Skip to content
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

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

Celebrating the Iranian-Jewish immigrant experience through traditions and humor

Written and performed by Emmy Award nominee Michael Shayan and directed by Tony Award nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Shayan plays the role of his own larger-than-life mother, Roya—who welcomes audiences into her home to celebrate the Iranian New Year, and shares her quintessential American journey from Tehran to “Tehrangeles,” California, formerly known as Westwood. Rich in extravagant humor and heart, Avaaz is at once deeply personal and universal. Its sold out, acclaimed East Coast debut was hailed as “ingenious” and “masterful” by BroadwayWorld and DC Theater Arts.

“It’s an honor to take Avaaz across the country with Moritz and this incredible team, particularly at a time of overwhelming anti-immigrant sentiment,” says Shayan. “Avaaz offers a different narrative and grapples with complex truths in a fabulous, decadent party on stage. I can’t wait to share the magic of ‘Tehrangeles’ with audiences in Chicago and beyond!”

Performed in Spanish with Projected English Translation.

Students, young professionals, and theater lovers under age 30 can sign up for $30 Under 30 to access world‑class theater at an everyday price.

January 2025

M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

7:30 PM / Tuesday , Jan 21

7:30 PM / Wednesday , Jan 22

7:30 PM / Thursday , Jan 23

7:30 PM / Friday , Jan 24

Sold Out

2:30 PM / Saturday , Jan 25

7:30 PM / Saturday , Jan 25

2:30 PM / Sunday , Jan 26

27

7:30 PM / Tuesday , Jan 28

7:30 PM / Wednesday , Jan 29

7:30 PM / Thursday , Jan 30

7:30 PM / Friday , Jan 31

Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
Open Captioning

WED, FEB 5

American Sign Language

FRI, FEB 7

Audio Described

SUN, FEB 9

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

January 2025

M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

7:30 PM / Tuesday , Jan 21

7:30 PM / Wednesday , Jan 22

7:30 PM / Thursday , Jan 23

7:30 PM / Friday , Jan 24

Sold Out

2:30 PM / Saturday , Jan 25

7:30 PM / Saturday , Jan 25

2:30 PM / Sunday , Jan 26

27

7:30 PM / Tuesday , Jan 28

7:30 PM / Wednesday , Jan 29

7:30 PM / Thursday , Jan 30

7:30 PM / Friday , Jan 31

Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
Open Captioning

WED, FEB 5

American Sign Language

FRI, FEB 7

Audio Described

SUN, FEB 9

Open Captioning

WED, FEB 5

American Sign Language

FRI, FEB 7

Audio Described

SUN, FEB 9