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.
OCT 13 – DEC 12, 2026
Premiere Production Sponsor
Principal Production Sponsor
OCT 13 – DEC 12, 2026
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Edward Hall
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
Run Time:
2 hours, 35 minutes plus intermission
The Winter’s Tale
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Edward Hall
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
Run Time:
2 hours, 35 minutes plus intermission
Experience both repertory productions in a single day on November 21 & 24 and December 5 & 12.
“Rich performances, highly entertaining staging…never dull for a moment”
– Chicago Tribune
“Some of the most exciting Shakespeare I’ve seen”
– Chicago Sun-Times
“An exceptional company of actors working at the top of their craft”
– Buzz Center Stages
Once upon a time in a land called Sicilia, King Leontes is infected by an uncontrollable jealousy over his pregnant wife, Hermione. Shakespeare’s timeless romance takes us on a fairy tale adventure from the darkness of Sicilia to the color and music of Bohemia. Shipwrecks, bears, and magic oracles dance across the stage in this story of betrayal and forgiveness, reunion and reconciliation. Hope and forgiveness sit at the heart of Shakespeare’s most magical of fairy stories with an unforgettable ending driven by the power of redemption.
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 A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 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
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7:00 PM / Tuesday , Nov 17
1:00 PM / Wednesday , Nov 18
7:00 PM / Wednesday , Nov 18
7:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 21
In Repertory
2:00 PM / Sunday , Nov 22
23
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27
28
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7:00 PM / Tuesday , Nov 24
In Repertory
1:00 PM / Wednesday , Nov 25
30
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
SAT, OCT 17 7PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 2 1PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 2 7PM Open Captioning →
Fri, DEC 11 7PM ASL Interpretation →
Sat, DEC 12 1PM 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
12
13
14
15
16
19
20
7:00 PM / Tuesday , Nov 17
1:00 PM / Wednesday , Nov 18
7:00 PM / Wednesday , Nov 18
7:00 PM / Saturday , Nov 21
In Repertory
2:00 PM / Sunday , Nov 22
23
26
27
28
29
7:00 PM / Tuesday , Nov 24
In Repertory
1:00 PM / Wednesday , Nov 25
30
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
SAT, OCT 17 7PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 2 1PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 2 7PM Open Captioning →
Fri, DEC 11 7PM ASL Interpretation →
Sat, DEC 12 1PM Audio Description →
SAT, OCT 17 7PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 2 1PM Open Captioning →
WED, DEC 2 7PM Open Captioning →
Fri, DEC 11 7PM ASL Interpretation →
Sat, DEC 12 1PM Audio Description →
“Hall’s direction offers a fresh and compelling take on the text”
“Ambitious and thrilling”
“Another triumph for Chicago Shakespeare Theater…shine[s] brilliantly in the hands of a gifted company.”
“Imaginative direction, theatrical beauty”
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.
Premiere Production Sponsor
Principal Production Sponsor
