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JAN 21 - FEB 9, 2025

Written and performed by Michael Shayan
Directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel

Upstairs Studio

Avaaz

Written and performed by Michael Shayan
Directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel

Upstairs Studio

Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes (no intermission)

Seat Map


Additional Credits
An Olney Theatre Center production
Presented in association with Broadway & Beyond Theatricals

Associate Production Sponsor
The Davee Foundation World’s Stage Fund

“Laugh-out-loud funny”

–Chicago Tribune

“Dazzling, ingenious”

–BroadwayWorld

“An absolute delight”

–Chicago Theatre Review

Emmy-nominated writer and actor Michael Shayan (Discovery’s The Book of Queer, HBO’s We’re Here) portrays his larger-than-life mother in a radiant celebration of joy and resilience. Meet Roya, our fabulous hostess, as she welcomes you into her home to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. She’s preparing a feast, but the main attraction is the tale of her great American journey as an Iranian-Jewish immigrant from Tehran to “Tehran-geles,” California. Get ready for the time of your life with this hilarious and heartfelt tribute to the playwright’s mother, exuberantly portrayed by the person who knows her best—her son. Directed by Tony Award nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Avaaz is at once deeply personal and universal.

Associate Production Sponsor
The Davee Foundation World’s Stage Fund

Additional Credits
An Olney Theatre Center production
Presented in association with Broadway & Beyond Theatricals

Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes (no intermission)

Seat Map


Additional Credits
An Olney Theatre Center production
Presented in association with Broadway & Beyond Theatricals

Associate Production Sponsor
The Davee Foundation World’s Stage Fund

Around the Town Chicago

One of the best one-person performances you will ever see

Let’s Play Theatrical Reviews

Filled with humor, deeply expressive

–Chicago Sun-Times

Quick-witted Shayan lovingly portrays his mom as a larger-than-life personality

The Fourth Walsh

Artists