Shaina Taub’s musical “Suffs,” which chronicles the women’s suffrage movement in the United States leading up to the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, opens its national tour in Chicago this week. Taub, who wrote the music, book and lyrics for the production, said in a recent interview that while the show is often compared to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” it focuses on a lesser-known chapter of American history. “Everyone learns the story of the American Revolution,” Taub explained, “almost no one learns about the suffrage movement.”
The musical features historical figures such as Alice Paul, originally portrayed by Taub herself, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Chicago civil rights activist Ida B. Wells. The touring company, primarily composed of new cast members, began its journey last September. Chicago marks one of the final stops before the tour concludes next month. Taub noted that the show has been made freely available to about a dozen high schools through grants, enabling students to present the material without financial barriers. Following the tour’s end, “Suffs” is expected to become available for regional professional theaters and colleges.
In a separate development, actor Johnny Galecki will star in “Kowalski,” a new production opening at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre. Written by Gregg Ostrin, the play explores the first meeting between playwright Tennessee Williams and actor Marlon Brando. Galecki, recognized for his television role in “The Big Bang Theory” and previous stage work in Chicago, will portray Williams. The production, scheduled to open on September 19, will take place at the Water Tower Water Works on Michigan Avenue. While staged in the Lookingglass space, the play is a commercial rental rather than a production developed by the theater company itself. The story unfolds over a single night in a Provincetown, Massachusetts beach house and includes additional characters such as director Margo Jones and Williams’ partner Pancho Rodriguez. “Kowalski” has previously been performed Off-Broadway and is being eyed for a potential Broadway run.
Meanwhile, a new effort to support independent theatrical ventures in Chicago has gained momentum. The Independent Productions Initiative (IPI), founded by playwright LC Bernadine and operating through Redtwist Theatre as its fiscal sponsor, has raised over $200,000 to provide grant funding for productions not affiliated with resident companies. In 2025 and 2026, the initiative awarded grants to nearly 60 projects led by independent teams of producers, directors, writers, actors, and designers. Board members include former Goodman Theatre artistic director Robert Falls and arts philanthropist Peter Handler. Bernadine emphasized that while most recipients are not nonprofit organizations, donors can receive tax benefits by contributing to the nonprofit initiative. The program addresses a funding gap, as major foundations tend to prioritize established institutions over individual projects.
Separately, the Joseph Jefferson Awards committee stated it is continuing to consider the future of its non-Equity awards program amid recent controversies. The committee affirmed its primary focus remains on recognizing artistic and technical excellence, rather than functioning as a governing or investigative body. It expressed commitment to improving internal procedures and supporting efforts within the non-Equity community to create safer and more supportive environments for theater artists.