American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, opens its 41st Season with the world premiere of Black Girl from a White Suburb, a tour-de-force solo show by Artistic Affiliate Tania Richard, directed by J. Nicole Brooks. Black Girl from a White Suburb runs September 4 – October 4, 2026, at American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. The press opening is Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Growing up in an all-white Chicago suburb, Tania Richard spent her days dodging microaggressions, striving to fit in, and yearning to see herself reflected. Her transformation began when she was cast as The Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland. Blending cautionary tales, social commentary and humor, Richard takes the leading role in a culture that often relegates Black women to supporting characters.
The production features Tania Richard in a tour-de-force solo performance.
The creative team for Black Girl from a White Suburb includes Tania Richard (creator), J. Nicole Brooks (director), Shokie Tseumah (scenic design), Rueben D. Echoles (costume design), Jason Lynch (lighting design), Willow James (sound design), Breon Arzell (movement choreographer), Tyson Carter (properties design), Michael Trudeau (lighting supervisor & facilities manager), Lily Walls (wardrobe supervisor), Chris Walls (audio supervisor), Richard Lundy (stage manager), and El Valet (assistant stage manager).
Tickets, priced $34.50–$64.50, are on sale now through the American Blues Theater box office, online at www.americanbluestheater.com, or by phone at (773) 654-3103.
Subscriptions to the entire 2026-2027 season, which includes Black Girl from a White Suburb (Sept 4 – Oct 4); The 25th Anniversary production of Chicago’s original holiday hit It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (Nov 19 – Dec 27); the Chicago Premiere UHURU (April 2 – May 9, 2027); and the world premiere of The Conquered (June 11 – July 18, 2027) are available through the American Blues Theater box office.
FACT SHEET / Black Girl from a White Suburb
Title: Black Girl from a White Suburb
Created & Performed by: Artistic Affiliate Tania Richard
Directed by: J. Nicole Brooks
Dates: September 4 – October 4, 2026
Press Opening: Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Running Time: 75 minutes, no intermission
Schedule:
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Wednesdays: 2:00 PM (Sept. 23 only); 7:30 PM (Sept. 9 only)
Thursdays: 7:00 PM (Sept. 10, 17 & Oct. 1 only)
Fridays: 7:30 PM
Saturdays: 3:00 PM (Sept. 19 & Oct. 3 only); 7:30 PM (Sept. 5, 12 & 26 only)
Sundays: 2:30 PM
Location: American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Ticket Prices: $34.50–$64.50
Box Office: Buy online at www.americanbluestheater.com or call (773) 654-3103.
American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs, The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series. The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards), American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: “What does it mean to be American?”
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2025, the theater and artists received 246 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.