Ashland Avenue

Sep 6 – Oct 19, 2025 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

Around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission

EXTENDED A SECOND TIME THROUGH OCTOBER 19!

“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?

Recommended for ages 14+

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.

The Ashland Avenue cast takes the ultimate Chicago quiz—must close October 19!

Mike Ditka, Harry Caray, Jordan and…Pete. Sam (Jenna Fischer) gives her dad, Pete a much-needed reminder that he’s an important part of Chicago’s History.

Mike (Chiké Johnson) spills the beans in this scene from Ashland Avenue “a marvelously crafted piece of theatre” (Splash Magazine).

“Every cast member in this play did an amazing job.” Hear what audiences are saying about Ashland Avenue.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Ashland Avenue starring Jenna Fischer (The Office) and Francis Guinan (The Cherry Orchard) and a powerhouse ensemble of actors.

The cast of Ashland Avenue explore why they’re excited to be working on this play that promises to be “a great night out.”

Lee Kirk’s Ashland Avenue is a “deeply personal ode to Chicago.” On stage starting September 6!

Ashland Avenue playwright, Lee Kirk, and Emmy-nominated actress Jenna Fischer (The Office) talk about why they’re excited to kick off our Centennial 25/26 Season with this world premiere play. Priority tickets available now!

Buy Tickets

Group Tickets: Now available for 10+, email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for information on select discounted rates and perks.

Questions? Need help? Contact the box office at (312) 443-3800, 12noon – 5pm, daily.

(L-R) Jenna Fischer. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

(L-R) Jenna Fischer, Francis Guinan and Chiké Johnson. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

(L-R) Cordelia Dewdney, Francis Guinan. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

(L-R) Jenna Fischer, Chiké Johnson. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

(L-R) Francis Guinan and Will Allan. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

Creative Artists

Choose someone to see their bio and past Goodman productions.

Lee Kirk

Playwright

Susan V. Booth

Director

Will Allan

Young Man

Cordelia Dewdney

Jess

Jenna Fischer

Sam

Francis Guinan

Pete

Chiké Johnson

Mike

Daniel Ajak

Understudy Mike

Adam Benjamin

Understudy Young Man

Neil Friedman

Understudy Pete

Maura Kidwell

Understudy Sam

Hannah Ruwe

Understudy Jess

Lauren Port

Casting Director

Lena Romano

Line Producer

A woman with short curly hair, wearing a patterned red scarf and gray sweater, looks at the camera and smiles softly. The background is softly blurred.

Malkia Stampley

Line Producer

Emma Berry

Assistant Lighting Designer

Stan Brown

Voice and Dialect Coach

Michael Cotey

Assistant Director

Chuck Coyl

Fight and Violence

Kevin Depinet

Set Designer

Lindsay Jones

Original Music and Sound Design

Becca Kaufman

Featured Vocalist

Jason Lynch

Lighting Designer

Jessica Pabst

Costume Designer

Aaron Woodstein

Assistant Sound Designer

Clara Zucker

Dramaturg

Nikki Blue

Production Stage Manager

Jennifer Gregory

Stage Manager

Hope X. Still

Stage Management Apprentice

Lauren Westfahl

Script Supervisor / Production Assistant

Lexie Wiley

Albert Floor Manager

SPECIAL EVENTS

Pre-show programming, unique performances, and related programming.

A woman with glasses holds a life-size cardboard cutout of an older man wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a colorful polka dot tie.

Channeling Our Stories: A CONTEXT event

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.

LEARN MORE

Chicago Legacy Business Ice Cream Social

Saturday, September 27 at 6pm

Savor the iconic flavors of Rainbow Cone while hearing stories of resilience from our cities’ precious and authentic assets.

LEARN MORE

Recommended Reads

A group of older women sit closely together in an audience, appearing engaged and attentive, with one woman clasping her hands and wearing glasses.

The People of the Goodman: Suki Dewey

Posted: September 16, 2025

Hear from Suki Dewey, granddaughter of Kenneth Sawyer Goodman—the visionary playwright whose dream led to the founding of Goodman Theatre in 1925

Two people wearing glasses and casual clothing stand side by side, smiling in front of a dark blue curtain.

From the Playwright

Posted: September 17, 2025

A message from the playwright Lee Kirk on his inspiration for “Ashland Avenue”.

A man with a beard and afro hair wearing a maroon hoodie and a brown blazer is smiling and looking slightly to the side.

Why “Ashland Avenue”?

Posted: September 17, 2025

Learn about why “Ashland Avenue” was chosen for the start of The Goodman’s Centennial Season.

Two adults in formal attire stand indoors, smiling and laughing together in a dimly lit setting.

Welcome to the Centennial Season

Posted: September 17, 2025

The Goodman is turning 100—and you are at the very center of this celebration.

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

Accessible & Enhanced Performances

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)

OUR CENTENNIAL 2025/2026 Season

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.