A NEW MUSICAL
Out Here
Concept by Leslie Buxbaum, David J. Levin, and Erin McKeown
Book and Lyrics by Leslie Buxbaum
Music and Lyrics by Erin McKeown
Dramaturgy by David J. Levin
Directed by Chay Yew
Apr 10, 2026 — May 10, 2026
TicketsLife happens outside of your comfort zone. Out Here is a courageous new musical, developed through a dynamic collaboration with the University of Chicago. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to be the first to experience this fresh and intimate look at a family reconfiguring itself and rediscovering joy.
Dawn has a house, a husband, and a family, but she wants more. She wants her ex-girlfriend, Robin. She wants nothing to change and she wants everything to change, and she wants to control all the terms. As she’s caught between what’s been and what’s next, Dawn must learn to reimagine her expectations, harmonize with loved ones, and trust the process. If she can do all that, she might just learn a new song. Strikingly original, Out Here explores the unexpected freedom in relinquishing control, and how, sometimes, you have to break something apart to create something better.
Led by acclaimed director Chay Yew, making his Court debut, Out Here arrives as a bold, innovative work that invites Chicago audiences to be among the very first to witness its evolution—bringing the 2025/26 season to a joyous conclusion.
Accessible Performances:
- Touch Tour: Saturday, May 2 at 12:30pm
- Audio Description and ASL Interpretation: Saturday, May 2 at 2:00pm
- Open Captioning: Sunday, May 3 at 2:00pm
Supported by The Charles Newell Production FundGustavo Bamberger and Martha Van Haitsma |
Artistic Team
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Concept, Book, LyricsLeslie Buxbaum
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Concept, Music, Lyrics, OrchestrationsErin McKeown
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Concept, DramaturgyDavid J. Levin
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DirectorChay Yew
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Orchestrations, Music SupervisionChristie Chiles Twillie
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Movement DirectionBreon Arzell
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Co-Scenic DesignerAndrew Boyce
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Co-Scenic DesignerLauren M. Nichols
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Costume DesignerChristine Pascual
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Lighting DesignerLee Fiskness
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Sound DesignerMikhail Fiksel
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Vocal and Dialect ConsultantSammi Grant
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Casting DirectorBecca McCracken, CSA
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Production Stage ManagerKatrina Herrmann
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Assistant Stage ManagerJaclynn Joslin
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Associates: Celeste M. Cooper (Casting)
Cast
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DawnBecca Ayers
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BrianCliff Chamberlain
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CleoEllie Duffey
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RobinBethany Thomas
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JettZ Mowry
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GinaAmanda Pulcini
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MartinAlex Goodrich
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MUSICIANS:
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PercussionMaddi Vogel
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CelloRachel Schuldt
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ViolinRegina Leslie
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GuitarPercy Nesbary III
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Understudies: Lexi Alioto, Michael McCracken, Avery Moss, Danielle Davis
Articles and Interviews
Related Events
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Out Here Public Programs
Complementing the new musical Out Here, we’re presenting a suite of public programs exploring the play, its themes, and its modern relevance. These programs will span the run of this production, providing ample opportunities for engagement.

