that due to ongoing renovations, there is no elevator available to the Nickerson Ballroom.

Plays for Women! Is part of Ghostlight’s For Your (Re)Consideration series, which explores the works of historically overlooked female writers. Featuring a variety of distinct voices and styles from different historical periods, the readings seek to bring attention to these remarkable women who have been sidelined by history for reasons that had nothing to do with their talent and everything to do with their gender and, in many cases, their race.

Up Next: A live reading of The Breakfast Club

Ghostlight Ensemble kicks off a new year of live movie readings with Does Barry Manilow Know That You Raid His Wardrobe?" A Live Reading of The Breakfast Club on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Join us at 7 p.m. at Black Eagle Club (1938 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613), as we sneak some cigs in the supply closet and agree that Ally Sheedy looked much better before her “makeover”.

The Breakfast Club is the era-defining, classic 1985 American teen coming-of-age film written, produced and directed by John Hughes. Five strangers, with seemingly nothing in common, end up together in Saturday detention and throughout the course of the day shed their personae and emerge into unlikely friendships.

The live reading is directed by Chad Wise.

There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door, which will help Ghostlight fund its upcoming season.

Ghostlight kicks off its 7th season with return of the Holiday Cabernet

The Holiday Cabernet is back for a fifth year on Sunday, December 17. Enjoy an evening of holiday classics (or not-so-classics) by favorite G.E.T. performers and emerging artists in a cabaret-style setting with a pair of hosts who may or may not be toasted.

In year five, we will once again offer the popular holiday vendor area so you can do some holiday shopping in addition to indulging in the holiday cheer. We’ll have everything from earth-friendly candles and funky and fun jewelry to local authors and sweet treats. While you browse, don’t forget to get your Sloshed Snaps with Santa for all your holiday Insta feed needs (Santa is the sloshed one, though maybe you will be too…no judgement here.)

This year’s hosts will be Ensemble members Justin Broom and Jean E. Mueller-Burr – both fabulous performers in their own right, as well as hilarious guides for this holiday merriment.

Acts that will be performing this year include: Improvised Jane Austen, poet Khloe Janel, stand-up comedian James Fisher Jr., drag performer Degrassi Knoll and singer-songwriters svnflwrchld x malizabeth.

More information about these performers and our vendors, as well as parking and transportation options, is available on the Holiday Cabernet Show Page.

The fifth (not annual, because THANKS COVID) Holiday Cabernet takes place at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613) at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. Tickets are $20 and available in advance on our website or via Eventbrite.

G.E.T. into the holiday spirits and join us for a night of song, dance, theatre, good cheer and revelry. G.E.T. yule holiday fun on!

Power of believing in one’s self takes center stage for theatre festival for young audiences

An ant who wishes to explore the world beyond her family’s territory, a grandmother and granddaughter superhero duo and a helpful house spirit are among the cast of characters found in the fourth installment of Ghostlight Ensemble’s Make/Believe short play festival for young audiences this year.

 Ghostlight is excited to feature five new plays for young audience members to enjoy this summer with their family and friends, said festival producer Caryn Brieschke. For the first time more than half the plays are by local playwrights.

 “These stories are fun for children to watch, but are also crucial to helping them understand the increasingly complex feelings they develop as they grow older and providing them with tools to deal with complicated situations they may find themselves in,” Brieschke added.

 Filled with the power of believing in yourself, new adventures and family bonds, the five stories that make up this year’s festival are filled with characters who face the types of struggles modern children will recognize from their own lives. 

 This year’s plays include:

 ·                The Thing That Comes to the Basement is written by Chicago playwright Lori Taylor and directed by Lo Williams. In The Thing That Comes to the Basement, Camilla Antie, an 8-year-old ant, discovers that just because someone looks different than you, does not mean they are frightening or that they cannot become your friend. Starring: Sydney Ray, Toma Lynn Smith and Hannah Strauss.

·                Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! is written by Chicago playwright Juliet Kang Huneke and is directed by Karina Patel. By day, Hannah is a 7-year-old girl who lives with her Korean American grandma. But by night, grandma transforms into a SUPERHERO named Halmoni (that’s the Korean word for grandma, if you were wondering)! But when it’s Hannah’s turn to be the hero, not the sidekick, can she step up and save the day? Hannah and Halmoni Save the World champions asking for help, self-forgiveness and super awesome theme songs for the young AND old among us. Starring: Rick Hilscher, Kristen Lin Waagner and Emily Zhang.

·                The Edge of Play is written by Utah playwright Janine Sobeck Knighton and directed by Eileen Tull. The Edge of Play tells the story of Ada, an imaginative 8-year-old girl who loves slides but gets really nervous around other kids. With help from her unique friend Mo, she learns that it’s OK to need a little extra help and support to do the things that scare you the most. Starring: Christine Marie and Kaela Rosenbaum.

