Sheldon Epps Revives ‘Play On!’ in Chicago

Around 30 years ago, Sheldon Epps conceived an idea for a unique show. He decided to blend Duke Ellington’s music with the storyline of William Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ and place it in 1930s Harlem. ‘The idea was to celebrate Black excellence, Black artistry, and Black joy,’ said Epps, 73, during a recent conversation in a Chicago bar. At that time, Epps was the associate artistic director at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, where ‘Play On!’ began in fall 1996, later moving to Broadway in spring 1997, with actors like Tonya Pinkins and André De Shields.

Cheryl L. West, an Illinois-associated writer known for works such as ‘Holiday Heart’ and ‘Puddin ‘n Pete,’ wrote the musical’s book. ‘Play On!’ received favorable reviews, with Pinkins and De Shields earning Tony Award nominations. However, the production struggled to attract a significant audience and concluded after only 61 performances.

In 1998, Epps reached out to Robert Falls, artistic director of Goodman Theatre, about a new Chicago adaptation. ‘I loved the ‘Play On!’ cast recording after its Broadway closure,’ Falls recalled. At that time, Epps’s call was welcomed, and the show returned with Pinkins, De Shields, and newcomer Paul Oakley Stovall. This production impressed critic Richard Christiansen, who praised it as a ‘summer-long smash,’ giving ‘Play On!’ renewed life.

Despite this success, ‘Play On!’ remained largely dormant as Epps, who resides in Los Angeles, continued as artistic director at Pasadena Playhouse until 2017. Now, the musical returns to Chicago at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, with Epps directing once again. The 16-member cast, half based in Chicago, performs Ellington’s hits alongside a live six-piece band.

This new Chicago version followed a successful UK tour in 2024, directed by Michael Buffong. Epps noted Buffong discovered ‘Play On!’ at Lincoln Center’s library in New York City, home to countless Broadway recordings. The UK tour stirred interest in the show across the Atlantic, particularly reflected in conversations between Epps and Barbara Gaines, shortly before her retirement as Chicago Shakespeare’s artistic director.

Gaines praised the show, calling it a product of ‘love and pure joy and glorious music’ and was thrilled to see it on Navy Pier. Epps noted the current version includes more substantial Shakespearean elements and enhanced choreography by Edgar Godineaux. ‘It’s more challenging now,’ Epps stated, emphasizing his selective project choices following a successful theater and TV directing career.

Recently, Epps’s projects included ‘Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical’ at Studebaker Theater in 2022, spotlighting R&B legend Lloyd Price. Despite aiming for Broadway, it was affected by the industry’s post-COVID recovery phase. Epps expressed his fondness for working in Chicago, stating, ‘Though I don’t work for money, I choose projects that fuel my passion. This show still does, after all these years.’

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic [email protected]

If you go
“Play On!” runs Sept. 11 to Oct. 18 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.; chicagoshakes.com