Ensemble member Christine Mary Dunford in “Her Honor Jane Byrne.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Lookingglass Theatre’s dazzlingly performed world premiere production is a theatrical and sociological gem of a work that should catapult its writer-director, ensemble member J. Nicole Brooks, to genuine fame.

Ensemble Member Christine Mary Dunford performs in “Her Honor Jane Byrne.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

On stage at Lookingglass Theatre, a new play looks at a Chicago moment from March 1981 when Jane Byrne, the city’s first woman mayor, moved into the Cabrini-Green housing project. 

Forty years ago, Chicago elected its first female mayor. We remember the historic victory of former Mayor Jane Byrne.

Following a whopper of a blizzard in 1979, Sauganash native Jane Byrne narrowly upset Mayor Michael Bilandic for the Democratic mayoral nomination. Belly up to the bar and get a little taste of Chicago’s spirited history: a frosty milkshake spiked with whiskey and vodka.

Dignitaries and politicians packed the church service for the funeral of former Mayor Jane Byrne.

We look back at Mayor Jane Byrne's political career, her groundbreaking win against the Democratic machine, and her tenure as mayor.

Watch an episode of Callaway Magazine with Jane Byrne from Nov. 4, 1983.

Watch an episode of Callaway Interviews with Jane Byrne from Dec. 11, 1979.

Watch a Feedback episode from Dec. 12, 1977 featuring Jane Byrne.

Watch a Chicago Feedback episode from Dec. 9, 1980 featuring Jane Byrne.

Former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne died Friday morning at age 81. Byrne served from 1979 to 1983, and was Chicago's first and only female mayor.

State and local officials comment on the death of former Chicago mayor Jane Byrne. The city’s first and only female mayor died Friday morning at the age of 81.

It was 35 years ago that Jane Byrne pulled off the most stunning political upset in Chicago history.

John Callaway moderates Round 3 of the 1983 mayoral debate between Harold Washington, Jane Byrne and Richard M. Daley.

 

Byrne Beats Bilandic

In this special edition of Chicago Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his guests discuss Jane Byrne’s shocking victory over incumbent Mayor Michael Bilandic in the Democratic mayoral primary.