White Rooster – Restless spirits, old curses, mysterious traditions | Theater Review

White Rooster a darkly funny tale of love, loss and the strange things we inherit, draws from a personal family story rooted in early 1900s China. The inventive and haunting play with original music reimagines an American ghost town, weaving together puppetry, movement, and song.

Intergenerational trauma mixed with traditions. Moments of humour, joy, connection and yes – – frustration and anger often conveyed through music.

This world premiere is written and directed by Matthew C. Yee is a tale of grief, family and the messiness of moving on, blending spooky folklore with offbeat humor.

Details: March 5 – April 26, 2026, at Lookingglass Theatre – Chicago. Tickets are available for purchase at www.lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at 312.337.0665.

Be sure to listen to the entire (~6 min.) audio review by Kim Campbell using the link above or wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts.

The cast includes Karen Aldridge (Maria), Sunnie Eraso (Min), Elliot Esquivel (Fang/Wu through April 5), Nik Kmiecik (Fang/Wu April 8-12), Louise Lamson (Judy), Mark Montgomery (John), Noelle Oh (June), Reilly Oh (Pong), and Daniel Lee Smith (Hao/Ba).

The creative team includes Natsu Onoda Power (Scenic Designer), Mara Blumenfeld (Costume Designer), Hannah Wien (Lighting Designer), Justin Cavazos (Sound Designer/Co-Composer), Amanda Herrmann (Props Supervisor), Caitlin McLeod (Puppet Designer), Heidi Stillman (New Works Consultant), Sheryl Williams (Intimacy Director), Tess Golden (Production Stage Manager), and Emma Lipson (Assistant Stage Manager).

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