SEASON 2024 - 2025

Jeff and Hunter, two struggling gay writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan and Heidi; and Larry on the eighty-eights. With the cast in place, they make a pact to write up until the festival’s deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. [title of show] -- taken from the space on the festival’s application form which asks for the “[title of show]” -- follows Hunter and Jeff and their friends on their journey through the gauntlet of creative self-expression. In the span of 90 minutes, they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists.

Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen, Book by Hunter Bell

Directed by Jay Españo

Music Direction by Robert Ollis

Choreography by Britta Schlicht

August 23 – September 22, 2024

Preview performances on Friday August 23 at 730p and Sunday August 25 at 3 pm.

Opening on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7:30 pm

Regular run August 29 – September 22, 2024

Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, plus the Understudy Performance on Wednesday September 11 and Industry Night on Wednesday August 18 at 730p.

Tickets $35 for regular performances, $25 for previews. Seniors and students receive a $5 discount off all performance prices.

PrideArts Center, 4139 N Broadway, Chicago

Lexi Alioto (Susan) is thrilled to be working with PrideArts! She previously worked with: Theater Wit, The Second City, The Black Ensemble, First Folio, Lifeline Theater, The Annoyance, and more. She has notably toured with Second City’s hit show, She The People, at both San Diego Repertory Theater and Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company. She is a comedic writer with her group, Hot Girls. Rep: Grossman & Jack Talent. Follow @aalioto92.

Chad Gearig (u/s Hunter) is thrilled to be making his PrideArts Debut. Regional Credits: Chicago – White Christmas, Brigadoon (Music Theater Works), A Fine Feathered Murder (Hell in a Handbag), Cabaret (Metropolis Performing Arts), Working (JPAC), Ragtime (Highland Park Players), and Three Sisters (Invictus Theatre). New Orleans - Rocky Horror (JPAS), The Laramie Project (Storyville Collective), Matilda, 42nd Street (Summer Lyric at Tulane)

Caitlin Preuss (u/s Susan) is excited to be part of the [title of show] cast! You may have seen her as Woman 1 in First Date at point2productions. Caitlin is a proud graduate from Carthage College with a B.A. in Music Theatre and Directing. Thanks for all the laughs! @caitlinpreuss_

Jonah Cochin (Jeff) is thrilled to be making his PrideArts debut in one of his favorite shows! Past credits include The Apple Tree, New Faces Sing Broadway 1947 (Porchlight Music Theatre); The Sound Of Music (Big Noise Theatre); and She Loves Me! (Blank Theatre Company). Visit Jonahcochin.com to learn more!

Shannon McEldowney (Heidi) is so happy to be back onstage in Chicago after touring North America with Dirty Dancing in Concert and The British Invasion. Other credits: Almost Heaven (Theatre at the Center), Mamma Mia (Drury Lane Oakbrook), TRU (Stage 773), and Disaster (Chicago Theatre Workshop). For Mom, Dad, Dave, and Blaire.

Jared Ritter (u/s Jeff) is delighted to make his PrideArts debut. Recent credits include The Wizard of Oz, Carrie: The Musical, and Guys and Dolls (The Dobbins Conservatory). Musical Theatre BFA from SEMO. I give unwavering love to my colleagues and family, who always give their support. @thatoneguyjared

Casey Coppess (Hunter) is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a four year hiatus. Casey's previous Chicago credits include Steamworks the Musical (The Annoyance Theater), Casa Valentina (PrideArts), and several featured roles in The Golden Girls Lost Episodes (Hell in a Handbag Productions). Casey works as a psychotherapist to support their childhood imaginary friend, Tim, whose tech startup will certainly take off one of these days. Casey would like to thank no one, as they take all the credit for being here today.

Sarah Obert (u/s Heidi) is thrilled to work with PrideArts for the first time! Chicago credits include Brigadoon, Camelot (Music Theatre Works); I Love You(...)Now Change (Oil Lamp); The Sound of Music (Big Noise); Head Over Heels (Calliope). Sarah received her BFA from Millikin University and enjoys teaching voice lessons to a wide variety of students!