Chicago’s Gift Theatre on Wednesday announced a new season of shows for 2022, which starts this spring with a return to live performances. The company recently left its longtime home at 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave. and is working to open a new performance space in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.
“We believe it is a season that is provocative, hopeful and full of new poetry,” said the Gift’s new trio of co-artistic directors Brittany Burch, Emjoy Gavino and Jennifer Glasse.
“At the Vanishing Point” (April 28 to May 2): This is the Chicago premiere of the show, which paints a portrait of a community by weaving historical fact, myth and memory to give voice to people who would otherwise be forgotten. Written by Naomi Iizuka and directed by Lavina Jadhwani. Performed at Filament Theatre.
“Mud City” (spring 2022): This 10-episode streaming radio drama is set in 1940 and follows Lacey McGill, who was once a journalist but is now a down-on-her-luck private detective. She makes progress on the case about the disappearance of her daughter four years ago but Mud City is a crooked city of mob bosses, business tycoons and secret clubs. Written by founding artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton.
“The Locusts” (Oct. 20 to Nov. 19): This world premiere follows Ella, who has a busy career in the Miami police force but is called back to her small hometown of Vero Beach, Florida, to help catch a serial killer. As the murders continue, Ella realizes she must confront the events of her dark past in order to stop the killer. Written by Jennifer Rumberger and directed by ensemble member John Gawlik. Performed at Theater Wit.
There is also a new play reading series called “In the Works.”
“At the Vanishing Point” will be performed at Filament Theatre, 4040 N. Milwaukee Ave., while “The Locusts” will be performed at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Early Bird season subscriptions are on sale for $99 through March 17 and are available at 773-283-7071 and thegifttheatre.org
