A magical opening night: 'Circus Quixote' at Lookingglass Theatre

Lookingglass Theatre Company made a triumphant return to Chicago’s theater scene Jan. 30 with a spectacular opening night for Circus Quixote, the first production in its newly reimagined space. Guests arrived at the beautifully redesigned venue, greeted by the warm glow of the expanded lobby, featuring a new bar, café and artistic details that set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

The festive opening was preceded by a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 27 attended by Governor JB Pritzker, First Lady MK Pritzker, founding ensemble member David Schimmer and key members of the theater community, celebrating both the launch of the production and the grand reopening of the Lookingglass space. Excitement filled the air as audiences took their seats in the newly dedicated Joan and Paul Theatre.

Then, the real magic unfolded in the newly dedicated Joan and Paul [Rubschlager] Theatre. Artistic Director Kasey Foster and Managing Director Jamey Lundblad welcomed guests before Circus Quixote transported theatergoers into a world of daring feats and whimsical storytelling, blending breathtaking circus artistry with the timeless themes of Cervantes’ Don Quixote. The performance, filled with acrobatics, immersive staging and bold theatricality, captivated the crowd. As the final curtain fell, thunderous applause echoed through the theater, marking not just the success of a new show but the rebirth of Lookingglass Theatre itself.

Circus Quixote is based on Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quijote of La Mancha.” It was adapted and directed by Kerry and David Catlin with Circus by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and produced in Association with Actors Gymnasium Circus School & Theatre Company. The production featured Michel Rodríguez Cintra, Micah Figueroa, Julian Hester, Laura Murillo Hart, Andrea San Miguel, Ayana Strutz and Eduardo Martinez. 

Following the performance, the celebration continued with an exclusive after-party featuring an exquisite spread by renowned Chef Rick Bayless, who served dishes from his iconic Frontera Grill. Guests mingled over celebratory cocktails and champagne, raising their glasses to the start of an exciting new chapter for Lookingglass.

“Lookingglass’s home on Michigan Avenue is primed and ready to become a dynamic creative hub, community anchor and ‘third place’ for Chicagoans and visitors alike,” said Artistic Director Kasey Foster. “This historic landmark building survived a great fire and now, we too emerge from the ashes to redefine the limits of theatrical experience–leaving audiences changed, charged and empowered.”

With Circus Quixote running through March 30, this unforgettable opening night set the stage for a thrilling season—one filled with artistry, imagination and the vibrant energy of Chicago’s theater community. (Tickets and more info available here.)