Fat Ham

Jan 11 - Mar 9, 2025 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

Around 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

**Please note, Fat Ham is sold out! Tickets may be returned last minute—call the box office at 312.443.3800 (12noon – 5pm) for the most up-to-date availability.**

A boisterous Southern cookout sets the scene for a Black, queer discovery of self and resilience in this Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony nominated “uproarious reimagining of Hamlet” (The New Yorker).

“This is what I was raised in: pig guts and bad choices.” As Juicy grapples with his identity and his family at a backyard barbecue, his father’s ghost shows up asking for revenge—on Juicy’s uncle, who has married his widowed mom—bringing his quest for joy and liberation to a screeching halt. James Ijames has reinvented Shakespeare’s masterpiece, creating what the New York Times hails as “a hilarious yet profound tragedy, smothered in comedy,” where the only death is the patriarchy. Tyrone Phillips, Founding Artistic Director of Chicago’s famed Definition Theatre, directs.

A co-production with

Join us at special events for Fat Ham including affinity nights, artist discussions and more!

Recommended for ages 14+

Fat Ham is recommended for ages 14+. It contains discussions of pornography, sex and violence; profanity; and the N-word (spoken by characters of color).

Anji White (TEDRA) and Ronald L. Conner (REV/PAP) kiss and make up in this electric scene from Fat Ham. On stage through March 9 only, don’t miss your chance to experience this high-energy production audiences and critics alike are loving.

E. Faye Butler (RABBY) gives her children some sage life advice – human resources! – in this hilarious clip from Fat Ham, a “funny, intelligent and bold” (Rolling Out) production that’s been extended by popular demand for a second time.

“I would recommend it to anyone.” Audiences like you are loving Fat Ham. On stage through March 9, don’t miss this production that “deliciously reinvents a Shakespeare classic” (Chicago Sun-Times).

“This ensemble is beautiful, and I love them dearly.” The cast of Fat Ham reflects on collaborating to bring the joyful spirit of cookout season to Chicago this winter. On stage through March 2 only!

Our rousing co-production with Definition Theatre is “an excellent must-see” according to audiences like you! Don’t miss your chance to experience this five-time Tony winning play.

Director Tyrone Phillips explains why Fat Ham—our co-production with Definition Theatre—is a “must see.” On stage starting January 11!

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.

For Theater of the Mind: Performance buyouts are available for groups (16 or more). Groups save $10 on tickets as well as waived service fees email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for availability.

(L-R) Patrick Fries and Tyrone Phillips. Photo by Cody Nieset.

Trumane Alston. Photo by Cody Nieset.

(L-R) Ronald L. Conner and Trumane Alston. Photo by Cody Nieset.

(L-R) Anji White and Trumane Alston. Photo by Cody Nieset.

Meet the wonderful cast of Fat Ham! Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Special Events

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

A jewel-encrusted crown adorns a skull sitting on a table littered with red Solo cups and barbecued meats.

Fat Ham Pride Night Out

Tuesday, January 14 at 6pm

Join us at the Goodman for our second Pride Night Out! You’re all invited to the cookout to celebrate and show support for the LGBTQ+ community. We’ll be heading south, so prepare for a fantastic night of fun and celebration.

SOLD OUT!

Play On Words: Conversation with the Poet Jyreika Guest

Wednesday, January 15 at 6pm

Join us for an inspiring evening with the multi-talented artist Jyreika Guest for Play On Words: Conversation with the Poet. Dive into the world of poetry and storytelling as Jyreika shares her unique voice and creative journey.

LEARN MORE

Scene Night: Fat Ham

Thursday, January 23 at 6pm

Join Goodman Theatre’s Scenemakers Board for an evening of networking and mingling with other Chicago young professionals as you support this Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony nominated “uproarious reimagining of Hamlet” (The New Yorker).

LEARN MORE

Drinks and Discussion: Conversation with Definition Theatre

Friday, January 24 at 6pm

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring the talented Black creatives behind the groundbreaking production of Fat Ham. This event will explore the unique experiences and perspectives of Black queer artists as they bring this powerful story to life.

LEARN MORE

College Night! January 29 Only 410 for College Students!

Fat Ham College Night

Wednesday, January 29 at 6pm

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

SOLD OUT!

Fat Ham Black Affinity Night

Friday, February 7 at 6pm

You Are Invited to the Cookout! Celebrate the richness of Black culture and community with us at a special pre-show reception and conversation, followed by the 7:30 PM performance of Fat Ham, a modern and powerful reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet set in the American South.

SOLD OUT!

All the World’s a Stage: Finding Your Voice in Shakespeare

Saturday, February 15 at 12pm

Is that script feeling a bit…dated? Join Tyrone Phillips, director of Fat Ham and founding Artistic Director of Definition Theatre, for an immersive exploration of what it means to perform Shakespeare and classical texts in the modern day.

LEARN MORE

Definition Innovator: Fat Ham Vendor Pop-up

Each Saturday in February

Celebrate Black History Month with us at the Goodman Theatre as we honor the creativity and innovation of Black entrepreneurs and artists. The Definition Innovator Pop-Up Vendor Fair is your chance to explore a vibrant marketplace featuring unique products, services, and artworks from talented Black vendors.

