Nick Bowling ~ + Director

William Finn Music, Lyrics, and Book

James Lapine Book

William Carlos Angulo Movement Director

Otto Vogel Music Director, Conductor

Cast

Stephen Schellhardt * Marvin

Jack Ball * Whizzer

Sarah Bockel * Trina

Charlie Long Jason

Eli Vander Griend Jason (alternating)

Jackson Evans * Mendel

Sharriese Hamilton * Dr. Charlotte

Elizabeth Stenholt Cordelia

Production Team

Maggie Fullilove-Nugent Lighting Designer
Batsmoke Entertainment Roller Skating Instruction
Amanda Blanco Floor Manager
Deborah Blumenthal Production Dramaturg
Alek Boggio Percussion
Emily Brown Assistant Lighting Supervisor
Christine Burquest A2
Eva Butcher Bassoon
Harper Caruso Synthesizer
Sophie Creutz Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax
Josiah Croegaert Lighting Designer
Maddie Curtin Young Performer Supervisor
Lucy Elkin Assistant Costume Designer
Stephanie Farina Sound Designer
Sammi Grant Vocal and Dialect Consultant
Theresa Ham # Costume Designer
Katrina Herrmann * Assistant Stage Manager
Lauren M. Nichols Associate Scenic Designer
Kate Ocker * Production Stage Manager
Sarah Ramos Sound Designer
Arnel Sancianco # Scenic Designer
Molly Sharfstein Assistant Dramaturg
Myesha-Tiara Assistant Director
Sebastian Van Horn Wardrobe Technician/Deck Crew
Sheryl Williams Culture and Consent Consultant

Understudies

Jodi Gage Trina

Dan Gold Marvin/Dance Captain

Natalie Renee Savoy Cordelia, Dr. Charlotte

Sam Shankman Mendel

Josh Pablo Szabo Whizzer

Features

Windy City Times

November 1, 2024

[Director Nick] Bowling says Falsettos overlaps the missions of both companies. For TimeLine, there’s the historical cultural moments depicted in the musical. And Bowling adds that with Falsettos, Court Theatre is exploring “the classic gay canon” of theater literature that treats the gay protagonist “as a leading man who is incredibly flawed.” It’s a contrast to gay men typically being depicted as a token comic sidekick or traumatized victim in most mainstream media during the 1980s and ’90s.

—Scott Morgan

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Windy City Times

November 9, 2024

What I love about Falsettos is that it is a queer story. It’s Marvin’s story, so it’s queer. But at the end of the day, it really is about family. I think it is about issues that, no matter how you identify, you can relate to. That’s what makes it feel so rare.

—Brian Kirst

Read the full review

Reviews

Chicago Tribune

November 18, 2024

“★★★★…better than the 2016 Broadway revival…This is a very special show, one of the best Chicago productions of the year”

—Chris Jones

Chicago Sun-Times

November 18, 2024

“★★★★…as witty and impressively sophisticated as ever—a deeply meaningful reflection on what our world is like today…a superlative set of performances”

—Steven Oxman

WGN's Behind the Curtain

November 17, 2024

“The casting is nothing short of sheer perfection…Falsettos is exactly what theater should be…unforgettable. Don’t miss it!”

—Paul Lisnek

Newcity Stage

November 22, 2024

“Electrifying…[Bowling] directs and brings nuanced emotions, color and velocity to this heart-raising and heartbreaking coming-out and coming-of-age story….The cast is universally superb and delivers intimacy, emotional truths and comedy…Falsettos is an important reminder of the power of love. It’s the perfect lesson at this imperfect time.”

—Sara Stern

Chicago Reader

November 19, 2024

“With music direction by recent Northwestern graduate Otto Vogel and movement direction by William Carlos Angulo, Bowling’s cast hits the right notes in this oddball of a tearjerker.”

—Emily McClanathan

Around the Town Chicago

November 16, 2024

“The direction by Nick Bowling is flawless and the cast could not be any better…I will tell you that this is probably one of the best productions of the year and there are a great number of solid productions at our area theaters for the holiday season.”

—Alan Breslof

PicksInSix

November 18, 2024

“One of the most enjoyable, heartfelt and moving productions you will ever see…For those of us who lived through this period, [Court and] TimeLine’s Falsettos is a moving tribute to the memory of all who passed and renews our commitment to those whose lives have been immeasurably changed. For everyone else, it serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing our relationships and instills in us a better understanding of the universal power of love, kindness and acceptance.”

—Ed Tracy

Buzz Center Stage

November 17, 2024

“Director Nick Bowling and music director Otto Vogel present a faithful, high-end revival that will delight fans…The cast rises to the occasion wonderfully”

—John Accrocco

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews

November 16, 2024

“It skillfully navigates the intricacies of love’s complexities, leaving a lasting impression. The characters’ struggles and triumphs make it a memorable and thought-provoking musical experience.”

—Rick McCain

Talkin' Broadway

November 18, 2024

“The cast here is truly something special, and Bowling, Vogel, and Angulo bring out the best in them.”

—Christine Malcom