·                Finding Belief is written by Portland playwright Kwik Jones and directed by Kate Sullivan Coombs. Even with encouragement from her father, Ivy, a young girl discouraged by her tennis match losses, lives in a world of doubt – that is until Dunlop, her tennis racket, comes to life and ushers her on a short journey to rescue her Belief from the evil tennis ball, Doubt. Ivy must find courage to save Belief. With the help of the audience will Ivy find and save Belief? Starring: Alexis Aranda, Josh Bomba, Nick Conrad and Rissa Montañez.

·                Guardian of the House (Τόπακας) is written by Chicago playwright and Ghostlight Ensemble Member Maria Burnham and directed by Whitney Minarik. A young girl, tired of all the new chores she has to do since her little sister arrived, learns the value of family and sticking together from the genii of her house. Steeped in Greek folklore, Guardian of the House will feature traditional Hellenic storytelling and puppetry. Starring Rose Leisner and Gina Sanfillipo.

Make/Believe is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 27; Sunday, May 28; Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m. at NorthCenter Town Square (4100 N. Damen Ave., Chicago).

All five plays will be produced on each day of the festival at the NorthCenter Town Square – an outdoor space in the heart of the NorthCenter neighborhood. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnics. The show is free, but donations are always appreciated. However, some limited reserve seating is available via Eventbrite.

Make/Believe is produced by Caryn Brieschke and is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and by support from the NorthCenter Chamber of Commerce. More information will be available on our website at www.ghostlightensemble.com/make-believe-2023.

Make/Believe is part of Ghostlight’s Nightlight young audience series, which features original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them. Ghostlight believes theatre can be a beacon for children, letting them know they aren’t alone in the world, giving them a sense of security and revealing the truth that in stories they can be anything they want to be. You’re never too young – or too old – for a nightlight.

Ghostlight Ensemble is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit theatre whose mission it is to ask questions that challenge the status quo through timeless stories, immersive environments and unconventional staging. As an ensemble-based theatre, Ghostlight is made up of individual artists who are dedicated to collaborative creation and committed to working together consistently over years to develop a distinctive body of work. We welcome you to learn more about us at GhostlightEnsemble.com.

Ghostlight joins with Driehaus Museum to present 'The Shadow of A Doubt' in March

Ghostlight joins with the Richard H. Driehaus Museum in March to present a staged reading of the recently rediscovered play, The Shadow of A Doubt, by novelist Edith Wharton. The play is part of our For Your (Re)Consideration series that explores the works of historically overlooked female writers.

Set at the turn of the twentieth century, The Shadow of a Doubt, explores the issues surrounding social position, remarriage, the roles of women and euthanasia. Replete with Wharton’s trademark wit and skewering of Gilded Age manners, the play centers around nurse Kate Tredennis, who marries John Derwent, a widower of one of Kate’s former patients and friends. Elevated into society through her marriage, Kate is a model wife and stepmother, but she feels uneasy with her new position and faces constant scrutiny for her lowlier background. Soon, her unease is manifested when a man from her past casts suspicion on Kate and accuses her in the first Mrs. Derwent’s death.

The reading runs about 90 minutes with an intermission. A brief talkback will follow.

More information is available on our show page here, and on the Driehaus Museum’s website here.

The Holidays begin this Sunday!

The Holiday Cabernet is back for a fourth year this Sunday, December 11! Enjoy an evening of holiday classics (or not-so-classics) by favorite G.E.T. performers, emerging artists and surprise guests in a cabaret-style setting with a host who may or may not be toasted.

For year four, we've brought back the popular holiday vendor area so you can do some holiday shopping in addition to indulging in the holiday cheer. AND we've added Sloshed Snaps with Santa for all your holiday Insta feeds!

This year’s host will be the hilarious Bettie Attitude — a performer, dancer, storyteller and all around creative. Born and raised in Chicago, they are currently the Ensemble Manager of The Screwbelles and also known for their love of Taco Bell and spaghetti (not necessarily together, but also not necessarily NOT together).

Acts that will be performing this year include: Erin Baumrucker, Comedy Dance Chicago, Casey Daniel, Julia deGruchy, Improvised Jane Austen, Khloe Janel, Courtney Marie, J. Rohr and Nitty Gritty.

More information about these performers and our vendors, as well as parking and transportation options, is available on the Holiday Cabernet Show page.

The fourth Holiday Cabernet takes place at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613) at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 11. There is a suggested donation of $20.

G.E.T. into the holiday spirits and join us for a night of song, dance, theatre, good cheer and revelry. G.E.T. yule holiday fun on!

G.E.T. ready to Make/Believe this weekend!

Sophie Hernando Kofman (left) and Joselle Reyes star in Krill’s Quest, written by Angelle Whavers and directed by Joel Willison, as part of Make/Believe.