LEARN MORE

Critical Praise

“AN IMPORTANT AMERICAN PLAY THAT WILL LAST THE TEST OF TIME.”

Chicago Tribune

“A GREAT DEAL OF FUN.”

Chicago Tribune

“ROBUSTLY ENTERTAINING.”

Chicago Sun-Times

“FUNNY, INTELLIGENT AND BOLD.”

Rolling Out

“SMART, SPIRITED, SUPERBLY ACTED.”

Daily Herald

“DIRECTOR TYRONE PHILLIPS HAS CREATED A ROLLICKING AND RAUCOUS PRODUCTION.”

Windy City Times

Audience Praise

“ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIES I’VE SEEN.”

Judith G. via Email

“FABULOUS, FUN, AND FEEL GOOD.”

@lauragzimm via Instagram

“BRILLIANT AND SPECTACULARLY ENTERTAINING!!!”

Sha R. via Facebook

“HIGH ENERGY AND ENTERTAINING PERFORMANCES! WELL WORTH SEEING.”

Claudia C. B. via Facebook

“WE ARE SHAKESPEAREAN FANS AND THIS PLAY EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS IN EVERY WAY.”

Meg C. via Email

“SO GOOD!!!”

@claudiaquesada1 via Instagram

ARTISTS

James Ijames

Playwright

Tyrone Phillips

Director

Trumane Alston

Juicy

Sheldon D. Brown

Larry

E. Faye Butler

Rabby

Ronald L. Conner

Rev / Pap

Victor Musoni

Tio

Joseph Primes

Understudy Rev / Understudy Pap

Ireon Roach

Opal

Anji White

Tedra

Blake Hamilton Currie

Understudy Larry / Understudy Tio

Marquise De’Jahn

Understudy Juicy

TayLar

Understudy Tedra / Understudy Rabby

Jazzy Rush

Understudy Opal

Jos N. Banks

Costume Designer

Benjamin Barnes

Illusion Consultant

Adam Belcuore

2nd Line Producer

Jared Bellot

Dramaturg

Tor Campbell

Assistant Director

Gaby Labotka

Fight and Intimacy

Lauren Port

Casting

Maya Vinice Prentiss

Voice and Speech Coach

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

Christian Valentino

Drag Consultant

Grecia Bahena

Stage Management Intern

Kyle Anthony Cortés

Assistant Sound Designer

Patrick Fries

Production Stage Manager

Lawrence Jacquan

Stage Management Apprentice

Willow James

Sound Designer

Jason Lynch

Lighting Designer

Arnel Sancianco

Set Designer

Jojo Wallenberg

Floor Manager

Definition Theatre

Study Guides

Read the Study Guide for Fat Ham in English.

READ NOW

Lea la guía de estudio de Fat Ham en español.

LEER AHORA

Accessible & Enhanced Performances

Questions? Please contact (312) 443-3800 for voice or (312) 443-3829 for TTY/TDD, or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org. Visit our Accessibility Overview page for full details.

American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, January 31 at 7:30pm
Saturday, March 8 at 7:30pm

Use code SIGN for $30 tickets

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, February 1
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance

Friday, February 28

Use code AUDIO for $30 tickets

Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, February 1 at 7:30pm

Use code SPANISH for $30 tickets

Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, February 2 at 2:00pm

Use code OPEN for $30 tickets

The Rest of the 2024/2025 Season

From heartfelt, critically acclaimed dramas to award-winning narratives of exploration, our 24/25 Season is your place for great theater.

Inherit the Wind

Sep 14 – Oct 20, 2024 in Albert Theatre

Primary Trust

Oct 5 – Nov 3, 2024 in Owen Theatre

Betrayal

Feb 8 – Mar 30, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Bust

Apr 20 – May 18, 2025 in Albert Theatre

A teddy bear, its fur patchy from years of affection, sits inside a brightly lit glass vitrine as if on display at a museum.

The Antiquities

May 3 – Jun 1, 2025 in Owen Theatre

The Color Purple

Jun 21 – Aug 3, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Fat Ham

Please note, Fat Ham is sold out! Tickets may be returned last minute—call the box office at 312.443.3800 (12noon – 5pm) for the most up-to-date availability.

Special Events

Fat Ham Pride Night Out

Play On Words: Conversation with the Poet Jyreika Guest

Scene Night: Fat Ham

Drinks and Discussion: Conversation with Definition Theatre

Fat Ham College Night

Fat Ham Black Affinity Night

All the World’s a Stage: Finding Your Voice in Shakespeare

Definition Innovator: Fat Ham Vendor Pop-up

Critical Praise

Audience Praise

Study Guides

Accessible & Enhanced Performances

The Rest of the 2024/2025 Season

Inherit the Wind

Primary Trust

Betrayal

Bust

The Antiquities

The Color Purple

Sponsors

**Please note, Fat Ham is sold out! Tickets may be returned last minute—call the box office at 312.443.3800 (12noon – 5pm) for the most up-to-date availability.**