May

Your Backstage pass on shows, stories and all things Citadel

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This outrageously campy production of Ruthless! The Musical is the perfect treat as we toe the line between Naughty and Nice season (this one is DEFINITELY Naughty). Running through May 17, 2026, this HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, TOP-RATED musical is selling out fast. Packed with killer vocals, over-the-top humor and wickedly fun performances, it’s a MUST-SEE night of theatre that audiences can’t stop raving about.

Check out some of the glowing reviews below!

"UNDENIABLY FUNNY... DELIGHTFULLY UNPREDICTABLE"

Kelly MacBlane, Chicago On Stage

"CITADEL THEATRE HAS DONE IT AGAIN WITH THIS HILARIOUS SPOOF"

Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Reviews

Citadel Theatre is honored to be featured in the April issue of GRAB Magazine, with a spotlight article and photo from Ruthless! The Musical on pages 42-43. Viewer discretion advised. You can download the latest issue today and see why this cult-classic production remains such an essential piece of queer art and media.

We’re proud to share that our own Christina Ramirez, director of Ruthless! The Musical, is featured in the April edition of North Shore Weekend’s “Hashtag". A first-time Citadel director who has made a bold impression, Christina will return next season to direct Ordinary Days in April-May 2027. Ruthless! The Musical is also highlighted in the April edition of Forest & Bluff Magazine, with a special offer on page 16 and a feature in the “About Town” section.

Citadel Theatre Education proudly presents Shrek The Musical JR., performed by the talented students, May 29-31. In this “big bright beautiful world,” everyone’s favorite ogre leads a cast of fairytale misfits on a hilarious, heartwarming journey about acceptance. Perfect for the whole family. Tickets are available now if you’d like to support the next generation of thespians!

Citadel Theatre is proud to serve as a community partner in the America 250 Lake Forest celebration. On July 2, Citadel Theatre Education will perform in Market Square as part of the summer concert series, with the cast of Bye Bye Birdie Jr., presenting a number that beautifully celebrates this historic milestone. Join us as we come together to celebrate community, history and the next generation of artists!

Just two days later, on July 4, Citadel Theatre Education will join the Independence Day Parade as part of Lake Forest's American 250 celebration. Our summer camp performers will bring energy and fun to this bigger-than-ever community celebration! We’re also seeking a volunteer with a flatbed truck (with railing) to help us in the parade. If you can assist, please email us below.

Celebrate and support the incredible understudies of Ruthless! The Musical at Citadel Theatre by joining us for a special one-night-only performance on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 pm! Don’t miss the chance to see these talented performers shine. Grab your tickets today.

We are excited to launch a new monthly series in our newsletter: Education Student Spotlights, where we highlight one of our students who shines in our programs and continues to grow in inspiring ways. For our very first feature, we are thrilled to celebrate Pauline Kelley. Pauline is 11 years old and has been part of the Citadel Education Program since she was 8, growing from a shy performer into a confident and expressive young artist. She is currently appearing as Donkey in Shrek JR. (May 29–31), and we couldn’t be more proud of her journey and achievements on stage.

Click the link below to hear her story in this feature story on a fabulous student!

This month’s Unsung Heroes spotlight celebrates Abby Truett, a stage manager whose calm leadership and sharp organization have supported multiple productions throughout Citadel’s 2025–2026 season, including Admissions and Ruthless! The Musical. With a background spanning community, professional and academic theatre,

Abby brings structure and focus to every show she works on.

Her quick thinking was on full display during a tornado warning on opening night of Ruthless!, when she reassured audiences and guided the production smoothly back on track. Abby’s goal is simple: to make the magic of theatre feel effortless for audiences, so much so that her work goes unnoticed. Read more below to learn about the vital role she plays behind the scenes.

There are still spots available for Bye Bye Birdie Jr. This is a 4-week camp running June 15 through July 12. Space won’t last long, so act fast to enroll your student, and don’t forget there are also a limited number of openings remaining in our 1-week camps!

Don’t miss Citadel Theatre’s 12th Annual Gala, back at 830 Green Bay, now live for registration with Early Bird discounted tickets available through June 1. The menu has been announced, featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, culinary stations (traditional chopped salad), carving stations (tender roast: top sirloin of beef), baked artison rolls, grilled vegetables, antipasto, flatbreads, tri-colored cheese tortellini and a sweet finale with raspberry chocolate mousse, banana bread tiramisu and key lime tartlets. Reserve your spot today and be part of an unforgettable evening in support of Citadel’s 2026–2027 season.

Season subscriptions for our upcoming season are now available, and since opening sales we’ve already received over 250 subscriptions.

If you haven’t subscribed yet, now is the time to secure your seats for the 2026–2027 season; this is a new ticketing platform and we truly appreciate your patience as everyone adjusts, with the option to select your own seats or have our team assist you the old-fashioned way. We’re also excited to share that our season was featured in the May issue of Forest & Bluff Magazine on page 16 - Check us out!

Join us July 24-26 at the Gloria Dei Center in Lake Forest for our brand new summer fundraiser, the Mamma Mia! Sing-Along - my my, how can you resist this? Bring a picnic, chairs and your best singing voice as performers lead your favorite ABBA hits under the stars. Tickets are just $25 and are available now, so don’t wait to secure your spot for this unforgettable summer night!

Scott Westerman’s May Adult Acting class kicked off last night and students have already begun diving into scene work and building strong ensemble energy in this newly expanded 8-week, 3-hour format. If you’re unavailable for the full course, be sure to check out our drop-in opportunity at the link below.

CLASSIFIEDS is a section in our newsletter where we share job openings, audition calls, volunteer opportunities, special requests and other unique ways to get involved with Citadel Theatre.

AUDITION LISTING—

General Auditions for 2026/2027 Season on June 7

JOB LISTING—

Office Manager (Part-Time)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY—

Strike the Set on May 17 (~5:30pm)

COMMUNITY REQUEST—

Parade Truck Volunteer Needed. We’re seeking a volunteer with a flatbed truck (with railing) to support Citadel Theatre in the July 4 parade.

COMMUNITY REQUEST—

Warehouse Space Needed. We're looking for a warehouse space to help grow Citadel Theatre.

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