Theater

Don’t call it a comeback: ‘Holiday’ helmer, Chicago mainstay Robert Falls never left

Posted January 21, 2026 1:56 pm

Barbara Vitello

Former artistic director Robert Falls returns to the Goodman Theatre to direct a contemporary adaptation of Philip Barry’s 1928 comedy “Holiday.”

In 2022, Robert Falls stepped down as Goodman Theatre’s artistic director, a position he held for 36 years.

He did not retire, however. Not by a long shot.

That he continues to direct surprises theater lovers who encountered him at performances at Goodman and other venues. Many people assumed he had left the city and was off playing golf in Arizona or fishing in Key West, said the Evanston resident.

Upon stepping down, the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award-winner spent time reading, writing, visiting museums and traveling with his wife, novelist Kat Falls. But he never really stopped working.

The award-winning director helmed Goodman’s world premiere and off-Broadway transfer of Rebecca Gilman’s “Swing State” and his own adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” In November, he made his Steppenwolf Theatre directing debut, staging a stellar revival of Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus.”

During a rehearsal for Goodman Theatre’s “Holiday,” director Robert Falls, right, discusses the production design with actors Bryce Gangel, left, and Molly Griggs. Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg Photography

Now he’s back at his artistic home helming the late playwright Richard Greenberg’s contemporary adaptation of Philip Barry’s “Holiday.” A 1928 comedy about privilege, class and capitalism in which a man of modest means falls for an heiress, the play inspired two films, including a 1938 version starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.

Miranda Barry, left, granddaughter of playwright Philip Barry, attends a Goodman Theatre rehearsal for Richard Greenberg’s contemporary adaptation of Barry’s 1928 play “Holiday,” directed by Robert Falls, right. Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg Photography

Proposing an update to the original, Barry’s family enlisted Falls and fellow Tony Award-winner Greenberg (“Take Me Out,” “Three Days of Rain,” “The Dance of Death” — adapted from August Strindberg — which Steppenwolf revives later this month).

“I am a fan of the original play, and Richard’s version, to me, is a perfect melding of (its) sparkling, stylized energy,” Falls said. “He writes in a wonderful style that merges perfectly with Philip Barry’s.”

Following a benefit reading for New York City’s The Acting Company in October 2024, Falls sent a draft of Greenberg’s play to his successor, Goodman artistic director Susan V. Booth. The two had been talking about plays he might direct for the company’s 2025-2026 centennial season. She agreed, and “from that moment we jumped into it,” Falls recalled.

Actor Rammel Chan, left, shows “Holiday” castmate Erik Hellman a photo of playwright Philip Barry during a rehearsal for Goodman Theatre’s premiere of Richard Greenberg’s contemporary adaptation of the 1928 play. Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg Photography

In addition to a thoughtful examination of the nature and value of work, “Holiday” is also a charming romantic comedy, Falls said.

“It’s forgiving of people’s foibles,” he said. “It shows compassion for the fact that we’re all flawed. We stumble. We make mistakes. We fall in love with the wrong person.”

“I think it’s a wonderful play,” he continued. “I know the audience will enjoy themselves.”

Robert Falls, right, stepped down as Goodman Theatre’s artistic director nearly four years ago, but he never stopped working. In fact, the Tony Award winner is contemplating returning to his roots in storefront theater. Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg Photography

As for his next project, Falls plans to direct a production in Chicago this fall. He also intends to spend time with family and travel some more.

Unburdened by the responsibility of leading a world-class theater, he has the luxury of picking and choosing when, where and with whom he wants to work.

“I want to work with people I love. I want to work with theaters I respect,” he said.

That includes large, equity houses as well as the small, non-equity storefront theaters where he got his start, and where he may one day return.

“I would love to go back,” said Falls, whose 1985 production of “Hamlet” (starring Aidan Quinn) at the Wisdom Bridge Theatre is the stuff of Chicago-theater legend. “I think it would be wonderful.”

• • •

“Holiday”

Showtimes: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 31-March 1

Where: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, (312) 443-3800 or GoodmanTheatre.org/holiday

Tickets: $34-$104