Writers Theatre announces 35th anniversary season

As part of its recently announced 35th anniversary season, Writers Theatre will stage a musical version of Noël Coward’s “Brief Encounter” and a new adaptation of August Strindberg’s thriller “Creditors.” The 2026-2027 season also marks the return of pianist/writer/actor Hershey Felder, who recounts his career in a new solo show.

The season commences Aug. 13 with director Jessica Thebus’ revival Matthew Libby’s “Sisters,” a provocative tale in which one of the siblings is artificial intelligence.

Next up is “The Royale” (Oct. 22-Nov. 29), Marco Ramirez’s 1905 set boxing drama about Jay, an undefeated African American fighter who’s unable to compete for the heavyweight crown because of his race. Given a chance to fight for the title, Jay copes with the staggering stakes both in and out of the ring. The real-life story of boxer Jack Johnson, known as the “Galveston Giant,” inspired the play.

That’s followed by the love story “Brief Encounter” (Feb. 11-March 28, 2027). Adapted by Emma Rice from Noël Coward’s play “Still Life” and his screenplay “Brief Encounter,” the play is about a suburban housewife and a married doctor who meet by chance at a busy railroad station. As their weekly encounters ensue, they fall in love, which forces them to consider whether their relationship is worth upending their lives.

Artistic director Braden Abraham helms Writers’ revival of “Creditors” (April 8-July 3, 2027), Jen Silverman’s adaptation of August Strindberg’s psychological thriller about three people “trapped in an intricate web of deception, seduction and revelation.

The season concludes with “Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me” (May 5-June 27, 2027), a semi-autobiographical play featuring the pianist/writer/actor performing selections by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and others.

Performances take place at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Season subscriptions range from $275-$385. They’re available at the box office, by phone at (847) 242-6000 or online at writerstheatre.org. Single tickets start at $35.