Oil Lamp Theater, currently presenting the highly recommended Dial M for Murder, through November 1, is proud to announce its 2027 season. The season opens with a love story signed in ink, Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise, February 12, 2027 - March 21, 2027, followed by a play that captures a moment in time, Time Stands Still, April 16, 2027 - May 16, 2027, then next summer, a musical about journeying forward from Jason Robert Brown, Songs for a New World, June 11, 2027 - July 18, 2027 and continuing with a dark, thrilling comedy perfect for the fall season, Witch, September 17, 2027 - October 24, 2027. All performances take place at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. Four-show and three-show subscriptions are now on sale with single tickets going on sale Monday, Nov. 2. For more information on the new season and current productions, go to OilLampTheater.org.
“As we eagerly anticipate a 2028 opening of our new venue, located right around the corner from our current space, we look to the future with excitement. Oil Lamp Theater’s 2027 season will propel audiences towards that future by not only holding up a mirror reflecting on the past, but boldly stepping forward through laughter, discovery, conversation and song,” said Artistic Director Elizabeth Mazur Levin.
The 2027 Oil Lamp Theater season includes:
KEN LUDWIG’S DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE
February 12, 2027 - March 21, 2027
Written by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Artistic Director Elizabeth Mazur Levin
Preview Performances: Friday, Feb.12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m; with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday, March 3 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m.
The year is 1942. War is looming. Times are uncertain. A love that knows no bounds is blooming over a series of heartfelt, hopeful and hilariously handwritten letters. Travel back in time for a simpler love story. One that begins on the page. One that starts with “Dear Jack” and “Dear Louise.”
TIME STANDS STILL
April 16, 2027 - May 16, 2027
Written by Donald Margulies
Directed by Scott Shallenbarger
Preview Performances: Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 17 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m; with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, April 21 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday, May 5 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m.
A photojournalist and foreign correspondent must decide: are they meant to capture a moment or change its ending? When a choice is made and the dust settles, they must pick up the pieces and forge a way forward. Take a look behind the lens in this smart, witty drama and discover what it costs to hold the camera and make time stand still.
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
June 11, 2027 - July 18, 2027
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Original Orchestration by Brian Besterman and Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Christina Ramirez
Music Directed by Aaron Kahn
Preview Performances: Friday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 12 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m; with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, June 16 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday, June 30 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. There are no performances on Saturday, July 3 or Sunday, July 4.
Take one step, one small step into this powerful song cycle about facing your fears, changing your mind, embracing new experiences and leaping into the unknown. Written by acclaimed composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown, audiences are invited to experience the bold characters and unique stories in a musical unlike any other they may have seen.
WITCH
September 17, 2027 - October 24, 2027
Written by Jen Silverman
Directed by Susan Gorman
Preview Performances: Friday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m; with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
If an opportunity comes knocking, would you shake its hand? In this dark comedy, one may find out just what it takes to come out on top. Will their fate be sealed with sorcery or do they dare to dance with the devil? How far would you go to make your wildest dreams come true?
ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER
Oil Lamp Theater is a professional nonprofit performing arts organization in Glenview, Illinois, welcoming over 10,000 patrons annually from more than 225 communities—41% from Glenview and others from across the North Shore and Chicago. Since establishing its intimate 60-seat home in downtown Glenview in 2012, Oil Lamp has grown into a cultural beacon, earning recognition as “Best Live Theatre in the North Shore” for four consecutive years.
With more than 70 productions to date, Oil Lamp is known for its dynamic Mainstage season, special events and its resilience during the pandemic, when it innovated with drive-in performances and outdoor productions. Today, the theatre continues to foster connection, broaden horizons and illuminate the human condition through professional theater and year-round programming.
In addition to its productions, Oil Lamp Theater operates Oil Lamp Academy, its education branch dedicated to “Training for Life Through the Performing Arts.” In 2025 alone, the program served more than 230 students ages three to 97 years old, offering classes that use theater as a pathway to build confidence, creativity and lifelong skills.
Oil Lamp launched Light The Way in 2025, a transformative fundraising campaign designed to expand arts education, strengthen essential staff and establish a larger performance venue with the goal of staying in downtown Glenview. And in July 2026, Oil Lamp announced its new future home will be at the former Ten Ninety Brewing Co. in Downtown Glenview, 1025 Waukegan Road, next to Oil Lamp Academy. Building on its roots as a scrappy storefront, Oil Lamp is evolving into a more robust organization—without losing the intimacy and warmth that define its theater experience. Oil Lamp Theater hopes this announcement inspires excitement throughout the community. Stay tuned as additional news is shared in the near future. For information or to support the campaign go to OilLampTheater.org/Light-the-Way or reach out to Oil Lamp at light-the-way@oillamptheater.org.