Alex Bentley

Casanova strips away the legend to reveal a man driven as much by longing as by lust. Set against the opulence of 18th-century Venice, the visually stunning ballet blends Baroque grandeur with bold, cinematic movement. What emerges is not just a tale of seduction, but a portrait of a soul caught between indulgence and introspection.

The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition that offers a world of enchantment where snowflakes swirl, dreams come to life, and holiday magic fills the air. Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.’s choreography awaken the holiday spirit for audiences.

Coppélia is a tale of mischief, magic, and romance, a sparkling comedy that follows the spirited Swanhilda, her hapless sweetheart Franz, and the eccentric Dr. Coppélius in a playful adventure brimming with wit, warmth, and classical charm. Featuring buoyant, character-rich choreography, vibrant sets, and exquisitely detailed costumes, Coppélia is a joyful celebration of love, laughter, and the art of storytelling.

Unbound features two world premieres and a crowd favorite, each celebrating the breadth and brilliance of contemporary dance.

When their son arrives home with an unexpected guest in tow, the influential Jasper family of Chicago finds itself at the center of a gathering unlike any other. As old assumptions are challenged and long-held secrets begin to surface, each family member is drawn into a journey of self-discovery, examining their beliefs, relationships, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

The Colored Museum is a laugh-out-loud theatrical experience that goes from outrageous satire to deeply poignant reflection, taking aim at stereotypes of Black life in America. Eleven “exhibits” explode off the stage and invites everyone to be electrified, discomforted, and delighted on the world class journey through the museum. George C. Wolfe’s humorous sketches dare us to confront the past while making space for an honest and liberated future.

The world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers shatter racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad. The play follows the ensemble’s early members on their first tours as they raise funds for the fledgling Fisk University and spread their music around the world. From threats of violence to a pivotal performance for Queen Victoria, the singers share their personal histories through powerful vignettes full of humor, heartbreak, and hope.

Inspired by the historic Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881, The Wash is a dynamic journey that follows the women who dared to demand more - more pay, more respect, more power over their own lives. What begins as a fight for $1 per dozen pound of laundry becomes a groundbreaking stand for dignity and justice, uniting workers across racial and social lines in one of the most remarkable labor strikes of the post-Civil War era.

The Ensemble Theatre will celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the festive holiday revue, A Motown Christmas. It’s the perfect blend of traditional Christmas carols paired with the soulful sounds from such Motown celebrities as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5.

Set on Chicago’s South Side, A Raisin in the Sun finds divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family. When Mama Lena’s deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, she dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school.