Center Stage: The Phelps Legacy at Citadel Theatre

A look back — and forward — with Scott and Ellen Phelps

For over a decade, Scott and Ellen Phelps have shaped the artistry of Citadel Theatre — both behind the scenes and under the lights. As co-founders and real-life partners as husband and wife, their journey has been one of shared vision, fearless storytelling and unforgettable performances.

While their leadership as Artistic Director and Managing Director has guided Citadel through years of growth, some of the most memorable moments have taken place onstage — where their chemistry, commitment and craft shine bright.

A History in Scenes:
From THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE to THE CHRISTIANS

Photos from “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” (2010)

Their onstage partnership at Citadel began in Neil Simon’s The Prisoner of Second Avenue — a story of midlife chaos, love and resilience. As Mel and Edna Edison, the Phelps duo brought humor and pathos to a couple navigating job loss and big-city anxiety. Their real-life connection made the characters’ struggles feel all the more raw — and real.

Pioneer Press reviewed that “As Mel, Scott Phelps amplifies the main character's worrywart, self-pitying personality; his caustic sense of humor is pitch perfect." They also noted that "Ellen Phelps, playing Edna, brings chemistry to the role as Scott's real-life wife. She capably juggles a role that calls for her to be a supportive partner--and sometimes a hysterical victim." 

Photos from “Sirens” (2012)

Two years later, they returned in the Midwest premiere of Deborah Zoe Laufer’s Sirens, playing another married duo — this time exploring midlife temptation, memory and creativity. As Sam and Rose Adams, they danced between comedy and heartache, embodying a couple searching for the music of their youth while holding onto the bond that built their life.

Photos from “The Christians” (2023)

Most recently, the duo took the stage as Pastor Paul and his wife, Elizabeth, in Lucas Hnath’s acclaimed drama The Christians — a searing exploration of faith and conviction. Their performances sparked reflection and conversation, with audiences drawn into a mega-church moment of moral crisis, performed with quiet power and grace.

Together Again — In a Whole New Light

This fall, Scott and Ellen return to the Citadel stage for the first time together since 2023, stepping into a dramatically different world: the chilling suspense of Misery by William Goldman, based on Stephen King’s classic novel. As Annie Wilkes and Paul Sheldon, they’ll trade spiritual debates and romantic comedy for psychological tension, obsession and survival.

It’s the electrifying opener of Citadel’s “Naughty and Nice” season, running September 12–October 12, 2025 — and it promises to showcase a new side of two performers who have never stopped challenging themselves or their audiences.

A Legacy Still in Motion

Ellen most recently returned to the spotlight in the Chicago-area premiere of A Jukebox for The Algonquin, while continuing her full-time role as Citadel’s Managing Director. Scott, as Artistic Director, continues to shape each season with bold and diverse programming — including the upcoming “Naughty and Nice” lineup.

Even as they guide the theatre’s day-to-day operations and long-term vision, Scott and Ellen never stray far from the stage. Their shared passion for storytelling — in every sense — remains unstoppable.

Through the years, their onstage collaborations have told stories of marriage, purpose, crisis and creativity — stories that mirror the very heart of what Citadel Theatre stands for.

And with Misery on the horizon, Scott and Ellen Phelps are proving once again:
the show — and the partnership — must go on.