Court Theatre’s “Out Here” Ushers in New Era of Musical Development
Chicago’s Court Theatre is currently hosting the world premiere of “Out Here,” a new musical developed in collaboration with the University of Chicago, running through May 10, 2026. The production marks a significant moment for the theatre, showcasing its commitment to incubating and presenting new work, and was preceded by a convening focused on supporting the future of new theatrical creations. The musical explores themes of self-discovery and familial reconfiguration, offering audiences a uniquely intimate experience, and arrives as a bold, innovative work that invites Chicago audiences to be among the very first to witness its evolution.
The arrival of “Out Here” coincides with a broader initiative at Court Theatre to address the challenges of supporting new theatrical projects. Avery Willis Hoffman, Court Theatre’s Marilyn F. Vitale artistic director, recently hosted “America@250: A New Works Convening” at the Logan Center for the Arts on April 16-17, 2026. The event brought together approximately 100 theatre practitioners from across the country – including artistic directors, producing directors, and directors of new work – to discuss strategies for fostering new theatrical work in a changing landscape. Hoffman described the convening as a way to foster informal conversations and alleviate the pressure associated with more formal conferences or symposia.
A Story of Choice and Change
“Out Here” centers on Dawn, a woman navigating a pivotal moment in her life. She finds herself questioning her established life – a house, a husband, and a family – and yearning for something more, specifically a rekindled relationship with her ex-girlfriend, Robin. The musical delves into Dawn’s internal conflict as she grapples with the desire for both stability and change, and the challenge of relinquishing control to embrace the unknown. The synopsis suggests a narrative focused on reimagining expectations and finding joy through unexpected freedom. As the character navigates these complex emotions, the musical explores how breaking down existing structures can pave the way for new beginnings.
The creative team behind “Out Here” includes Leslie Buxbaum, who contributed to the concept, book, and lyrics, and Erin McKeown, responsible for the concept, music, lyrics, and orchestrations. David J. Levin also contributed to the concept, and dramaturgy. The production is directed by Chay Yew, marking his debut with Court Theatre. The cast includes Cliff Chamberlain, Amanda Pulcini, Z Mowry, Ellie Duffey, Alex Goodrich, and Becca Ayers, as captured in a production photo by Michael Brosilow.
Court Theatre’s Commitment to New Work
The development of “Out Here” is part of a larger pattern of Court Theatre’s dedication to new theatrical works. The theatre is also preparing for the full production of “safronia,” an opera by avery r. Young, the inaugural Chicago Poet Laureate. “safronia” initially had a concert-style performance at Chicago’s Lyric Opera and is slated for a full production at Court in 2027. These projects demonstrate the theatre’s investment in supporting artists and bringing innovative stories to the stage.
The decision to prioritize new work stems from internal conversations initiated when Avery Willis Hoffman joined Court Theatre last year. Recognizing the difficulties in supporting new theatrical projects, the theatre sought to create a space for dialogue and collaboration. The “America@250” convening was a direct result of these discussions, aiming to address the urgent questions facing the field and explore strategies for incubating and presenting new work in the current climate.
Accessibility Features and Performance Details
Court Theatre is committed to providing accessible performances of “Out Here.” A Touch Tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:30 pm, offering a tactile exploration of the set and costumes. Audio Description and ASL Interpretation will be available on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm, while Open Captioning will be offered on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The musical has an approximate running time of 100 minutes and is presented without intermission.
The production is supported by The Charles Newell Production Fund. The development of “Out Here” was undertaken in partnership with the University of Chicago, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving this new musical.
“Out Here” represents a courageous exploration of personal transformation and the complexities of modern relationships. The production’s innovative approach and commitment to accessibility create it a noteworthy addition to Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene. The show’s conclusion will bring the 2025/26 season to a joyous conclusion.
The next scheduled event related to Court Theatre’s new work initiatives is the full production of “safronia” in 2027. For updates on future productions and events, visit the Court Theatre website at www.courttheatre.org.
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