Berlin is “the Most Important Show to See…Right Now”
Berlin is an unforgettable mosaic of intersecting narratives set amidst the decline of Weimar Germany. It is 1928. Fascism is taking hold; revolutionaries are organizing; creatives are trying to capture the ineffable nature of their changing city; and—as everything falls apart—everyone is faced with a choice: abandon Berlin or fight to survive.
This world premiere adaptation by Mickle Maher—based on the graphic novel by Jason Lutes and directed by Charles Newell—has left critics and audiences awestruck. Read what reviewers are saying below and experience this theatrical tour-de-force for yourself.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at (773) 753-4472.
“This is a major new work from Court of a size and scope that has been all too rare in post-pandemic Chicago theater; it’s especially good to see [Charles] Newell, a highly skilled Chicago director, return to his old stomping grounds with a homegrown premiere. If you follow significant theatrical events here, you’ll want to see this piece.”
— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, ★★★ 1/2 (of four)
“A homegrown Chicago project of jaw-dropping ambition and exhilarating theatricality…It’s a thrillingly staged piece of theater, uncannily appropriate to the moment.”
— Chicago Sun-Times, ★★★★ (of four)
“A stunning world premiere…theater like Berlin is more than just historical. It’s a brutal, necessary reminder…Berlin is sprawling, a dynamic piece of historical fiction, and a clarion call not to lose our sense of ourselves as our present becomes our history.”
— Chicago Reader, Reader Recommended
“Newell expertly weaves the superb ensemble in every movement, incorporating sights and sounds in ways you will have to see and hear to believe…Berlin is without a doubt the most important show to see on stage right now”
“A breathtaking achievement…Court Theatre hasn’t merely adapted a graphic novel—they’ve unleashed a theatrical thunderbolt. Under Newell’s visionary direction, Berlin transforms into something rare and electric: a defining moment of Chicago theatre that will be talked about for years to come.”
“A masterful adaptation…unlike anything I’ve seen before on stage…Maher’s dynamic adaptation uses a combination of choreography, live music, and constant movement to create a complicated and impressionistic depiction of a society on the verge of collapse. The adaptation is innovative and unconventional in other ways too: there are no scene breaks or scene changes. Everything flows from moment to moment in one continuous, fluid motion, capturing the energy and vibrancy of the city itself.”
“Meticulously adapted from Jason Lutes’ graphic masterwork, Mickle Maher’s sprawling spectacle is at once admirable, astonishing and awe-inspiring…Charles Newell has directed a truly gifted company comprised of twelve terrific actors to effectively bring this epic tale to life.”
“The dialogue is smart. The action is intense. The relationships feel real….This is THE hot ticket in Chicago right now!”
“Under the direction of Court Theatre veteran Charles Newell, Berlin is visually stunning, with haunting music, strong performances and striking, poetic dialogue.”
“The production is a well-executed feat. The near constant motion speaks to Newell’s expert direction and the rapport that the cast achieves under it.”
“It’s a hot ticket. And well it should be….Director Charles Newell has pulled together a masterful ensemble”
“Director Charles Newell has done an incredible job of creating controlled chaos”
“Engaging and intriguing”
— Let’s Play Theatrical Reviews
“Totally timely and a reminder that everything we value can disappear in a flash — or gradually if we’re not vigilant about preserving it.”
“Berlin brings real power and beauty to its exploration of warring ideologies.”