Written by Christina Anderson
Directed by Niegel Smith

Streaming On Demand March 15 - 28, 2021

“Mesmerizing and deeply moving” –The Root

A young writer’s life turns upside down when her girlfriend drops some unexpected news. Fifty years later, four artists feel the reverberations of that moment—and its unexpected consequences—as their lives intersect in pursuit of creative passion and legacy. In this bold, imaginative work, Christina Anderson, “a gifted playwright you want to pay attention to” (Variety), dissects the universal act of creation to inspire the dreamers and idealists in us all.

This production is no longer streaming.

Read Content Advisory Info
  • How To Catch Creation contains profanity and adult themes and is intended for mature audiences.
 
  • Encore

    How To Catch Creation is part of our Encore streaming series.

    Captured during its world premiere presentation during 2019 on our Albert Theatre stage, we’re thrilled to offer this stream FREE to Chicago audiences and beyond. Learn More >>

Original Trailer for How To Catch Creation.

Director Niegel Smith on How To Catch Creation

"Rolling Out" at How To Catch Creation Opening Night

Playwright Christina Anderson on How To Catch Creation

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

Original Trailer for How To Catch Creation.

Director Niegel Smith on How To Catch Creation

"Rolling Out" at How To Catch Creation Opening Night

Playwright Christina Anderson on How To Catch Creation

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

How To Catch Creation (2019). Photo by Liz Lauren.

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In addition to programs like Encore, we will have more streaming content available this year. Please consider making a gift to support our streaming efforts.

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Contact the box office at 312.443.3800 (11am - 4pm, daily)

Critical Praise

  • "Lightning caught in a bottle... an absolute triumph."

    - Chicago Reader

  • "A moving portrait of people building their life stories"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

  • "Magnificent in scope...deeply relatable"

    - The Root

  • "Introspective and ingeniously crafted"

    - Daily Herald

  • "Packed with smart writing, great acting and beautiful design"

    - Splash

  • A "sterling world-premiere production"

    - Daily Herald

  • "Polished to a sheen of warmth and wit by director Niegel Smith"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

Artists

By CHRISTINA ANDERSON, Directed by NIEGEL SMITH

Cast

KAREN ALDRIDGE - Tami
AYANNA BRIA BAKARI - Natalie
JASMINE BRACEY - G. K. Marche
BERNARD GILBERT - Stokes
MAYA VINICE PRENTISS - Riley
KEITH RANDOLPH SMITH - Griffin

Creative Team and Crew

TODD ROSENTHAL - Set Design
JENNY MANNIS - Costume Design
ALLEN LEE HUGHES - Lighting Design
JOANNA LYNNE STAUB - Sound Design
JUSTIN ELLINGTON - Composer
ADAM BELCUORE - Casting
JONATHAN L. GREEN - Dramaturg
BRIANA J. FAHEY - Production Stage Manager
KIMBERLY ANN MCCAIN - Stage Manager

GeNarrations
  • Stories of Creation

    GeNarrations: Stories of Creation

    During their winter 2019 session, as How To Catch Creation came to life on the Albert stage, participants in GeNarrations—our year-round storytelling performance workshop for adults 55 and older—wrote and performed their own “Stories of Creation.” As we revisit Christina Anderson’s visionary work, we are delighted to share three of these stories with you as well. Learn more about GeNarrations >>

 

Recommended Reads
  • Image Alt Text

    Playwright Christina Anderson ponders love, loss, hope and inspiration in How To Catch Creation

    ONSTAGE | January 9, 2019

    The present,” wrote author and folklorist, Zora Neale Hurston, “was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.” Witness Christina Anderson’s How To Catch Creation—with its overlapping time frames and intersecting lives—and that metaphoric musing makes all the sense in the world.

    Read More

  • Image Alt Text

    Niegel Smith fuels his passion for theater with works that speak volumes

    CHICAGO SUN-TIMES | February 7, 2019

    Niegel Smith just might have the Midas touch when it comes to theater. The award-winning director is basking in the glow of two critically acclaimed Chicago productions: last year’s epic Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) by Suzan-Lori Parks, and the currently-playing How To Catch Creation by Christina Anderson, both at the Goodman Theatre.

    Read More

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