In the bustling theater scene of Chicago, Robert Falls made his debut in the most whimsical of ways—as a roller-skating panda. His career, which has since soared to remarkable heights, primarily flourishes at the Goodman Theatre, where he recently unveiled “Holiday,” a play that has become the talk of the town this season.

Renowned for his storytelling prowess, Falls, a Tony Award-winning director, continues to enchant audiences with his ability to weave intricate narratives and create awe-inspiring moments on stage. His latest endeavor, “Holiday,” marks a shift in his repertoire as he dives into the world of romantic comedy.

“When I received this play, I instantly fell in love with it,” Falls shared. “It was a genre I hadn’t explored, a romantic comedy, yet it delves into the complexities of human relationships and family dynamics. I thought, this will be really fun, and that’s exactly what it turned out to be.”

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Falls’ enthusiasm for his projects is palpable. “If I’m excited by the play, it becomes visually vivid in my mind,” he explained. “I begin to envision the set, the world it inhabits, and I start jotting down notes and conducting research. There’s always a character, sometimes even in the smallest role, that captures my affection. Through them, I gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and its complexities.”

With an innate empathy for the acting process and a profound appreciation for actors, Falls continues to be a cherished figure in the theater community, celebrated for his unique ability to connect with both his audience and the performers who bring his visions to life.

The director explained that he has tremendous empathy for the acting process and a love of actors themselves.

“I find what they do absolutely heroic, that they get on stage and they’re willing to expose themselves, they’re willing to be present,” Falls said. “It’s almost as though one has to be a psychologist in a sense of what that actor needs most. The actors who have to go out there every night and be vulnerable in front of an audience.”

Now, he’s back on his longtime stage in Chicago.

“The Goodman Theatre was the opportunity of a lifetime,” Falls said. “I would not have known I’d be there 35 years. The time went extraordinarily quickly, and during that time I was fortunate enough to work with such incredible people and make work that resonated with a lot of people. Chicago has had fantastic audiences, it’s where I’ve grown up, really, and it’s home.

“You make the play, it opens and then you go away, it’s like raising a kid and at a certain point you’ve got to let go,” Falls continued. “What I remember best is often sitting around the table talking about the play with the actors and discovering it. Or the excitement of being on our feet for the first time, hearing the play run from A to Z, and having the pleasure of seeing the work everybody has done come together.”

“Holiday” is now extended at the Goodman until March 8, by popular demand.