Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company today announced the cast and production team for TOP GIRLS, Caryl Churchill’s most famous work and regarded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, directed by Lucky Stiff and running February 18 - March 22, 2026 (previews February 12 - 15). Tickets ($30 - $45) go on sale January 12, 2026 at www.raventheatre.com.
Raven Theatre continues its commitment to timely plays in the theatrical canon, presenting Caryl Churchill’s masterpiece on feminism, class, and politics, TOP GIRLS. From an Algonquin round table boasting some of history’s most notable women, to the halls of the Top Girls Employment Agency, Marlene’s exchanges with the women around her create a vivid and compelling exploration of their aspirations through time. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, TOP GIRLS navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society.
Throughout the run, TOP GIRLS will be presented alongside Raven Theatre resident company The Story Theatre’s World Premiere of POT GIRLS by Paul Michael Thomson, directed by Ayanna Bria Bakari. POT GIRLS is a smoky riff on TOP GIRLS that pays loving homage while charting bold new ground. Celebrating The Story Theatre’s seven-year residency at Raven, this collaboration reflects a mutual desire to expand artistic partnership between the companies. On exclusive "marathon days" audiences can experience both productions through a special double-feature package that will go on sale later this month.
The TOP GIRLS cast features Claire Kaplan (Marlene), Susaan Jamshidi* (Isabella Bird / Joyce / Mrs. Kidd), Yourtana Sulaiman (Dull Gret / Angie), Hannah Kato (Lady Nijo / Win), Morgan Lavenstein (Pope Joan / Louise), Luke Halpern (Patient Griselda / Nell / Jeanine), and Collin Quinn Rice (Waitress / Kit / Shona).
The production team includes Sivan Spector (Assistant Director), Caroline Uy (Dramaturg), JuJu Laurie (Stage Manager), Isabelle Anderle (Asst. Stage Manager) Joonhee Park (Scenic Designer), , Anna Wooden (Costume Designer), Ben Carne (Lighting Designer), Dee Etti-Williams (Sound Designer), Paloma Locsin (Props Designer) Lucy Whipp (Production Manager), Catherine Miller (Casting Director), Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), and Chels Morgan (Violence and Intimacy Design).
Raven Theatre’s TOP GIRLS runs February 18 - March 22, 2026, with previews February 12 - 15. Performances are held Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. on the Johnson Stage at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. Tickets are $45, with discounts available for students, military, and industry ($30 previews); to purchase tickets and for more information about Raven Theatre’s 43rd season, visit www.raventheatre.com.
FACT SHEET:
TOP GIRLS
Title: TOP GIRLS
Written By: Caryl Churchill
Directed By: Lucky Stiff
Cast: Claire Kaplan (Marlene), Susaan Jamshidi* (Isabella Bird / Joyce / Mrs. Kidd), Yourtana Sulaiman (Dull Gret / Angie), Hannah Kato (Lady Nijo / Win), Morgan Lavenstein (Pope Joan / Louise), Luke Halpern (Patient Griselda / Nell / Jeanine), and Collin Quinn Rice (Waitress / Kit / Shona).
Production Team: Sivan Spector (Assistant Director), Caroline Uy (Dramaturg), JuJu Laurie (Stage Manager), Isabelle Anderle (Asst. Stage Manager) Joonhee Park (Scenic Designer), , Anna Wooden (Costume Designer), Ben Carne (Lighting Designer), Dee Etti-Williams (Sound Designer), Paloma Locsin (Props Designer) Lucy Whipp (Production Manager), Catherine Miller (Casting Director), Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), and Chels Morgan (Violence and Intimacy Design).
* denotes Member of Actors’ Equity Association
Dates: February 18 - March 22, 2026 (Previews February 12 -15)
Press Opening: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.
Location: Raven Theatre (6157 N. Clark St.)
Tickets: General Admission: $45; Student, Military, and Industry tickets $20. Previews $30.
Box Office: www.raventheatre.com
ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY
Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays, as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts. Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Paul M. Angell Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, and The Shubert Foundation. This project is partially supported by a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This programming is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com.