Iceboy!

by Erin Quinn Purcell and Jay Reiss
Originally produced at The Goodman
June 9, 2026 - July 19, 2026

Synopsis: New York City, 1938—Broadway’s brightest star, Vera Vimm, is at the top of her game. But when she adopts a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal discovered frozen in the Arctic, the spotlight begins to shift. As Iceboy thaws, he unexpectedly becomes a theatrical sensation, inspiring the “father of the American drama” and challenging his legendary mother for center stage. It’s All About Eve … if only Eve was a caveman..

Artistic Statement: At its core, this play is about people who are frozen and stuck where they are and need that spark to ignite the flame in them so they can re-animate, come to life and find their joy. We hope that this play can be the spark that brings some joy and music and comedy to The Goodman and to Chicago — Susan V. Booth, Artistic Director

Grant Statement: Iceboy!, a fully original musical, is a project of significant scale and expense. The grant from The Edgerton Foundation to cover an extended rehearsal period would give The Goodman power relative to commercial interests in order to shape the musical with artistic integrity, helping to ensure that it has enough substance to withstand the test of time. — Kate Welham, Senior Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations

Creative team:

Kathleen Marshall – Director 
Mark Hollman – Music and Lyrics
Additional creatives to be announced

Cast:

Megan Mullally – Vera Vimm
Additional cast to be announced