BY LEE KIRK
DIRECTED BY SUSAN V. BOOTH
“Susan V. Booth’s incredibly moving production is a treasure.”
– Chicago Theatre Review
Sep 6 – Oct 19, 2025 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
Around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
“You gotta start living your life right now. Because someday you’ll wake up and it’s over.”
Pete’s TV and Video has served Chicagoland for 40+ years, its plucky owner famous for his legendary commercials and customer care. But it’s a new era, and Pete’s last store location is struggling while Sam—his daughter and family business heir apparent—has different dreams. Starring Chicago’s Francis Guinan (The Cherry Orchard) and Emmy Award-nominee Jenna Fischer (The Office), this hilarious and moving new play asks what happens when we step outside of our parents’ footsteps to follow our heart?
This production contains mature themes including drug abuse and addiction and strong language. For a detailed breakdown of Ashland Avenue’s content warnings, including timing of where they appear in the show, email access@goodmantheatre.org. We also have brief show summaries available through that email address. Please allow up to three business days for a response. Hard copies of the expanded content guide and show summaries are also available at our front desk.
Pre-show programming, unique performances, and related programming.
Friday, September 26 at 6pm
Part of The Goodman’s CONTEXT series, Channeling Our Stories invites you to experience live, intergenerational storytelling that explores the moments that shape who we are and how we let go.
Saturday, September 27 at 6pm
Savor the iconic flavors of Rainbow Cone while hearing stories of resilience from our cities’ precious and authentic assets.
CRITICAL PRAISE
“FISCHER COMES WITH THE DEADPAN SENSE OF HUMOR HER LEGIONS OF FANS ADMIRE.”
–Chicago Tribune
“POIGNANT AND LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY.”
–Daily Herald
“ASHLAND AVENUE OFFERS NOSTALGIC WARMTH.”
–Chicago Reader
“FRANCIS GUINAN SHOWS WHY HE IS ONE OF CHICAGO’S FINEST AND MOST RESPECTED ACTORS.”
–WGNRadio.com
“CHIKÉ JOHNSON IS FANTASTIC AND FUNNY.”
–Chicago Theatre Review
“A WARM AND WELCOMING PLAY, AND THE GOODMAN’S CAST BRINGS IT VIVIDLY TO LIFE.”
–BroadwayWorld
AUDIENCE REACTIONS
“AMAZING SHOW! SLOW BUILD THEN REALLY PACKS A PUNCH. (AND THE WRITING AND THE PERFORMANCE FELT TRUE TO CHICAGO!) A MUST SEE!”
@thecuriousone7 via Instagram
“IT WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE. LOVE THE ENDING.”
Bob S. via Facebook
“WONDERFUL STORY, HUMOROUS AND HEARTWARMING. INTERESTING CHARACTERS, REALISTIC DIALOGUE, FABULOUS SET.”
Mary B. via Email
“AWESOME PLAY & OUTSTANDING CAST; VERY THOUGHT-PROVOKING. THIS ONE WILL STAY WITH ME FOR A WHILE.”
Ron F. via Facebook
“I ADMIT, I CAME TO SEE JENNA FISCHER. I AM NOW FANS OF FRANCIS GUINAN AND CHIKÉ JOHNSON.”
Jane D. via Email
“A GREAT WAY TO OPEN THE NEW SEASON! WE ENJOYED ANOTHER FINE GOODMAN PRODUCTION!”
Daniel W. via Facebook
Questions? Please contact (312) 443-3800 for voice, or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org. Visit our Accessibility Overview page for full details.
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, September 26 at 7:30pm
Use code SIGN for $44 tickets ($35 tickets plus $9 handling fee)
Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, September 27
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $44 ($35 tickets plus $9 handling fee)
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, September 27 at 7:30pm
Use code SPANISH for $44 ($35 tickets plus $9 handling fee)
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, September 28 at 2:00pm
Use code OPEN for $44 tickets ($35 tickets plus $9 handling fee)
For a century, the Goodman has been more than a theater—it’s been the heartbeat of Chicago. Where stories come alive and move us to dream bigger and feel deeper. Here, art doesn’t just entertain you—it awakens. This is The Goodman—where humanity takes center stage. Join us for the Centennial 25/26 Season.
SPONSORS
CENTENNIAL SEASON SPONSORS
Susan and James Annable
Roger and Julie Baskes
Joan and Robert Clifford
Patricia Cox
Julie M. Danis and Paul F. Donahue
Christopher C. Dewey
Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelly
Paul Dykstra and Spark Cremin
Albert and Maria Goodman
The Kenneth Sawyer Goodman Family
Elaine R. Leavenworth
Carol Prins and John Hart
Alice and John Sabl
Kimbra and Mark Walter
25/26 Individual Season Sponsors
Marsha Cruzan and Tom McGinnis
Drs. Robert and Frances Del Boca
David and Alexandra Fox
Diane Landgren
Lorrayne and Steven Weiss
Impact Sponsors
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Kathy and Joe Horvath
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Steffen
Producers Circle Sponsors
Melinda McMullen and Duncan Kime
Directors Society
Kathleen and James Cowie
Denise Michelle Gamble
Catherine Mouly and LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
Nancy and Michael Timmers
Education and Engagement Sponsors
NEW WORK SPONSORS
Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee New Works Fund
Major Support of New Play Development
Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation
Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust
Major Support of New Work
Patricia Cox
Elizabeth Raymond and Paul Hybel
Shaw Family Supporting Organization
New Work Season Sponsors
Anne Van Wart and Michael Keable
New Work Collaborator Sponsors