Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces Twisted Melodies, written and directed by Kelvin Roston Jr as the final production of the 2024-2025 season. The previously announced season opens with whimsical play with music about the romance of Marc Chagall and his poet wife Bella, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk; followed by a new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women by Northlight favorite Lauren Gunderson; Lloyd Suh’s funny and moving play The Heart Sellers about the Asian immigrant experience in the 1970s; and Joshua Harmon’s celebrated play Prayer for the French Republic, directed by Jeremy Wechsler in a co- production with Theater Wit.
TWISTED MELODIES
written and performed by Kelvin Roston Jr.
July 5 – August 4, 2025
Opening: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Flashback to 1979, when singer and composer Donny Hathaway was a soul music icon, known for R&B hits and his duets with Roberta Flack. This mesmerizing one-man show immerses us in a day with the brilliant artist, seeking solace in the music that has always been his salvation. Powerful renditions of songs like “More Than You’ll Ever Know,” “The Ghetto,” and “The Closer I Get to You,” illuminate the enduring power of his talent. Torn between his inspiration and his ongoing inner struggle, Hathaway grapples with his life in a gripping performance by Kelvin Roston Jr.
The previously announced 2024-2025 season includes:
The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk
by Daniel Jamieson with music by Ian Ross
September 5 – October 6, 2024
Opening: Thursday, September 12
Marc Chagall and his poet wife Bella were partners in life and in art. Their romance is
immortalized in a feast of music, dance, and paintings brought-to-life, capturing the essence of a marriage that soared above the upheaval through which it endured. From their first meeting in Vitebsk, and through the Russian revolution, pogroms, and two world wars, their joy manifests in moments as vibrant and whimsical as the treasured artist’s best-known works. With a klezmer-inspired score, wistful songs, and inventive staging, Flying Lovers celebrates the inspiring life and love of an extraordinary couple.
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
adapted by Lauren Gunderson
from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Georgette Verdin
November 29 – December 29, 2024
Opening: Thursday, December 5
In 19th century New England, ambitious Jo, traditional Meg, gentle Beth, and spirited Amy grow up balancing their sisterly bonds with their distinct personalities. With their father away at war, the March sisters are nurtured by their wise and selfless Marmee. In a time marked by societal expectations, their love and shared feminine strength bind them through hardships, friendships, romantic entanglements, and inevitable losses. Captivating readers for generations, this beloved classic shines in an all new stage adaptation. A timeless tale of family, resilience, and a determined young writer finding her way in the world.
The Heart Sellers
by Lloyd Suh
Directed by Helen Young
January 23 – February 23, 2025
Opening: Thursday, January 30
It’s Thanksgiving 1973, and life in the USA is lonely for recent Asian immigrants Jane and Luna, with their workaholic husbands leaving them to fend for themselves. Over sips of wine and a questionable frozen turkey, they reminisce about home and dream of spreading their wings together in the land of opportunity: disco dancing, learning to drive, and even a visit to Disneyland. Inspired by the landmark “Hart-Celler Act” which opened a new path to citizenship for people around the world, this funny and moving play gives a big-hearted voice to the Asian immigrant experience.
Prayer for the French Republic
by Joshua Harmon
Directed by Jeremy Wechsler
In a co-production with Theater Wit
April 10 – May 11, 2025
Opening: Thursday, April 17
In 1944, a Jewish couple in Paris desperately awaits news of their missing family. More than 70 years later, the couple's great-grandchildren find themselves facing the same question as their ancestors: "Are we safe?" Following five generations of a French-Jewish family, Prayer for the French Republic is a sweeping look at history, home, and the effects of an ancient hatred. Winner of the 2022 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best New Off-Broadway Play, this celebrated work is from the author of Bad Jews and Significant Other.
Curtain times are: Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Subscriptions to the 2024-2025 Northlight Season are available at www.northlight.org/subscribe or 847.673.6300.
Subscriptions range in price from $135-290. Flex pass options are $120-$210. With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland. Package options include traditional 5-Play Packages, 4-Play Packages, and Flex Packages. Subscriptions are available at www.northlight.org/subscribe or 847.673.6300.
The complete 2024-2025 season will be performed in the theater’s current location at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, IL.
Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.
Founded in 1974, the organization has mounted over 240 productions, including more than 45 world premieres. Northlight has earned 226 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as 11 Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.
Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions BMO Harris Bank; Bulley & Andrews; Byline Bank; ComEd, An Exelon Company; Dr. Scholl Foundation; Eckenhoff Saunders Architects, Inc.; The Field Foundation of Illinois; Full Circle Foundation; Grumman Butkus Associates; Hagerty Consulting; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; John R Halligan Charitable Fund; LionBird; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Mabadi Realty; Mammel Family Foundation; Modestus Bauer Foundation; Northwestern University; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Pritzker Foundation; The Schubert Foundation, Inc.; The Sullivan Family Foundation; The Weatherlow Foundation; Tom Stringer Design Partners.