An Original Play By Lydia R. Diamond
Directed By Ron OJ Parson
“Bursts with the joys of life”
– Chicago Tribune
Toni Stone
Jan 28 – Feb 26, 2023 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
Around 2 hours and 30 minutes including one intermission.
Play ball! The sensational true story of the first woman to play professional baseball knocks it out of the park as a can’t-miss theatrical event.
Toni Stone is an encyclopedia of baseball stats. She’s got a great arm. And she doesn’t understand why she can’t play with the boys. Rejected by the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League because of her race, Toni sets out to become the first woman to play in baseball’s Negro Leagues. Challenges on and off the field—from hostile crowds to players who slide spikes-first—only steel her resolve to shatter racist and sexist barriers in the sport she’s loved since childhood. An original play inspired by the book Curveball, The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone by Martha Ackmann, this New York Times Critic’s Pick will have you cheering along.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Toni Stone contains period-specific depictions of race and gender-based situations (which include aggressions, microaggressions, and misogynoir) as well as adult language.
Please Note: Masks are currently recommended, but not required, while in the theater. Policies may change based on prevailing medical guidance. Learn more about Goodman’s current Health and Safety Protocols at GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.
“Her [Toni Stone] soulmate was baseball.” TONI STONE Actress Tracey N. Bonner and Director Ron OJ Parson discuss their love of the game and what it means to bring Toni Stone’s incredible story to life. Must close February 26—get tickets at GoodmanTheatre.org/Toni to experience this production that’s full of “history, herstory and heart” (Newcity).
⚾ Play ball! Lydia R. Diamond’s Toni Stone knocks it out of the park. Directed by Chicagoan of the Year for Theater (Chicago Tribune) Ron OJ Parson, on stage now through February 26.
⚾ Play ball! Lydia R. Diamond’s Toni Stone knocks it out of the park. Directed by Chicagoan of the Year for Theater (Chicago Tribune) Ron OJ Parson, on stage now through February 26.
“People would tell [Toni] no and then she would go and do it 10 times better.” Actress Tracey N. Bonner explains why Toni Stone is such an iconic figure in history.
Tracy N. Bonner in Lydia R. Diamond’s original playToni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Terence Simsand, Tracey N. Bonner, Edgar Miguel Sanchez, Travis A. Knight, Kai A. Ealy, Victor Musoni and Matty Robinson in Lydia R. Diamond’s original play Toni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Tracey N. Bonner and Edgar Miguel Sanchez in Lydia R. Diamond’s original play Toni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Jon Hudson Odom and Tracey N. Bonner in Lydia R. Diamond’s original play Toni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Terence Sims, Kai A. Ealy and Travis A. Knight in Lydia R. Diamond’s original play Toni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Tracey N. Bonner and Chiké Johnson in Lydia R. Diamond’s original play Toni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Travis A. Knight, Terence Sims, Kai A. Ealy, Victor Musoni and Joseph Aaron Johnson in Lydia R.Diamond’s original play Toni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Tracey N. Bonner in Lydia R. Diamond’s original play Toni Stone.
Photo by Liz Lauren
Critical Praise
“Toni Stone at the Goodman hits a grand slam.”
Chicago Reader
“The Goodman’s audience…clearly had a blast”
Chicago Tribune
“This is a story of guts, determination and of reaching up for that which is yours to grab!”
Around the Town Chicago
“mesmerizing, enlightening and thoroughly entertaining”
Chicago Theatre Review
“filled with passion, humor, and a clear-eyed view of what it takes to be the first”
Chicago Reader
“Parson and Diamond figured out how to make their show pop like a zesty playoff”
Chicago Tribune
“grip(s) the audience from the very first moment”
Chicago Theatre Review
“a thoughtful contemplation on identity and dignity.”
Chicago Sun-Times
“Tracey N. Bonner makes one heck of a ball player”
Around the Town Chicago
Audience Feedback
It was a home run for me. So many lessons and laughter in this play.
P. Moris via Facebook
This play is tremendous. HOLY COW! Hilarious and heartbreaking.
Susan P via Email
Loved it… Got standing ovation. Must see.😍👏🔥
@leemickus via Instagram
Great play… well timed , informative and engaging ( and funny ).
David S. via Email
Do yourself a favor and go see this play!
Shari J. via Facebook
Excellent performance!
@Chakena_Perr via Twitter
Artists
Special Events
Post-Show Discussions
Stick around after these performances to discuss the play.
- Thursday February 16 after the 2pm performance
Pre-Show Stories
Thursdays in February (16, 23), 12:30 – 1pm in the Second Floor Lobby
Separate. Unequal? Arrive early and join Goodman storytellers for true stories of separate races and segregated spaces, inspired by the ripple, the wave that carried me home, and Toni Stone.
Join us for any of the following accessible & enhanced performances.
Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.
Learn More About Goodman’s Accessible & Enhanced Performances.
Touch Tour* and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, February 25
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $30 tickets
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, February 24 at 8pm
Use code SIGN for $30 tickets
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, February 26 at 2pm
Use code OPEN for $30 tickets
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, February 25 at 8pm
Use code SPANISH for $30 tickets
The Rest of the 2022/2023 Season
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