Your Chicago Guide’s tickets for two to each of the press performances courtesy of Lifeline Theatre and Raven Theatre.
Loki: The End of the World Tour
Lifeline Theatre’s world premiere of this rock musical based on the mythology of Creation of the Norse highlights a central theme: creation is born from destruction, and existence is a cycle of renewal. Fire and ice. Good an evil. Gods, giants, humans, monsters: there is something for everyone in this fascinating story.
Loki is a central, complex trickster deity in Norse mythology, known for being neither wholly good nor evil. A chaotic force who alternates between aiding and hindering the gods, Loki is a shapeshifter, the son of giants, and the father of monsters. He is ultimately destined to lead forces against the gods at Ragnarök (the ultimate battle between good and evil).
This musical is unlike any I have ever seen. Backed by very talented trio of musicians, who, not unlike the Fates, know all, but cannot interfere, the ragtag collection of gods goes through the motions to ready themselves for Ragnarök. The authority and wisdom of Odin and his sons, Thor & Balder, is challenged by Freyja, a powerful diety of love, war and magic. It is indeed Freyja, who wants to be first into the battle at Ragnarök.
Loki bursts onto the scene with his trio of Little Monsters, only to find his children ostracized and exiled. Ever the shapeshifter, Loki puts on a facade, all the while plotting to fight against the gods at Ragnarök to avenge his children.
The theatre space is small and the music is loud, so pack your ear plugs if you are sensitive. But don’t let the volume stop you from seeing this rock musical unlike any other. It will take you through full range of emotions, from laughter to tears. The music score is excellent, the vocal performances solid (and in case of Freyja, outstanding!), and by the time the finale comes, you will be at the edge of your seat. The play runs two and a half hours with one intermission, and it flies by in a blink of an eye.
As the final musical number kicks off, the cast comes out as themselves, not their characters. And the haunting themes of the End of the World become quiestions: What would you do at the end of the world? Who would you be at the end of the world? The cast holds up a mirror to the audience in a moving and poignant question. To which, the answer is ultimately one word: hope.
Loki: The End of the World Tour in now on stage through June 14th, 2026, at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 North Glenwood Avenue, in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. For tickets, contact the box office by phone at 773-761-4477 or online.
Octet
Now extended through June 21st, 2026, with four stars from the Chicago Tribune!
Chicago’s Raven Theatre continues its 43rd season with Dave Malloy’s Octet. Collecting accolades and already extended, this is a must-see. Know anyone who needs a break from doom scrolling or staring at the screen? This is your sign.
In an anonymous meeting room on the North Side of Chicago, a group of people – always eight – gather to sing. Dave Malloy’s Octet uses chamber-inspired a cappella music to explore the total impact of life online. Hailed by The New York Times as “the most original and topical musical of the year” for its 2019 Off-Broadway premiere, this inventive and acutely relevant piece reflects the perils of the digital age.
Eight Internet addicts gather in a support group called “Friends of Saul” in a church basement and share their stories, in a score for an a cappella chamber choir and an original libretto inspired by internet comment boards, scientific debates, religious texts, and Sufi poetry. Intrigued? You should be.
The internet is referred to as The Monster. Mindless scrolling, lack of privacy, loneliness, Candy Crush, dating apps, and escapism all find a place in this musical score. The vocal performances are wonderful and wonderfully haunting. The lyrics are thought provoking. As we live in the age of rapidly developing technology, are we addicted? Are we still human enough to connect to one another? Do we have any answers? None are given by the musical. But the critical thinking is agitated, and that just maybe the goal here. Put down the devices. Unplug. Go see Octet at the Raven. Agitate your brain.
Octet is now extended through June 21st, on stage at Raven Theatre, 6157 North Clark Street, in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. For tickets, contact the box office here.