The short story was published in The New Yorker Magazine in 1997. Ang Lee’s film version starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal was released in 2005. The world premiere of the stage adaptation was in 2023. And now, in 2026, it premieres at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

It’s the 1960s in rural Wyoming. Two men are hired to herd sheep and keep away the coyotes on Brokeback Mountain. Unexpectedly to them, they fall in love. Due to the societal norms at the time, they don’t get together and they try to live normal lives. But their love keeps drawing them back. 

Ashley Robinson has written a powerful and heartbreaking play (based on Annie Proulx’s short story) about forbidden love. The characters truly struggle with how to handle their feelings for each other in their world. 

Harrison Ball is excellent as the engaged man who has no intention of changing his life. Jack Cameron Kay is exceptional as the bull rider who is more willing to take a chance on making it work. Cordelia Dewdney is superb as the engaged woman who suffers through her man going on so many “fishing” trips. Thomas Cox and Alina Jenine Taber are solid in their supporting roles.   

The musical interludes by the band, fronted by Kat Eggleston, are excellent and set the mood perfectly. The set depicting the mountainside is very impressive. All together, this is a production not to be missed. 

See the program here. 

Get tickets now for Brokeback Mountain through June 28th!

Cost of a ticket: $85 (Dress Circle)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value

Rating Scale: Exceptional > Good Value > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney