Ashland Avenue
by Lee Kirk
Originally produced at The Goodman
September 6, 2025 - October 19, 2025
Synopsis: Pete’s TV and Video has served Chicagoland for 40+ years, its plucky owner famous for his legendary commercials and customer care. But it’s a new era, and Pete’s last store location is struggling while Sam—his daughter and family business heir apparent—has different dreams. Starring Chicago’s Francis Guinan (The Cherry Orchard) and Emmy Award-nominee Jenna Fischer (The Office), this hilarious and moving new play asks what happens when we step outside of our parents’ footsteps to follow our heart?
Artistic Statement:
Pete’s TV and Video has served Chicagoland for 40+ years, its plucky owner famous for his legendary commercials and customer care. But it’s a new era, and Pete’s last store location is struggling while Sam—his daughter and family business heir apparent—has different dreams. Starring Chicago’s Francis Guinan (The Cherry Orchard) and Emmy Award-nominee Jenna Fischer (The Office), this hilarious and moving new play asks what happens when we step outside of our parents’ footsteps to follow our heart? — Susan V. Booth, Artistic Director
Grant Statement:
With an additional week of rehearsal, the team will be able to hone the emotional core of this piece for our audiences. In the end, our goal is to bring a polished, well-wrought script to the stage for performance—something which is made possible by this support. — Kate Welham, Senior Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations
Creative team:
Susan V. Booth – Director
Michael Cotey - Assistant Director
Kevin Depinet - Set Designer
Jessica Pabst - Costume Designer
Lindsay Jones - Original Music and Sound Design
Jason Lynch - Lighting Designer
Nikki Blue - Production Stage Manager
Stan Brown - Voice and Dialect Coach
Clara Zucker – Dramaturg
Lena Romano - Line Producer
Malkia Stampley - Line Producer
Lauren Port - Casting Director
Jennifer Gregory - Stage Manager
Lauren Westfahl - Script Supervisor and Production Assistant
Cast:
Jenna Fischer – Sam
Francis Guinan – Pete
Chiké Johnson – Mike
Cordelia Dewdney – Jess
Will Allan - Young Man