Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company today announced the cast and production team for the opening show of Season 43, playwright Terry Guest’s Southern gothic OAK, directed by Mikael Burke and running October 8 - November 9, 2025 (previews October 2 - 5). Tickets ($30 - $45) go on sale September 2, 2025 at www.raventheatre.com.
Three kids, an old woman with a shotgun, and a mysterious creek monster. Set firmly in the southern gothic tradition, Terry Guest’s OAK dives into the world of three Black kids as they navigate a community where children aren't safe, and the adults fail to protect them. It’s 7pm, do you know where your children are?
OAK features Jazzy Rush (Pickle), Brianna Buckley (Peaches), Stephanie Mattos (Suga), and Donovan Session (Big Man).
(Clockwise from top left: Jazzy Rush, Brianna Buckley, Donovan Session, Stephanie Mattos)
The production team includes Chris Moan (Assistant Director), Kenya Ann Hall (Dramaturg), Lauren Littlejohn (Stage Manager), Sydney Lynne Thomas (Scenic Design), Mariah Bennett (Props Design), Harri Horsley (Costume Design), Eric Watkins (Lighting Design), Ethan Korvne (Sound Design), Caitlin McLeod (Puppetry Design), Catherine Miller (Casting Director), Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician), and Lucy Whipp (Production Manager).
Raven Theatre’s OAK runs October 8 - November 9, 2025, with previews October 2 - 5. Performances are held Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. on the Johnson Stage at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. Tickets are $45, with discounts available for students, military, and industry ($30 previews); to purchase tickets and for more information about Raven Theatre’s 43rd season, visit www.raventheatre.com.
FACT SHEET:
OAK
Title: OAK
Written By: Terry Guest
Directed By: Mikael Burke
Cast: Jazzy Rush (Pickle), Brianna Buckley (Peaches), Stephanie Mattos (Suga), Donovan Session (Big Man)
Production Team: Chris Moan (Assistant Director), Kenya Ann Hall (Dramaturg), Lauren Littlejohn (Stage Manager), Sydney Lynne Thomas (Scenic Design), Mariah Bennett (Props Design), Harri Horsley (Costume Design), Eric Watkins (Lighting Design), Ethan Korvne (Sound Design), Caitlin McLeod (Puppetry Design), Catherine Miller (Casting Director), Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician), Lucy Whipp (Production Manager)
Dates: October 8 - November 9, 2025 (previews October 2 - 5)
Press Opening: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.
Location: Raven Theatre (6157 N. Clark St.)
Tickets: General Admission: $45; Student, Military, and Industry tickets $20. Previews $30.
Box Office: www.raventheatre.com
ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY
Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays, as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts. Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Paul M. Angell Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, and The Shubert Foundation. This project is partially supported by a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This programming is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com.