John C. Reilly brings Mister Romantic back to Steppenwolf for four December performances

Featured image: John C. Reilly in a publicity image for Mister Romantic. Photo by Bobbi Rich, supplied by Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

John C. Reilly’s Mister Romantic gives his musical instincts a live stage, a band and an audience to work with. The actor will return to Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater for four performances December 10–13, following his 2025 engagement at the company.

Steppenwolf describes the show as a vaudeville project combining classic songbook material, clowning and audience interaction. The emphasis is on Reilly performing with a live band, bringing together the singing, comic and dramatic work that has run through his screen career. The theater lists a running time of approximately 75–90 minutes without an intermission.

That musical thread includes “Mister Cellophane,” Reilly’s number in the film adaptation of Chicago. His performance earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, and Steppenwolf identifies the song as a major inspiration for Mister Romantic. He also built a fictional musician’s career in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, alongside dramatic work in films including Boogie Nights and Magnolia.

The December return has a compact schedule: Thursday, December 10, Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Sunday, December 13 matinee at 3 p.m. All four performances take place at 1650 N. Halsted St.

The announced ticket range is $89–$159, including a $10 handling fee. Public sales began October 8. Steppenwolf’s release says assistive listening devices are available at every performance and the theater has an induction hearing loop, wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms. Specific access requests can be directed to its box office or access@steppenwolf.org.

Production information and ticket links are available on Steppenwolf’s current Mister Romantic page. The box office can also be reached at (312) 335-1650; accessibility information is available from the theater.

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