Steppenwolf Theatre is pleased to announce John C. Reilly is Mister Romantic, an experience of love, laughter and longing as the acclaimed performer sings sweet melodies from the Great American Songbook and beyond. Mister Romantic will play three performances only December 4 – 6, 2025 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Tickets cost $89* – $159*. A special member pre-sale begins Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 12 pm. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 12 pm at steppenwolf.org/romantic or by calling the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. *Pricing includes $10 handling fee
About the Show:
Prepare to be captivated by the incomparable John C. Reilly in Mister Romantic, a vaudeville show that has already garnered critical acclaim and captured the public’s imagination. Backed by a cracker jack band of multi Grammy winners Davíd Garza, Charles De Castro, David Piltch and Gabe Witcher, the New York Times calls the show "wryly funny, sometimes tender and sad, but always sincere" and Vanity Fair describes it as “fiercely funny” and says "John C. Reilly is one hell of a singer." Mister Romantic asks you to open your heart to the love all around you and marks a new chapter in Reilly’s acclaimed career.
About the Artist:
For over three decades, John C. Reilly has remained one of the most beloved and versatile actors of his generation, effortlessly navigating comedy, drama and musical theater with a rare blend of skill and charm. From his breakout roles in quirky comedies to more nuanced dramatic performances, he has proven himself a master of range, breathing life into a vast array of characters with both warmth and depth.
Reilly’s career began with his film debut in Casualties of War, quickly establishing him as a sought-after actor among the most acclaimed American directors. He collaborated with Paul Thomas Anderson on Hard Eight, Boogie Nights and Magnolia, worked with Martin Scorsese on Gangs of New York and The Aviator, and joined Robert Altman for A Prairie Home Companion. Reilly earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for the movie musical Chicago, featuring his memorable performance of “Mister Cellophane,” a major inspiration for Mister Romantic. He showcased his comedic mastery with two blockbuster films with Adam McKay, Step Brothers and Talladega Nights, while also blending his musical and comedic talents in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. His versatility led to international recognition in films such as We Need to Talk About Kevin (Lynne Ramsay), Carnage (Roman Polanski), The Lobster (Yórgos Lánthimos) and The Sisters Brothers (Jacques Audiard). More recently, he reunited with Adam McKay starring in HBO Max's Winning Time, the limited series about the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2025, the acclaimed actor will also take on a variety of compelling roles. In A Prayer for the Dying, Dara Van Dusen’s adaptation of Stewart O’Nan’s novel, set in the 1870s, Reilly plays a town doctor in a community ravaged by a deadly plague. He will also portray the legendary Buffalo Bill in Testa O Croce, a film directed by Italian filmmakers Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis.
Performance schedule:
Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 pm
Friday, December 5 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 pm
Accessibility:
Steppenwolf is committed to making the theatergoing experience accessible to everyone. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available for every performance and all our spaces are equipped with an induction hearing loop. Our building features wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms, push-button entrances, a courtesy wheelchair and all-gender restrooms, with accessible counter and table spaces at our bars. For additional information regarding accessibility, visit steppenwolf.org/access. If you have questions or would like to make a specific request, email access@steppenwolf.org or call our box office at 312-335-1650.
Sponsor Information:
United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf is also grateful for the significant season support from lead sponsors Allstate Insurance Company, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Caroline and Keating Crown, Julius Frankel Foundation, Lefkofsky Family Foundation, Northern Trust, Anne and Don Phillips, John Hart and Carol Prins, Shubert Foundation, Inc, Walder Foundation, and Zell Family Foundation. Steppenwolf also acknowledges generous support from premier sponsors Anonymous, Andrew and Amy Bluhm, Michael and Cathy Brennan, Ann and Richard Carr, Chicago Community Trust, Steven and Nancy Crown, Conagra Brands Foundation, Rich and Margery Feitler, FROST CHICAGO, Joyce Foundation, Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, The Orlebeke Foundation, PNC, Polk Bros. Foundation, Bryan Traubert and Penny Pritzker, Sacks Family Foundation, Smart Family Foundation of Illinois, and Vinci Restaurant. Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.
About Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier Ensemble Theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions have made this theatre legendary. From the 1980 phenomenon of Balm in Gilead, to The Grapes of Wrath, August: Osage County, Downstate, The Brother/Sister Plays, and now, the 2025 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Purpose, Steppenwolf Theatre has had a long-running and undeniable impact on American Theater and Chicago's cultural landscape. Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf started as a group of teens performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company's artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work. Every aspect of Steppenwolf is rooted in its Ensemble ethos, from the intergenerational artistic programming to the multi-genre performance series LookOut, to the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education and Engagement which serves nearly 15,000 teens annually. While grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf also holds accolades that include the National Medal of Arts, 14 Tony Awards, two Pulitzer Prize-winning commissions and more. Led by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director Brooke Flanagan and Board of Trustees Chair Keating Crown — Steppenwolf continually redefines the boundaries of live theater and pushes the limits of acting and performance.
Steppenwolf’s Mission: Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.