Gwyneth Clare (left) and Adeera Harris star in Can You Hear the Mermaids Singing?, written by Rachel Atkins and directed by Rebecca Rose Schilsky.

Make/Believe 2022 takes the stage beginning this weekend! The outdoor show features seven short plays geared toward audiences 10 and under, but meant to be enjoyed by all ages.

The show will take place (light) rain or shine at the NorthCenter Town Square, starting at 2:30 p.m.. on Saturday, July 16, and continues the following two Saturdays. Come early to enjoy the NorthCenter Farmers Market and then stay for our show.

The seven stories that make up this year’s festival are filled with young people, plants, puppies and a blue balloon who must face great obstacles to discover who (or what) they’re meant to be. From the Filipino-American girl who is trying to find her way home in Sunshine and the Sea of Lost Things to the littlest fish in the ocean proving all sizes matter in Krill’s Quest, the protagonists in these plays face the types of struggles modern children will recognize from their own lives.

All seven plays will be produced on each day of the festival at the new NorthCenter Town Square – an outdoor space in the heart of the NorthCenter neighborhood. Some seating is available, but audience members are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnics. The show is free, but donations are always appreciated.

Selected scripts are Asherella by Lori Taylor, Best Friends by Adam Eugene Hurst, A Blue Hydrangea by Eric Braman, Can You Hear the Mermaids Singing? by Rachel Atkins, It's Poppin' by Steven San Luis, Krill’s Quest by Angelle Whavers and Sunshine and the Sea of Lost Things by Sarah Lina Sparks. Information on the plays, along with cast and crew biographies are available on the Make/Believe webpage.

Make/Believe is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and by support from the NorthCenter Chamber of Commerce.

Make/Believe takes place outdoors on the last three Saturdays in July – July 16, 23 and 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at NorthCenter Town Square (4100 N. Damen Ave., Chicago).

Nightlight is Ghostlight’s young audience series with original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them. Ghostlight believes theatre can be a beacon for children, letting them know they aren’t alone in the world, giving them a sense of security and revealing the truth that in stories they can be anything they want to be. You’re never too young – or too old – for a nightlight.

Good to know: Transportation options if you're coming to 'The Woman of Colour'

The staged reading of our original script for The Woman of Colour: A Tale is coming up later this month at Berger Park Cultural Center in Edgewater. There are actually two mansions and a coach house on this property. Our production takes place in the building to the south on the property (known as the Downey Mansion, at 6205 N. Sheridan Road).

Berger Park does not have public parking; however there is a cul-de-sac on Granville Avenue on the south side of the park, which allows for handicap accessibility drop-off. Metered Street Parking is available on Granville Avenue and also on North Broadway. Permit-free neighborhood parking is also available on the streets just west of Sheridan Road.

Public transportation, bicycling or utilizing one of the city's ride-sharing or taxi cab companies is greatly encouraged.

Public transportation options include:

• Red Line Train: Granville stop. Exit station and walk three blocks east to the Lake.

• Bus: 151 Sheridan. Stops right in front of the park at Granville Avenue and Sheridan Road

Bike racks are also located throughout Berger Park.

We look forward to seeing you at this world premiere event!

Ghostlight honored to perform 'Miss Elizabeth Bennet' as part of JASNA's annual meeting

The Jane Austen Society of North American held its General Meeting in Chicago this year and as part of its celebration of Jane Austen in the Arts, Ghostlight Ensemble was asked to perform a staged reading of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a little-known play by children’s author and playwright A.A. Milne.

Before Milne became famous for his children’s books about Winnie-the-Pooh, he was known as a playwright, and even after his stories from the Hundred Acre Wood he continued to write plays and content for adults. In the 1930s, Milne set out to write a play about Austen, but found instead found that “it was just Miss Elizabeth Bennet speaking.” Bennet is the central female character in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. His play instead became an adaptation of the novel — one that preserved the wit and language of Austen, but colored with his own perspective.

Ghostlight’s staged reading of Miss Elizabeth Bennet was directed by Holly Robison and starred Song Marshall and Aaron Wertheim as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It was presented as part of the General Meeting on Friday, October 15, 2021. More information on cast can be found here.

Holiday Cabernet 3: A Call for Performers

Ghostlight Ensemble invites poets, dancers, artists, storytellers, comedians and musicians to perform at our third annual Holiday Cabernet fundraiser on December 12. We welcome performers of diverse skills and talents at this virtual event.

Filmed performances should be 5-10 minutes in length and themed to any of the winter holidays. Show off your talents in spoken word, slam poetry, improv, dancing, comedy, music or any medium of your choice. The Cabernet is an excellent opportunity to try out new material in front of a friendly, supportive audience.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Cabernet will take place virtually. Acts will be pre-recorded, but the event will feature a live emcee to introduce the pieces.

