CHICAGO — The Writers Theatre, located just outside the city in Glencoe, lit up the 57th Annual Equity Jeff Awards with its production of “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” which won five prestigious awards, including Best Large Musical. The awards ceremony, hosted Monday at the Harris Theater for the first time, celebrated the creativity and excellence of the Chicago area’s union-affiliated theater scene.
Venue and Ceremony Details
The Harris Theater was a fitting venue for the return of the Jeff Awards ceremony to the city, offering a grand stage for the recognition of outstanding theatrical performances from the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The Writers Theatre's success was notably highlighted by accolades for Best Musical Ensemble, Best Director of a Large Musical, Best Lighting Design, and Best Costume Design.
Notable Wins and Productions
Katie Spelman, celebrated for her directorial finesse, was awarded Best Director for her work on the large musical “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.” This production, based on a segment of Leo Tolstoy's “War and Peace,” dazzled audiences and the Jeffs Committee alike with its innovative presentation and powerful performances. The committee, which is composed of volunteers from the theater community, selected 44 award recipients from a pool of 214 nominees encompassing 40 theaters and producing entities.
Broad Success Across Theaters
The accolades didn’t stop at the Writers Theatre. Nearby theaters also claimed several honors. The Court Theatre's production “Berlin” won the Jeff for Best Large Production of a Play, echoing the company’s longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality theatrical experiences. Charles Newell, director of “Berlin,” was recognized as the Best Director of a Play – Large, adding another feather to the Court Theatre's cap.
Shattered Globe Theatre, located on Chicago’s North Side, took home awards for its revival of “Lobby Hero,” which won Best Midsize Production of a Play. Mikael Burke and Nate Santana were both lauded for their directorial excellence in respective categories, further highlighting the diversity and talent spread across the region’s theater scene.
Tributes and Special Acknowledgements
The ceremony also honored the anniversaries of several distinguished theaters. Special awards were given to honor the Goodman Theatre's centennial celebration, alongside the 50th anniversaries of the Marriott Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. These accolades underscore the vibrant cultural tapestry woven by these institutions throughout Chicago's history.
Suburban and Specialized Triumphs
The Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace was recognized for its exceptional revue “Always... Patsy Cline,” adding to the suburban success stories with its win for Best Revue Production. Bri Sudia’s performance in the revue was also acknowledged, highlighting her as a standout performer in the musical revue category.
Adding to the list of honors, Teatro Vista distinguished itself with “Memorabilia,” a production that took home awards for Scenic Design Mid-Size and Sound Design Mid-Size, further proving the diverse talents present in the smaller, yet dynamic theater entities of the area.
The 2025 Jeff Awards have once again shown that the Chicago Metropolitan area, including its suburban theaters like those found in Barrington, remains a cornerstone of theatrical innovation and excellence. With dedicated artists and production teams fueling this vibrant community, the future looks promising for new works and continued triumphs on both the city and suburban stages.
