Bust

Apr 20 – May 18, 2025 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

Around 2 hours including one 15 minute intermission

It’s not only hell that breaks loose in this ground-breaking, form-defying, laugh-out-loud new drama from Pulitzer-Prize finalist playwright Zora Howard.

Retta and Reggie are enjoying a quiet evening on the porch when their neighbor is pulled over by the police. Everything goes as you might expect—until the unexpected happens. A recording of the event goes viral, sending everyone into a frenzy in this riotous, “daring and experimental” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) new play that explores where we can go when pushed to the limits of our rage.

Produced in association with Alliance Theatre

Produced in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, Khaliah Neal and Thomas Swayne

Recommended for ages 14+

BUST deals with systemic racism and police brutality; contains profanity and the N-word spoken by White and Black characters; and depicts alcohol and marijuana use. Strobe lights are used during the performance.

The scene from BUST will leave you on the edge of your seat.

“It took me to another world.” On stage through May 18 only—find out why audiences are saying that BUST is “completely and utterly enthralling.”

“Laughter can create a way of opening our hearts in unexpected ways.” BUST playwright Zora Howard and director Lileana Blain-Cruz discuss their collaboration and how this new play will inspire audiences.

Get a glimpse at Zora Howard’s BUST—a Riotous “Daring and Experimental New Play” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) on stage at the Goodman starting April 19.

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.

BUST production photo by Hugo Hentoff

Critical Praise

“AN ACCOMPLISHED NEW PLAY.” ZORA HOWARD IS A “GIFTED WRITER.”

Chicago Tribune

“ELECTRIFYING.” “A MUST-SEE.”

The Times Weekly

“HYSTERICALLY FUNNY AND POIGNANTLY DEEP, YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS SHOW.”

Entertaining Chicago

“GORGEOUS” AND “COMPELLING.”

Chicago Reader

“LILEANA BLAIN-CRUZ’S DIRECTION IS SHARP AND SNAPPY.”

Daily Herald

“BUST BURSTS WITH BIG IDEAS RENDERED WITH SHARP PERFORMANCES.”

Chicago Reader

Creative Artists

Choose someone to see their bio and past Goodman productions.

Zora Howard

Playwright

Lileana Blain-Cruz

Director

Mark Bedard

Tomlin / Jack

Cecil Blutcher

Trent

Caroline Clay

Retta

Bernard Gilbert

Zeke

Caitlin Hargraves

Ms. Pinto / Newscaster

Jorge Luna

Ramirez

Victoria Omoregie

Paige

Keith Randolph Smith

Mr. Woods

Raymond Anthony Thomas

Reggie

Ivan Cecil Walks

Boobie

Renika Williams-Blutcher

Krystal

Jodi Gage

Understudy Ms. Pinto / Understudy Newscaster

Cory Hardin

Understudy Tomlin / Understudy Jack

Gabrielle Lott-Rogers

Understudy Retta

Vernon Mina

Understudy Ramirez

Patrick Newson Jr.

Understudy Trent / Understudy Zeke / Understudy Boobie

Joseph Primes

Understudy Mr. Woods / Understudy Reggie / Understudy

Jazzy Rush

Understudy Krystal / Understudy Paige

Jody Feldman

Casting

Lena Romano

2nd Line Producer

Malkia Stampley

Associate Director and Line Producer

Raquel Torre

Assistant Director

Jonah Bobilin

Associate Lighting Designer

A woman with curly light brown hair, wearing a green zip-up shirt, stands outside in sunlight, smiling at the camera.

Emily Hayman

Assistant Sound Designer

Dominique Fawn Hill

Costume Designer

Rocío Mendez

Fight Choreography

DJ Reborn

Sonic Dramaturg

Matthew Saunders

Set Designer

Jacqueline Springfield

Voice and Dialect Coach

Mikaal Sulaiman

Sound Designer

Levi J. Wilkins

Assistant Lighting Designer

Yi Zhao

Lighting Designer

Lawrence Jacquan

Stage Management Apprentice

Duncan McMillan

Assistant Stage Manager

Shiku Thuo

Stage Manager

Allison Vogelmeier

Albert Floor Manager

Jojo Wallenberg

Owen Floor Manager

Special Events

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

BUST Black Affinity Night

Friday, May 9 at 6pm

Join us in celebrating Black excellence! In collaboration with Zora Howard’s BUST, we are excited to invite local Chicago creatives to an evening of connection and celebration.

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BUST College Night

Wednesday, April 23 at 6pm

For less than the price of a movie ticket, college students are invited to experience BUST—along with a pre-show reception including all-you-can-eat pizza, soda and a discussion with a member of Goodman’s Artistic Team!

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Beyond Boundaries: Art and the World(s) We Imagine

Friday, April 25 at 6pm

Join us for an uplifting evening with the renowned artist and activist Tonika Johnson, as she explores her artistic journey and insights on her remarkable career. In alignment with the themes of Zora Howard’s BUST, Tonika has devoted her life to harnessing the transformative power of art as a catalyst for social change.

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Divine 9 Night: BUST

Saturday, April 26 at 6pm

Join us as we celebrate the dynamic culture and legacy of the Black Greek Letter Organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, collectively known as The Divine 9.

SOLD OUT!