Forest Theatre Company Presents All's Well That Ends Well at the Frank Lloyd Wright-Designed Moore-Dugal House this August

One of William Shakespeare's final comedies opens this August at the historic Oak Park venue.

August 9, 2026 - Forest Theatre Company, the only year-round professional theatre based in Oak Park and serving the near western suburbs, will present one of William Shakespeare's final comedies, All's Well That Ends Well, this August at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Moore-Dugal House. The production marks the company's debut at the historic venue, continuing its annual tradition of presenting free professional Shakespeare each summer in a stunning new outdoor setting.

"This is my first time directing All's Well That Ends Well," said Producing Artistic Director Richard Corley. "It is one of Shakespeare's most contemporary plays because it asks questions about aging, gender, power, and class. It features one of the most complex women in his work. Helena is unlike any of Shakespeare's heroines - determined, confident, questioning, saintly, and devious. The play itself is hard to classify - a hybrid of comedy, tragedy, and romance - that shows Shakespeare chafing at comedy's rules. We've got a brilliant cast and design team, and we're excited to perform this lesser-known work in the beautiful setting of the Moore-Dugal House."

Often described as one of Shakespeare's "problem plays," All's Well That Ends Well follows Helena, a determined young woman whose pursuit of love leads to an unforgettable story of resilience, deception, and redemption.

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1895, the Moore-Dugal House provides a breathtaking architectural backdrop for this intimate outdoor production, creating a unique setting where Shakespeare, architecture, and Oak Park history come together. Whether audiences are lifelong Shakespeare enthusiasts or attending their first production, Forest Theatre Company's engaging performances offer an unforgettable evening of live theatre for audiences of all ages.

Performance Information

Performances: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, August 7–23, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Moore-Dugal House, 333 Forest Avenue, Oak Park

Admission is free. Walk-up seating is welcome, though advance reservations are encouraged.

The season also features a special Opening Night Benefit on Saturday, August 8, featuring a pre-show reception, reserved seating, refreshments, a cast meet-and-greet, and an opportunity to meet Producing Artistic Director Richard Corley and homeowner Dr. James "Jim" Dugal while supporting Forest Theatre Company's mission of bringing professional theatre to the community.

The cast of All's Well That Ends Well features FTC regular CC Meade as Helena, joined by India Culpepper, Caleb Gibson, Ahn Nguyen, Ann Nunez, Jolaine Orlin, Jimmie Rogers III, Abraham Sangye, Susan Swanton, Megan Wells, and Guy Wicke.

The production team includes Director Richard Corley; Production Manager Juni Cruz; Stage Manager Lillianna Gonzalez; Assistant Stage Manager and Props Designer Miranda Fisher; Costume Designer Nick Cochran; Associate Costume Designer Kim Vulinovic; Composer Amos Gillespie; and Voice and Text Coach William Ryder.

Founded by Corley as Forest Park Theatre in 2021, Forest Theatre Company has built a reputation for presenting ambitious classical theatre alongside contemporary works, beginning with its annual free Shakespeare productions and expanding into a year-round professional theatre. Previous productions have earned praise from the Chicago Reader as "compelling," "peppered with fine performances," and "a solid reminder of why Molière is so damn delightful to perform."

Free neighborhood parking is available.

For performance information, free reservations, and Opening Night Benefit tickets, visit forest-theatre.org or foresttheatre.ludus.com.

High-resolution photos, interviews, and additional media materials are available upon request.

About Forest Theatre Company

Forest Theatre Company is a professional nonprofit theatre dedicated to producing exceptional classical and contemporary plays for audiences in Oak Park and the near western suburbs. Through professional productions, free community performances, and educational programming, the company creates bold, accessible theatre that celebrates the enduring power of language, story, and live performance.

Media Contact

Lisa Green
Executive Director
Forest Theatre Company
info@forest-theatre.org
forest-theatre.org

Media Resources Available Upon Request

• High-resolution production photos
• Cast and rehearsal photos
• Photos of the Moore-Dugal House
• Interviews with Producing Artistic Director Richard Corley
• Interviews with cast members
• Forest Theatre Company logo