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.

Conceived by Ghostlight Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love returns to Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro this February for Part 2: Simple Love/Unperfect Actor.

Menu-Ra describes Simple Love/Unperfect Actor as a coming of age while emotionally stunted story.

This semi-autobiographical work features a blend of Shakespeare and song – along with original pieces. The full series will run over the course of our 9th season, but there is 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.

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.

Conceived by Ghostlight Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love returns to Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro this February for Part 2: Simple Love/Unperfect Actor.

Menu-Ra describes Simple Love/Unperfect Actor as a coming of age while emotionally stunted story.

This semi-autobiographical work features a blend of Shakespeare and song – along with original pieces. The full series will run over the course of our 9th season, but there is 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.

Binkley, an outsider dwarf from the Kingdom of Magical Land, is quiet, timid and scared of the dark — not exactly the best characteristics for working in a mine, the job to which all dwarves aspire.

But inspired by the kindness and motherly affection of Snow White, Binkley goes on a quest to find three items that will assure them a place amongst the dwarf elite. Will Binkley find the courage that resides deep inside them? Will they be paralyzed by the Wicked Witch? Will they be able to find a geniune cow?

The 8th Dwarf is part of our Nightlight young audiences series, which produces original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them.

The production takes place at the Bughouse Theater on February 7 & 8, 14 & 15 2026.

Binkley, an outsider dwarf from the Kingdom of Magical Land, is quiet, timid and scared of the dark — not exactly the best characteristics for working in a mine, the job to which all dwarves aspire.

But inspired by the kindness and motherly affection of Snow White, Binkley goes on a quest to find three items that will assure them a place amongst the dwarf elite. Will Binkley find the courage that resides deep inside them? Will they be paralyzed by the Wicked Witch? Will they be able to find a geniune cow?

The 8th Dwarf is part of our Nightlight young audiences series, which produces original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them.

The production takes place at the Bughouse Theater on February 7 & 8, 14 & 15 2026.

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.

Conceived by Ghostlight Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love returns to Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro this February for Part 2: Simple Love/Unperfect Actor.

Menu-Ra describes Simple Love/Unperfect Actor as a coming of age while emotionally stunted story.

This semi-autobiographical work features a blend of Shakespeare and song – along with original pieces. The full series will run over the course of our 9th season, but there is 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.

Binkley, an outsider dwarf from the Kingdom of Magical Land, is quiet, timid and scared of the dark — not exactly the best characteristics for working in a mine, the job to which all dwarves aspire.

But inspired by the kindness and motherly affection of Snow White, Binkley goes on a quest to find three items that will assure them a place amongst the dwarf elite. Will Binkley find the courage that resides deep inside them? Will they be paralyzed by the Wicked Witch? Will they be able to find a geniune cow?

The 8th Dwarf is part of our Nightlight young audiences series, which produces original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them.

The production takes place at the Bughouse Theater on February 7 & 8, 14 & 15 2026.

Binkley, an outsider dwarf from the Kingdom of Magical Land, is quiet, timid and scared of the dark — not exactly the best characteristics for working in a mine, the job to which all dwarves aspire.

But inspired by the kindness and motherly affection of Snow White, Binkley goes on a quest to find three items that will assure them a place amongst the dwarf elite. Will Binkley find the courage that resides deep inside them? Will they be paralyzed by the Wicked Witch? Will they be able to find a geniune cow?

The 8th Dwarf is part of our Nightlight young audiences series, which produces original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them.

The production takes place at the Bughouse Theater on February 7 & 8, 14 & 15 2026.

Ghostlight Ensemble is excited to join The Factory Theatre and five other companies for the next installment of the revived Fight Night on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13.

Ghostlight's contribution is Back To Whence You Will Be From. In the near future, high school students are still being forced to read Shakespeare in their English classes, but luckily for one bored teen (and unluckily for William Shakespeare) time travel also happens to exist. Tired of slogging through dense text in nearly incomprehensible English, the teen takes matters into his own hand and travels back in time to beat the sh*t out of Shakespeare so that he never writes again.

Tickets are $25 and available through via The Factory Theater.

Ghostlight Ensemble is excited to join The Factory Theatre and five other companies for the next installment of the revived Fight Night on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13.

Ghostlight's contribution is Back To Whence You Will Be From. In the near future, high school students are still being forced to read Shakespeare in their English classes, but luckily for one bored teen (and unluckily for William Shakespeare) time travel also happens to exist. Tired of slogging through dense text in nearly incomprehensible English, the teen takes matters into his own hand and travels back in time to beat the sh*t out of Shakespeare so that he never writes again.

Tickets are $25 and available through via The Factory Theater.

NOLA by Zoe Soteres and directed by Stefan Roseen
NOLA, explores the working-class experience in New Orleans following a terrorist attack that occurred early on New Year’s Day of this year. The story, based on interviews, follows five workers at a restaurant near Bourbon Street on January 2, 2025, the only ones who showed up after being threatened with termination if they didn’t. Some have children without access to childcare, others fear being near the site of the attack, but all are forced to choose between safety and keeping their jobs. As the day unfolds and more is revealed about the attacker, the workers confront their relationships to labor, American identity, and how they’re perceived by the public they serve. The play examines economic precarity, worker exploitation, and the cost of national trauma.

Pay-What-You-Will tickets available at  https://www.crowdwork.com/e/inc-a-new-play-incubator-festival-7dee9c8d-1897-42c0-b26b-3aed9af2b751 .

