Hosted by Keith Conrad, Bringing Up the Lights pulls back the curtain and gives audiences a behind the scenes glimpse into the development of major theatrical productions from the ground up — one episode at a time, each profiling a different person behind the show. This season, Conrad has turned his spotlight to Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and more specifically to the landmark theatrical event of CST’s 40th Anniversary, with two plays being performed in repertory by one masterfully talented company of 14 Chicago actors, under the direction of Artistic Director Edward Hall.
NOV 11, 2026 – JAN 3, 2027
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Edward Hall
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
Run Time:
2 hours and 15 minutes plus intermission
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Edward Hall
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
Run Time:
2 hours and 15 minutes plus intermission
Experience both repertory productions in a single day on November 21 & 24 and December 5 & 12.
Experience the landmark theatrical event of CST’s 40th Anniversary Season
Sparkling with the festive spirit of the holiday season, Shakespeare’s magical romantic comedy is a delectable treat for the entire family. A snowy Athens gives way to the warm and colorful dream of a midsummer forest as Shakespeare’s best-loved characters are consumed by the absurd chaos of love and the joy of friendship. Young love collides with a fairy feud and a bumbling group of amateur theatricals in the most warm-hearted play in the English language. An enchanting story of love, marriage, and magic, this holiday “Dream” will fill you with happiness and hope.
For the first time in CST’s history, two plays will be performed in repertory by one masterfully talented company of 14 Chicago actors under the direction of Artistic Director Edward Hall. Along with The Winter’s Tale, this double header of productions makes for a thrilling theatrical experience exploring the formidable power of love, laughter, and forgiveness.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to enhanced production elements, there will be no open center aisle in Main Floor Rows A, B, C, D, E, and F.
SPECIAL OFFER: For Tuesday-Friday performances through December 8, use code “REPERTORY50” to Buy One Ticket and Get the 2nd 50% OFF.
November 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM / Thursday , Nov 12
7:00 PM / Friday , Nov 13
7:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 14
2:00 PM / Sunday , Nov 15
16
17
18
22
7:00 PM / Thursday , Nov 19
7:00 PM / Friday , Nov 20
1:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 21
In Repertory
23
25
26
1:00 PM / Tuesday , Nov 24
In Repertory
2:00 PM / Friday , Nov 27
7:00 PM / Friday , Nov 27
2:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 28
7:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 28
2:00 PM / Sunday , Nov 29
30
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
TUE, DEC 1
SAT, NOV 14 7 PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 16 2PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 16 7PM Open Captioning →
FRI, DEC 18 7PM ASL Interpretation →
SUN, DEC 13 2PM Audio Description →
Experience both repertory productions in a single day on November 21 & 24 and December 5 & 12.
November 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM / Thursday , Nov 12
7:00 PM / Friday , Nov 13
7:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 14
2:00 PM / Sunday , Nov 15
16
17
18
22
7:00 PM / Thursday , Nov 19
7:00 PM / Friday , Nov 20
1:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 21
In Repertory
23
25
26
1:00 PM / Tuesday , Nov 24
In Repertory
2:00 PM / Friday , Nov 27
7:00 PM / Friday , Nov 27
2:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 28
7:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 28
2:00 PM / Sunday , Nov 29
30
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
TUE, DEC 1
SAT, NOV 14 7 PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 16 2PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 16 7PM Open Captioning →
FRI, DEC 18 7PM ASL Interpretation →
SUN, DEC 13 2PM Audio Description →
TUE, DEC 1
SAT, NOV 14 7 PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 16 2PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 16 7PM Open Captioning →
FRI, DEC 18 7PM ASL Interpretation →
SUN, DEC 13 2PM Audio Description →
ARTISTS
Spotlight
Bringing Up the Lights
Close Up with Edward Hall
Join us in celebrating the repertory productions of our 40th Season with a conversation about the inspirations, design choices, and directorial decisions behind the unique stagings of The Winter’s Tale and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You will have an opportunity to connect with Edward Hall, ask questions, and hear his perspective on what makes these plays meaningful to our company.
Two Masterpieces Side by Side
As CST celebrates our 40th Anniversary all season long, there is no more fitting way to mark the occasion than with two Shakespeare plays performed in repertory. Fourteen of Chicago’s finest actors take on multiple roles across the productions, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent and artistry in our city. We hope you’ll experience both productions, perhaps even in a single day.