Theater 47

Theater47 derived from the 47th Street area and has touched lives through performance arts nationwide John L. While in college, Ruffin took courses in theater.

Ruffin
Producer/Director/Playwright

Premier playwright and film director, John Ruffin is a native Chicagoan. He was born on July 3, 1971, and began his career at the early age of twelve, directing a play consisting of his two brothers and two sisters and his parents for an audience. Having a natural love for the performing arts, Ruffin went on to gain a lead role in a children’s play,“The Emperor

’s New Clothes” and “Aladdin” at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois. After attending play after play, Ruffin decided to step out on faith and in 1993, he wrote, directed and produced his first play, “Choose Ye This Day!,” thus starting his own company by the name of AGAPE Productions, Inc and John Ruffin Productions, Inc. He says, “There was a time where the set actually fell during a performance, but that did not stop the anointing that God set in the room and ten people got saved. It was then that I knew then that I was headed in the right direction.” After each performance, the number of people coming to Christ grew. It is Ruffin’s belief that a play doesn’t mean a thing unless the anointing is there and lives are changed. Other works accredited to Ruffin include: “I Won’t Go Back,” a biography about his former Pastor, the late L.T. Hutton, “It’s Too Good To Be True” and “We’re Dreaming of You, Selena”. Ruffin directed and produced a bi-weekly variety show, “Gospeltime, Live At The Legacy”. Others have sought Ruffin out for his talents as he has directed Imani Productions, “New Beginning…Startin’ All Over”, TJW Productions, “He Loves Me..He Loves Me Not” and he has also received calls to direct a Shakespearean piece, “The Age of Othello” (written by Anthony Norman) and “Trouble Don’t Last Always”. Ruffin has also written many skits for churches around the Chicago land area for Christmas, Easter and youth events. Recently, Ruffin has also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts. Ruffin showcased his God-given writing skills of Gospel hit Stage Plays, “Love Me and Leave Me” and “The Other Woman”, “All for Love”, “No More Sheets”, “Mr. Right Now or Mr. Wrong Later”, “The Ideal Husband, and “All My Single Ladies “, all which have sold out across the nation. Ruffin has secured his productions nationally via DVD and on network television. Ruffin also added to his repertoire his production of Broadway hits, “Dreamgirls”,“The Color Purple” and “Black Nativity” and has penned his own off-Broadway production, Fannie Hurst’s “Imitation of Life”, that sold out in its opening month in Chicago.

12/21/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Charles Mick Allen,
Thecia Robinson,
Karen Briggs,
Doris Jean Harmon

11/07/2025

Phyllis Hyman Musical is BACK for 1 LAST PERFORMANCE this year!!!!

A musical about the life of the great singer Phyllis Hyman, titled "Living All Alone" after one of her most famous songs. Even the most critical theatergoer will be fed and satisfied by this new musical. The story of this beautiful yet tortured soul recounts how Phyllis' life was filled with creativ...

11/06/2025

The Demand is OVERWHELMING!!! If You Think You're Lonely Now is back for 1 Last Show!

10/22/2025

If You Think You're Lonely Now....120 Tickets Left!!!! Shows are SELLING OUT!!!!

Come see the unauthorized tale of 70's Soul Singer, Bobby Womack. This story will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. Starring Michael Kenady as the late, great Bobby Womack. Don't wait, this one will SELL OUT!!!!

10/02/2025

Funny Comedian Meechie Headlines at Theater 47! Show coming Friday, October 10th

Comedian B. Cole hosts an outcast of talented misfits who will brighten up your day with a tremendous laughing experience for true stand-up comedy fans. Loaded with laughter and positive energy. Grab a drink from our bar and laugh your troubles away! Free parking!!

09/24/2025

Funny Comedian Meechie Headlines at Theater 47!

09/17/2025

If You Think You're Lonely Now....

09/16/2025

Guess What's Coming Back to Theater 47 in November 2025?

09/09/2025

Season 2 is back!!!!! Friday, SEPTEMBER 12TH...Laugh your troubles away at THEATER 47!

08/30/2025

Season 2 is back!!!!! Starting SEPTEMBER 12TH...Laugh your troubles away at THEATER 47!

08/22/2025

Address

371 Artists Walk
Park Forest, IL
60466

Telephone

(708) 898-7730

Website

http://www.theater47.com/

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