By August Wilson
Directed by Chuck Smith
“A big, richly acted revival.”
– Chicago Sun-Times
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Apr 13 – May 19, 2024 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission
Extended by Popular Demand
A journey of self-discovery leads to salvation in this major revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winner’s masterwork.
On the heels of Gem of the Ocean (2022), expert August Wilson interpreter Chuck Smith revives the second work in the famed American Century Cycle—one of Wilson’s best-loved, most compelling plays. Herald Loomis searches the country with his young daughter to find his estranged wife. But first, he must regain a sense of his own heritage and identity in this story of spiritual and emotional resurrection.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is recommended for ages 14+
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone contains themes of racism, discussions of slavery, blood and use of the N-word.
Harold Loomis is searching for his wife in this exclusive scene from Goodman Theatre’s production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. On stage through May 19.
“It’s funny, moving, thought-provoking and it’s familiar.” Watch audience reactions for the play The Chicago Reader calls “a masterpiece.”
Watch the official montage of this major revival. Now extended through May 19!
In this lightning round interview, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone director Chuck Smith discusses his favorite August Wilson memory, artistic inspiration and his famous bucket hats.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
Director Chuck Smith describes how the universal themes of transition and journeys impact each character within Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and what makes August Wilson’s work so timeless.
FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SUSAN V. BOOTH
“I think we have an incumbent responsibility to respect and honor the elders in our field. And for the Goodman, as the first theater in the world to have produced all 10 plays of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, it’s an honor and a privilege to revisit these stories in their historically chronological order. It’s easy to forget, amidst the sheer force of his poetry, that August Wilson was also telling the century-long story of the Black American journey in our vividly complex country. To mind, there is no one better than Chuck Smith—whose acclaimed productions over two decades have cemented his expertise—to breathe new life in these works for our current moment.” –SVB
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Recommended Reads
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
“Powerful. Aggressively genuine. Spectacular.”
Ann H. via Email
“I enjoyed every second of it! The rich storytelling, powerful performances, and profound themes left me captivated from start to finish.
@charles_mombo via Instagram
“What a phenomenal play to experience. Out of August Wilson’s 10 plays this one is by far my favorite. I encourage everyone to witness this masterpiece.”
Archie S. via Facebook
“Chuck Smith’s direction is masterful, the cast is superb, and the show itself is fantastic. So glad I got the chance to see this show!
Jim K. via Facebook
“I love the August Wilson plays when they’re performed here.”
@thelifelongreboot via Instagram
“The set was truly exceptional in this play.”
Lisa A. via Email
CRITICAL PRAISE
⭐⭐⭐⭐(out of 4) “Especially resonant.”
Chicago Tribune
“Richly acted by Goodman Theatre’s all-Chicago cast.”
Chicago Sun-Times
“A master class on the power of ensemble.”
The Chicago Reader
“Directed to perfection by Chuck Smith.”
Around the Town Chicago
“This exceptional production would’ve made the late August Wilson very proud.”
Chicago Theatre Review
“A collection of performances both convincing and evocative.”
Chicago Sun-Times
Artists
Join us for any of the following accessible & enhanced performances.
Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.
Learn More About Goodman’s Accessible & Enhanced Performances.
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, May 10 at 7:30pm
Use code SIGN for $30 tickets
Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, May 11
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $30 tickets
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, May 11 at 7:30pm
Use code SPANISH for $30 tickets
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, May 12 at 2:00pm
Use code OPEN for $30 tickets
The Rest of the 2023/2024 Season
Experience heart-pounding spectacle next door to a laugh-out-loud debutante ball. A fresh take on a centuries-old tale and a modern true story with a thrilling twist. From a hilarious new musical to a major revival, you’ll find familiar and new voices in Artistic Director Susan V. Booth’s first Goodman season—plays that celebrate the mess and magic of us all.
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