The Goodman celebrates 100 years of theater

The iconic Goodman Theatre celebrates a milestone with its 2025/2026 season and the Windy City's oldest active nonprofit theater space meant business.

On February 25 a breakfast presentation filled the venue on Dearborn Street with longtime subscribers, donors and press starting at 10 a.m.

Excitement was in the air as the Goodman's Board of Trustees President Linda Coverly and Board of Trustees Chairperson Julie Danis took to the podium for the first of many announcements to come.

Out and proud illusionist Dennis Watkins magically appeared in the front row to promote his collaboration with Goodman Theatre and Petterino's. His show The Magic Parlour currently dazzles audiences with an open run and surprises galore.

Random participants from around the room chose personal numbers to enter on a phone that eventually added up to the celebratory figure of 10,201,925 which is the date the theater opened 100 years ago.

The magic number continued to astound with 100 Free Acts of Theater involving all 50 wards of Chicago. The initiative is to give back to the community throughout the year with free events.

Artistic Director Susan V. Booth is also the director of Ashland Avenue's World Premiere slated from September 6-October 5 in the Albert Theatre.

Libertyville, Illinois native Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine played an acoustic song for a sneak peek of Revolution(s) slated to start in October in the Owen Theatre.

Director Chuck Smith was met with applause to speak on the revival of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Will & Grace's Megan Mullally sent a video to hype up a new musical called Icebox! or, the Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O'Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh.

Director Wendy Mateo talked about The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao which will debut a year from now. This show will overlap with Holiday an adaptation of the 1930s film by the same name.

A Christmas Carol returns for the holidays for the 48th time and Christopher Donahue will play the lead role once again after debuting as Scrooge in 2024. Malkia Stampley will direct the production and she spoke about the 21st annual New Stages Festival.

Legendary Talking Heads frontman David Byrne showed up for a rare appearance to explain Theater of the Mind. After a brief stint in 2022 in Denver, this new immersive attraction will be partnering with Goodman although planted nearby at the Reid Building on LaSalle Drive.

An impressive amount of more than $20 million has been raised over the years to support Goodman's endeavors. Executive Director John Collins closed the program with words of encouragement and hope for the future of the theater organization.

Stay tuned to goodmantheatre.org for more centennial celebrations and ticket information.