David G. Zak – Chicago Stage Director & LGBTQ+ Theater Advocate

David G. Zak, a multi–Jeff Award-winning director, has been celebrated across decades of Chicago theater for his energetic, insightful, and emotionally resonant work. Below is a collection of critical acclaim and audience praise from key productions.

Pride Films & Plays – Directed by David G. Zak

“Sweetly staged by David Zak... a very pleasant parody-tribute.”
— Stage and Cinema 

“With consummate musical and performance direction by Robert Ollis and David Zak…”
— Theatre In Chicago 

“A joy… well sung and loads of fun.”
— ChicagoCritic.com 

Summary: Zak's fast-paced, high-spirited direction delivered a witty and tuneful musical parody that delighted audiences and critics alike.

🎼 Jerry Springer—The Opera

Bailiwick Repertory – Directed by David G. Zak

“Director David Zak has found actors with formidable vocal gifts.”
— Chicago Sun-Times 

“The biggest stars of the production are… director David Zak.”
— Gay Chicago Magazine 

“Beautifully performed… under the guidance of director David Zak.”
— Chicago Reader 

Summary: Zak brought grand scale and biting satire to life with a vocally dazzling, visually bold production that earned critical raves across Chicago.

Pride Films & Plays – Directed by David G. Zak

“Tight direction… well-sung and heartwarming.”
— ChicagoCritic.com 

“Moving, fun, unexpected… fully deserves to be mentioned alongside earlier successes.”
— BroadwayWorld Chicago 

“Zak keeps the pace zipping along… a fitting tribute that deserves remembrance.”
— Paperblog
Summary: In this moving world premiere, Zak's direction captured a forgotten chapter of LGBTQ+ history with warmth, humor, and grace.

Bailiwick Repertory – Directed by David G. Zak

“Swept the Jeff Citation awards… including Director (David Zak) and Best Musical.”
— Chicago Public Library Archives

 “Costumes are super… turning actors into animals.”
— Chicago Reader
Summary: Zak’s dynamic staging of Orwell’s classic swept Chicago’s Jeff Citations and earned accolades for visionary ensemble work and directorial creativity.

Pride Films & Plays – Directed by David G. Zak

“David Zak… finds the right player-singers… incredible grasp of the finesse and style of Peter Allen.”
— Stage and Cinema
“Shimmering, splashy production… absolutely lights up Belmont Avenue.”
— Chicago Theatre Review
“He and Logan approach the show with such beautiful honesty… each song still leaves the audience a bit breathless.”
— Stage and Cinema
Summary: Zak’s confident command of style and cast direction brought Peter Allen’s story to vibrant, crowd-pleasing life.

Open Space Arts – Directed by David G. Zak (2025)

“I applaud David G. Zak for bringing his long mastery to work with the Second City's abundance of unsung prodigies.”
— Broadway World
Summary: A seasoned artist working with emerging talent, Zak’s subtle yet masterful touch brought emotional depth and clarity to this intimate drama.

Bailiwick Repertory – Directed by David G. Zak

“David Zak’s use of the theatre space was some of the best I’ve seen… brought the story into the audience and encircled them.”
— BroadwayWorld Chicago
“David Zak’s exciting direction… salvaged a good time from B-grade schmaltziness.”
— Gay Chicago Magazine
“Theatre space… encircled [the audience]… musically more complex than expected.”
— Theatre In Chicago
Summary: Zak’s immersive staging and spatial choreography lifted this rock adaptation into a visceral and vivid storytelling experience.

Bailiwick Repertory – Directed by David G. Zak

“Zak kept the production honest and engaging… allowing the material to speak powerfully.”
(Critics' summary from compiled sources)
Summary: This thought-provoking musical about a legendary woman’s rise in the Catholic Church was made riveting through Zak’s clear vision and thematic restraint.