3 Stages of Love

Devised & Performed by Khnemu Menu-Ra
with Dani Brady and Jean E. Mueller-Burr
Music by Ellis Douglas on guitar and Jill Waycie on piano
 

Throughout Season 9 Ghostlight will present a three-part cabaret experience devised by Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love.

Love always makes for a good story because some part of it is always relatable. And what better way to explore all the various sides to love than in a three-part cabaret using – at least some – words and songs that people already know.

The semi-autobiographical work features a blend of Shakespeare and song – along with original pieces. The full series will run over the course of the season — no need to attend all three, each piece stands alone as a complete work, but a richer story unfolds if you see the entire cycle.

The three-part series is comprised of:

• Part 1: Origins of Love: The Miseducation of Dr. K. September 2025. A sort of classic "boy meets girl/meet cute” that also explores what happens next.

• Part 2: Simple Love/Unperfect Actor. February 2026. A coming of age while emotionally stunted story.

• Part 3: Extraordinary Love. June 2026. A tale that remembers the past, embraces the present and hopes the future will continue to be anything but ordinary.

Not familiar with cabaret as an artform? Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment dating back to 15th century Paris and features music song, dance, recitation and/or drama. The performance venue is usually a pub, bar, restaurant, nightclub or even, occasionally, a casino with a space for performances. The audience is often dining and drinking during the performance. Cabaret is often (but not always) oriented towards adult audiences with an underground history.

Details
What: 3 Stages of Love
Where: Parts 1 & 2: Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613)
Part 3: My Buddy’s (4416 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640)
When: Part 1: Friday, September 5, 12 & 19, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Part 2: Friday, February 13, 20 & 27, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Part 3: Friday, June 5, 12 & 19, 2026 at 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets are pay-what-you-will with an average donation of $20.
Transportation Information: Ample paid street parking is available along Lincoln Avenue, as well as a paid parking lot about a block away at Lincoln and Berenice Avenue. Some neighborhood streets nearby offer free street parking. Mrs. Murphy & Sons also has a small, signed parking lot north of the restaurant.
Nearby public transportation includes the Irving Park Brown Line Stop, as well as the #80 (Irving Park) bus and the #50 (Damen) bus, both of which stop at the six corners with Lincoln Avenue.

Accessibility
An elevator is available to access the performance space, which is ADA accessible. For questions about venue accessibility or to discuss accommodations available, please contact our Box Office at boxoffice@ghostlightensemble.com or call 773-377-5342 at least three days prior to the performance. If calling via phone, please note the number is not monitored in real-time. Please leave a name, number, and good time to return your call.