“It should be on you MUST SEE list for this season.”
Around the Town Chicago StaffFull Review
PLAYREGIONALNOW PLAYING
The Royale
Writers Theatre, Glencoe, IL
Opened Oct 30, 2026 · Closes Nov 29, 2026
Regional production: tracked as a buzzy, well-reviewed show that could transfer to Broadway.
5 Rave
1 Positive
Critics' Take
Critics hail this riveting, emotionally charged production about boxer Jack Johnson as spellbinding, praising Marco Ramirez's compact script and the show's exploration of race and ambition in the Jim Crow era.
Critic Scorecard
6 reviews5 Rave
1 Positive
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“‘The Royale’ is a splendid tale with exceptional professionals at the top of their game.”
By Ed TracyNov 1, 2026Full Review
“This is profound theatre that will shake you up.”
By Angela AllynOct 31, 2026Full Review
“This ensemble cast melds perfectly to create the world of 1900s boxing, with its violence, racial tension and the truth at the heart of the play.”
By Rochelle CorsoNov 2, 2026Full Review
“The play and production land with heavyweight force when delivering a climactic coup de théâtre that manifests the psychic fight behind the physical one.”
By Steven OxmanNov 2, 2026Full Review