Please submit acts, along with an artistic bio and statement (if applicable), to Jean at casting@ghostlightensemble.com. Deadline for submissions is November 9

Proceeds from the event will be divided evenly between performers and Ghostlight Ensemble.

The event takes place on Saturday, December 12.

Read about our past Cabernets here and here.

An Update on the Coronavirus and Ghostlight Ensemble

As with so many other arts organizations in the Chicago area, Ghostlight Ensemble has made the decision, after careful consideration, to postpone our spring production of Much Ado About Nothing in light of public health considerations around the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

In addition, we have also postponed our live reading series. Our reading, Great Scott!: It's a Live Reading of Back to the Future, originally scheduled for Monday, March 22, will be rescheduled once the pandemic has passed.

Our first priority is to honor the health and safety of all involved — both actors and audience. Ghostlight is fortunate to be in a position to survive this crisis, but not all the artists who work with us have the financial resources to weather this storm. Therefore, we are asking our supporters to consider donating to Season of Concern, a non-profit who for 30+ years has provided financial support to local Chicago theatre artists suffering from illness, injury or circumstance.

Because so many shows have been canceled or postponed, our local theatre artists are hurting financially. Please help support our peers that may be suffering these hardships and who may also have medical needs in the near future.

It is our hope to present Much Ado About Nothing at a later date, either this summer or next season. It is also our hope to continue the live movie reading series in April with our next scheduled reading of Drop Dead Gorgeous and to reschedule Back to the Future to a later date in the summer or fall. Of course, this will depend on a number of factors that are out of our control and difficult to predict at this time. We will keep everyone up-to-date as things progress.

As always, we welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and input as we navigate this completely unprecedented situation in the most compassionate and conscious way we are able.

All of us at Ghostlight can't wait to gather together again and share the stories that tie us all together as a community. Let's all take good care and stay connected, even as we are forced to physically be apart.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Holiday Cabernet

Terra Mysterium performed songs from their upcoming show, A Midwinter Mummers Tale, at the Holiday Cabernet on December 14, 2019.

Poet Jae Green performed her spoken word piece, Vulgar: A Queer Catholic Poem, as part of the Holiday Cabernet on December 14, 2019.

The second annual Holiday Cabernet was an amazing night of festive fun and holiday spirits! We were blown away by the talent on display in the performances and in our vendor area, and by the reception from the standing-room only crowd that attended. Thank you to all of our wonderful performers, vendors, donors and patrons. You really filled us with holiday cheer(s)!

We’re already looking forward to next year. You can find out more about all the acts you saw, including how to book them for your events, here.

Special thanks to all our generous donors including, Revolution Brewing, Trader Joe’s, Spacca Napoli, Dovetail Brewery, Himmels Chicago, Twisted Hippo and Jerry’s Sandwiches.

Ghostlight announces acts for Second Annual Holiday Cabernet

Terra Mysterium

Ghostlight Ensemble announced today its lineup for the second annual Holiday Cabernet, schedule to take place on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The company's non-traditional, sometimes irreverent, always tipsy holiday cabaret features stand-up comedians, musical performers, dancers, magicians, storytellers, drag performers, improvisers and poets, as well as a holiday market area and raffle.

This year's host is the fabulous Ann Marie Carrothers, an award-winning singer, comedian, digital educator and filmmaker.

Performers include: Chris Petty, Hugh Dis, Improvised Jane Austen, J. Rohr, Jacob Mayfield, Jae Green, Miss Alley Cat & Labyrinth Arts, Terra Mysterium and The Holidudes, with more to be added. Read more about the performers here.

The evening begins at 8 p.m. at Vagabond School of the Arts (4001 N Ravenswood Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60613). Tickets are $20 and include heavy appetizers, as well as beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets are available in advance via Brown Paper Tickets or at the door.

Up Next: Holiday Cabernet

The Holiday Cabernet is back for a second year! On Saturday, Dec. 14, enjoy an evening of holiday classics (or not-so-classics) by favorite G.E.T. performers, emerging artists and surprise guests in a cabaret-style setting with a host who may or may not be toasted.

This year's host is the fabulous Ann Marie Carrothers, an award-winning singer, comedian, digital educator and filmmaker. Performers include: Chris Petty, Hugh Dis, Improvised Jane Austen, J. Rohr, Jacob Mayfield, Jeanette Green, Labyrinth Arts, Terra Mysterium and The Holidudes.

For year two, we've also added a holiday vendor area so you can do some holiday shopping in addition to indulging in the holiday cheer. Ticket price includes light food and drinks (including our signature cocktail, The Ghostlight).

G.E.T. into the holiday spirits and join us for a night of song, dance, theatre, good cheer and revelry at Vagabond School of the Arts. G.E.T. yule holiday fun on!