Featuring Ghostlight Ensemble Member Courtney Marie.

During the long nights of midwinter, join Ghostlight Ensemble and the Driehaus Museum by the fireplace(s) as we return again this year to the Victorian tradition of telling ghost stories at Yuletide.

Adapted by Ensemble member Maria Burnham, Holiday Spirits: A Collection of Victorian Yuletide Ghost Stories is a multi-story and multi-storied immersive, site-specific adaptations of classic Victorian ghost stories.

Three distinct stories will unfold throughout the museum. Some seating will be provided, but be prepared to move with the actors as they uncover these otherworldly visitors.

During the long nights of midwinter, join Ghostlight Ensemble and the Driehaus Museum by the fireplace(s) as we return again this year to the Victorian tradition of telling ghost stories at Yuletide.

Adapted by Ensemble member Maria Burnham, Holiday Spirits: A Collection of Victorian Yuletide Ghost Stories is a multi-story and multi-storied immersive, site-specific adaptations of classic Victorian ghost stories.

Three distinct stories will unfold throughout the museum. Some seating will be provided, but be prepared to move with the actors as they uncover these otherworldly visitors.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

A talkback with members of the cast and the director is scheduled after this performance.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

An out lesbian state senator is up for re-election. Her female opponent is a moderate conservative who has aligned herself with right-wing extremists. They’re locked in a tight race in which each side caters to its base and any event can become instantaneously politicized.

When a gay man is bashed with a baseball bat and left to die, his ex-boyfriend, a campaign aide for the incumbent senator, is enraged. But his boss’s unwillingness to label it a hate crime tips him over the edge. Frustration and fear eventually turn to rage and he teams up with his best friend to embark on a vendetta of sabotage and more, reasoning that if gays aren’t respected enough to win justice, fear will achieve what good intentions and politics cannot.

Angry Fags asks what do we do with our righteous anger? Who do we turn to when we exist within a system that does not protect us, care for us, or keep us safe?

Angry Fags is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

Hamburger Mary's is BACK! And Ghostlight is excited to be part of its Wednesday’ night HamBingo event in October to benefit our fall production of Angry Fags.

Hamburger Mary's Chicago is a lively burger bar and drag show destination, now in the heart of Edgewater, serving up gourmet burgers, playful appetizers, and unforgettable performances. Known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community vibe, the restaurant features nightly drag events, themed brunches, and a glampy atmosphere full of personality.

HamBINGO is a weekly charity event held in the dining room at Hamburger Mary’s at 7 p.m. every Wednesday, hosted by one of their fabulous drag queens! In addition to traditional BINGO games, they throw in a few audience-participation games to keep things fun!

Join us on Wednesday, October 21 for some fabulous prizes. The Bingo will be as vicious as the Queens who host it!

Make sure to reserve your spot in advance at: Chicago Events - Hamburger Mary's – Gourmet Burgers & Drag Shows in Chicago.

In October, Ghostlight Ensemble will present another installment of the popular Happy Hour: a staged reading of short plays with one thing in common — they’re all set in bars. The readings will take place IN a bar (of course), so join us on Tuesday, October 21, at My Buddy’s to start the Halloween season off fright.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for this staged reading.

Ghostlight begins its 9th Season with the first installment of a three-part cabaret experience devised by Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love.

The semi-autobiographical work features a blend of Shakespeare and song – along with original pieces. The 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.

3 Stages of Love takes place upstairs at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613) on Friday, September 5, 12 & 19, 2025.

Ghostlight begins its 9th Season with the first installment of a three-part cabaret experience devised by Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love.

The semi-autobiographical work features a blend of Shakespeare and song – along with original pieces. The 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.

3 Stages of Love takes place upstairs at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613) on Friday, September 5, 12 & 19, 2025.

Ghostlight begins its 9th Season with the first installment of a three-part cabaret experience devised by Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love.

The semi-autobiographical work features a blend of Shakespeare and song – along with original pieces. The 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.

3 Stages of Love takes place upstairs at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613) on Friday, September 5, 12 & 19, 2025.

Jeni's will be donating 25 percent of sales during this event to Ghostlight as part of our efforts to raise funds for our 9th Season. No special passwords or forms to fill out. Just show up and get some ice cream!

Stop by the Jeni’s Andersonville location on Wednesday, August 27 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn more about our upcoming season, grab a scoop and help support Chicago theater!

See you there! 

The nondescript neighborhood bar in the middle of Chicago looks like every other bar in every other neighborhood in the city. A few regulars sit sipping drinks, making small talk, doing the things people always do in bars. But this bar has a secret. It can take you anywhere in time….

…but only once and only within the walls of the bar, so it turns out not to be as popular a place as one might think.

But there are some souls who still need to reach out to the past — or to the future — and this is where they come when they do. 

Their stories include: a young adult searching for a lost family recipe, a street fair attendee looking for an old friend and a woman facing a life and death decision. Traveling to the past isn’t that simple though and they all find more than they bargained for.

Drink the Past Dry is written and directed by Ensemble Member Maria Burnham.

Ghostlight Ensemble presents the premiere of this site-specific piece of immersive theatre as part of our season on time. Season 8 celebrates a symphony of creativity that resonates across cultures and time, reminding us that art is a universal language that binds us all.

Tickets are on sale now.