CHICAGO—It’s almost 100 years old but “Holiday,” now in a dazzling revival at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, still has a terrifically joyous appeal that makes the play irresistible.
It was written by Philip Barry (1896–1949), who also wrote “The Philadelphia Story,” which premiered in 1939 on Broadway and on film in 1940. “Holiday” was a Broadway hit when it premiered in 1928. It was adapted into two films, one in 1930, but the most famous one was George Cukor’s 1938 screwball comedy movie that starred Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.
Johnny Case (Luigi Sottile), and Linda (Bryce Gangel), in “Holiday.” (Todd Rosenberg)The Goodman Theatre has produced the play four times in the past, and now revisits the romantic comedy with a modern adaptation by the recently departed playwright Richard Greenberg (1958–2025). He won a Tony Award in 2003 for “Take Me Out.”
Costumes and sets were changed from the original, and there are additional contemporary touches like cell phones and texting. Greenberg added modern dialogue, but the story remains the same. The self-made man Johnny Case falls in love with Julia Seton, a wealthy heiress whom he didn’t know was super-rich. He finds out very soon that he has to bridge the chasm between his desire for a free lifestyle and Julia’s class-structured family.
This “Holiday” has been reimagined for a modern audience but the conflict between two distinct perspectives on life, love, worldviews, and convictions is as important in the 21st century as it was in the 20th. It’s a clash of values in which the search for identity is at odds with stiff protocol, conformity, and money.
The play explores the conflict between belonging to the high-society champagne crowd and vibrant personal freedom. It asks the question whether one wants to work to live or live to work? Many still ask that question, which is one reason why the play is still relevant.
Breathtaking Production
The engaging production has even more going for it because Robert Falls, who retired as Goodman’s artistic director in 2022, has returned to direct the exhilarating revival. Falls, who has become a legend in Chicago theater for his 35 years of directing extraordinary productions, once again demonstrates his talent for tight pacing and his ability to bring out compelling relationships between characters. With his magnificent staging of “Holiday, he proves that he hasn’t lost his wonderful touch.
As always in a Goodman production, the set is stunning. Designer Walt Spangler has crafted a regal and sophisticated home that represents luxury and power in one act. In another act, he creates a cozy, casual, and comfortable playroom that has a childish, fun-loving feel.
Furthermore, costume designer Kaye Voyce captures the upper-crust style of the home’s inhabitants. Lighting designer Amith Chandrashaker makes daylight stream onto the set that had the audience oohing and aahing. Composer and sound designer Richard Woodbury adds melody to the production’s atmosphere.
Although it isn’t easy to follow in Katharine Hepburn’s footsteps, Bryce Gangel is convincing as the feisty young Linda Seton. She feels smothered by her family and yearns for a more creative lifestyle. Cary Grant is another hard act to follow, but Luigi Sottile is persuasive as Johnny, the young man who doesn’t want to be tied down to a desk and wants to live life to the fullest.
Alejandra Escalante and Erik Hellman in “Holiday.” (Todd Rosenberg)Jordan Lage comes through with a sharp frosty portrayal of the family patriarch, Edward Seton, who evokes a feet-of-clay persona. Molly Griggs delivers a terrific portrayal of Julia, who, like her father, can’t understand Johnny’s reluctance to dismiss an offer to work at the family’s Manhattan bank.
The highlight performance, though is Wesley Taylor as Ned Seton, Julia’s brother. He’s aware of how his father crushes individuality, confidence, and self-esteem, but he feels powerless to escape the walls of his existence. His sarcasm, witty remarks, and alcohol … lots of alcohol, gripped everyone’s attention. The audience loved him so much that it almost stopped the show with applause every time the actor made a sharp-tongued remark.
Linda (Bryce Gangel) and her brother Ned (Wesley Taylor), in “Holiday.” (Todd Rosenberg)Goodman continues its celebration of 100 years of its unique and inventive productions with this delightful romantic romp. It’s a perfect show for Robert Falls to prove that he hasn’t lost his artistic touch and for the Goodman to celebrate a century as the best theatre company in Chicago.
‘Holiday’
Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Tickets: 312-443-3800 or GoodmanTheatre.org
Runs: 2 hours, 25 minutes (one 15-minute intermission)
Closes: March 8, 2026
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