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BY MARCO ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ
ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY JUNOT DÍAZ
DIRECTED BY WENDY MATEO

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Feb 21 – Apr 5, 2026 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

“I have heard from a reliable source that no Dominican male has ever died a virgin. I shall be the first.”

Oscar knows that a nerdy Dominican college freshman isn’t anyone’s idea of a romantic hero. But with the encouragement of Yunior, his new roommate, he is determined to give love another chance. As Oscar sets out from New Jersey to Santo Domingo to prove his undeniable hope, can he shake the dark “fukú” that has haunted his family for generations? Junot Díaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel comes to vivid life in this world-premiere stage adaptation—a celebration of risk and the power of perseverance against all odds.

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.

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Creative Artists

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Headshot of Junot Díaz.

Junot Díaz

Author

Headshot of Marco Antonio Rodriguez.

Marco Antonio Rodriguez

Playwright

Wendy Mateo

Director

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, March 13 at 7:30pm

Use code SIGN for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, March 14
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance

Use code AUDIO for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, March 14 at 7:30pm

Use code SPANISH for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, March 15 at 2:00pm

Use code OPEN for $44 ($35 ticket 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.

Ashland Avenue

Sep 6 – Oct 19, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Revolution(s)

Oct 4 – Nov 16, 2025 in Owen Theatre
An older man in Victorian clothing and top hat stands in front of a holiday wreath with the text "Holiday Joy Past, Present, Future" on a snowy background.

A Christmas Carol

Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Holiday

Jan 31 – Mar 1, 2026 in Albert Theatre

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Mar 28 – Apr 26, 2026 in Albert Theatre
Red wax seal with an embossed upside-down cross, partially melted, alongside five small drops of wax on a white background.

Covenant

May 2 – May 31, 2026 in Owen Theatre

Iceboy!

Jun 9 – Jul 19, 2026 in Albert Theatre