#1 Birthday Candles – Northlight

Noah Hadles’s script is a showcase of all the complexities of living a full life. Ernestine, played to much acclaim by Kate Fry, begins in her teens and ends a centenarian in this fast-paced, provocative play. On the deeper levels, she considers questions like her place in the universe, but what resonates even more are the emotions one experiences while observing a family through multiple generations.

#2 The October Storm – Raven Theater

Shariba Rivers was superb as Mrs. Elkins, a 1960’s landlady raising her granddaughter Gloria in Chicago. The challenge of playing Mrs. Elkins is convincing the audience to feel pangs of sympathy for her despite her controlling and uncompromising nature – particularly as she maneuvers to separate Gloria from her unseen mother. The ending, which includes a locked front door, was among the most memorable moments in theater this year.

#3 The Christians – Citadel Theater

I missed Steppenwolf’s 2016 production of The Christians, so I’m grateful to Citadel Theater for giving Chicago audiences a second chance. The action begins when Pastor Paul (played by Scott Phelps) reveals to his flock that he believes no one goes to hell, regardless of religious belief or actions while on Earth. The thought-provoking qualities of Lucas Hnath’s script were enhanced by outstanding production designs including 90 individual panel screens.

#4 The Comedy of Errors – Chicago Shakespeare

Artistic Director Barbara Gaines’ final show was a remounting of the company’s triumphant 2008 The Comedy of Errors. Playwright Ron West adds a behind-the-scenes narrative in which British thespians produce a filmed version during the Blitz of 1940. Among the outstanding ensemble were Chicago Shakespeare veterans Ross Lehman and Kevin Gudhal reprising their roles with Gudhal stealing the show as Lord Brian Hallifax, an actor so prickly that he would freeze production over one botched word.

#5 The Magic Parlour – Goodman (at Petterino’s)

From the start of Chicago magician Dennis Watkins’ latest show, a partnership with the Goodman, I doubt a single minute passed where I was not amazed by something, whether it was mind reading, card tricks, or connecting numbers in seemingly impossible ways. The intimate setting in the basement of Petterino’s allowed for direct participation from much audience – including me when I was brought forward to supervise a deck of cards. (note: The Magic Parlour continues to sell tickets through at least March 2024)

#6 Trial in the Delta – Collaboraction at DuSable Art Museum

I would like to see more historical courtroom dramas following this model, which reenacts the trial of two brothers accused of abducting and murdering Emmett Till in 1955. Playwrights G. Riley Mills and Willie Round created their script from the extensive transcripts of the trial. Knowing that the words spoken by the outstanding actors were actually said made the outcome particularly devastating.

#7 The Lifespan of a Fact – Timeline Theater

The lines between journalism and art are blurred when the editor of an upscale magazine assigns intern Jim Fingal to fact-check the issue’s next cover story. In a series of fascinating discussions, journalist John D’Agata defends the integrity of his writing style as Fingal argues for indiscriminate truth. All three cast members excelled with PJ Powers showing particular depth in exploring D’Agata’s defense for his judgments as a writer.

#8 Blues from an Alabama Sky – Remy Bumppo

Blues, originally produced in 1995, focuses on five characters and their struggles to succeed in the jazz scene of 1930s Harlem. Angel (played by Tiffany Renee Johnson) is the most desperate as a singer unable to subdue her drinking while her roommate Guy (Breon Arzell) lives with the possibly delusional belief that he is one step away from moving to Paris and becoming a celebrated clothing designer. September was a good month for plays by Pearl Cleave with two productions playing at top theaters (the other being the more comedic The Nacirema Society at the Goodman).

#9 Cat’s Cradle – Lifeline

Trying to capture the distinctive tone of a Vonnegut novel for a theatrical production is no easy task, but John Hildreth’s script is a credit to this dystopian story. Lifeline, a storefront theater devoted to literary adaptations, utilized a versatile group of actors and a minimalist set (with ample props) to create the Republic of San Lorenzo, a seemingly insignificant Caribbean nation destined to trigger the extinction of mankind.

#10 The Ripple, the Wave that Carried Me Home – Goodman

Christina Anderson’s script explores family legacy through the unique lens of a daughter grappling with the personal costs she endured due to her parents’ activism in 1960’s Kansas. Janice, being asked to return home for a ceremony honoring her father, remembers feelings of neglect as he often prioritized his mission to integrate the town swimming pool above her needs.

A few other notable plays from 2023:

• A Distinct Society – Writers Theater
• Right to be Forgotten – Raven
• Seven Guitars – Milwaukee Rep
• The Legend of Georgia McBride – Metropolis
• The Nacirema Society – Goodman
• The Night of the Hunter – City Lit