Celebrate America’s birthday with a special encore of JULIE & JANE. Local history comes alive in the story of Julia Lathrop and Jane Addams, two women who first met as Rockford schoolgirls and marched forth to transform their world. One performance only in the J.R. Sullivan Theatre in the Nordlof Center downtown (site of the former New American Theater). Tickets are just $10 to see the original cast return for this staged reading on Saturday, July 11 at 7:30. Call the AET box office at (815) 394-5004.
Miss Marple Investigates!
Miss Marple (Susan Gosdick) gets the latest from Caroline Wetherby (Emmarie Wilson).
There is a dead man sprawled across the desk in the Vicarage. All St. Mary Mead is buzzing with rumors but only Miss Jane Marple can unravel the lies surrounding this murder. Don’t miss the world premiere adaptation of Agatha Christie’s very first Miss Marple novel. Now playing through May 24. Box office: (815) 394-5004 or purchase tickets on line at artistsensemble.org/tickets
CONSCIENCE at AET
Now playing through March 29, a no-holds-barred political showdown between the lone woman serving in the Senate, Margaret Chase Smith, and the junior senator from Wisconsin, Senator Joseph McCarthy. They were both Republicans, but Smith put her political career on the line when she took to the floor of the Senate and delivered a stinging rebuke of McCarthyism in a speech she called, “a declaration of conscience.” Don’t miss the fireworks in this play by Joe DiPietro!
Up Next!
The New York Times hailed it as “a political boxing match of a history play” In 1950 Margaret Chase Smith was the only woman in the Senate. A staunch Republican, her values are put to the test when she goes head to head with Senator Joseph McCarthy. Bucking her own party, she takes to the Senate floor to deliver what she calls, “A declaration of conscience.” In this election year, don’t miss CONSCIENCE. opening March 12 at AET.
Coming Next!
Now in rehearsal - Guys on Ice opens AET’s 22nd season on September 4. Here the Guys rehearse a bit of door-eogrpahy from the show. A light-hearted celebration of friendship, ice fishing, and all things Wisconsin! Don’t miss this delightful musical about Lloyd, Marv, and Ernie the Moocher.
Tickets on Sale for 2025-26 Season!
AET’s 22nd season is barreling down the pike! Beginning in September we’ve got a musical, a horror story from Stephen King, political intrigue, and a world premiere adaptation of Agatha Christie! Both Flex Passes (flexibility AND savings!) and tickets for individual shows are now on sale! Click HERE for more information.
Now Playing: ALABAMA STORY
ALABAMA STORY is now playing through April 6. In this smart, funny, timely play, the Alabama State Legislature goes to war with Emily Wheelock Reed, the State Librarian, over a children’s picture book . The Rabbit’s Wedding. The problem? One little bunny is white and the other is black. Based on a true story, this play is a love letter to librarians. Tickets at (815) 394-5004 or purchase HERE.
Utter Nonsense for the Holidays
AET presents Utter Nonsense, a casual pay-what-you-can event just in time for the holidays. Join your favorite AET performers as they share scenes and stories from the pen of Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse (“Plum” to all his friends). Bertie and Jeeves will be there as well as a host of zany characters from this master of wit and wordplay. No tickets, no reservations, just a donation jar. After all, “tis the season to be merry!
Up Next: The Angel Next Door!
Comedic chaos erupts when a group of “theater people” as cranky housekeeper Olga has scornfully labeled them, all gather in Newport for a charity concert. Idealistic novelist Oliver is in love with rising Broadway star Margot. But… does she even know he exists? It seems doubtful when he overhears her in a very intimate conversation with handsome Victor Pratt, a dim-witted matinee idol. All of this spells trouble for married playwrights Charlotte and Arthur, who have just adapted Oliver’s novel for Broadway. Don’t miss the mayhem opening the 21st season on September 5. Call (815) 394-5004 or click HERE for tickets.
Please Be Seated sale on Flex Passes, July 24-31
We’ve got new seating in the Cheek Theatre, thanks to a generous donation from First Folio Theatre. And to celebrate, we’ve got a sale on Flex Passes! Save $25 on the purchase of two season passes (that’s eight tickets) through the end of July. This offer is not available on line. Call the box office: (815) 394-5004. And get ready to pull up a chair for some great theater!