BROADWAY IN CHICAGO (312) 902-1400 At the Cadillac Palace, Beauty and The Beast 3/23-4/4 is a heartwarming tale that has teapots and spoons singing and dancing, all the while telling the story of a love found deep in the soul. At The Ford Center/Oriental Theatre the much anticipated, Elton John’s, Billy Elliot the Musical, the winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical of 2009, also called, “the best musical of the decade” by Time magazine opens 3/18. The gritty story, based on the film by the same name, is about a young boy’s struggle out of poverty, the boxing ring and finally finding his dream, a passion for dance. At Bank of America the explosive, Stomp 4/27-5/2 returns with all new non-stop percussion and dance using everything from a matchbook to a broom to delight all ages with the magic of Stomp.
At The Steppenwolf Theatre (312) 335-1650 The Brother/Sister Plays until 5/23, authored by Tarell Alvin McCraney, are actually three separate plays presented on two evenings all interconnected but none dependent on the other. Tempered with an extraordinarily talented cast and director, humor, song and music makes the story about the struggles and coming of age in an African-American community, terrific theater. Endgame 4/1-6/6, by Samuel Beckett and presented with an ensemble cast that includes William Petersen is a comedy of two men spending their lives by the sea, waiting for the inevitable. In the Garage, three innovative plays running in repertory, Adore, Punk Play and The Twins Would Like to Say run until 4/25.
Victory Gardens (773) 871 -3000 presents, The Lost Boys of Sudan 3/19-4/25, a Chicago premiere about three boys who team up while trying to make their way to a refugee camp.
Timeline Theatre Company (773) 281-8463, as part of the Athol Fugard Festival, presents Master Harold…and the Boys set during 1950’s apartheid Africa. Fugard’s stories focus on the universal theme of the dreams of freedom and hope, so important to all human beings. It will be followed by The Farnsworth Invention, 4/14-6/13, direct from Broadway and written by the creator of ‘A Few Good Men’ and ‘West Wing’, Alan Sorkin. The story is about the invention of television, the battles with RCA and the impact this little box would have on America.
Lookingglass Theatre Company’s (312) 337-0665 world premiere, Trust, runs until 4/25. An American family copes with the question, ‘In an increasingly digital age, how can we maintain the human touch , and will true intimate communication be forever lost? The play is co-written by David Schwimmer and Andy Bellin and co-directed by David Schwimmer and Heidi Stillman.
At The Black Ensemble Theater (773) 769-4451, Jackie Taylor presents another world premiere, My Brother’s Keeper the story of the Nicholas Brothers.You’re sure enjoy the musical story of how all America fell in love with one of the greatest dance teams of the twentieth century.
Theatre Building Chicago (773) 327-5252 presents its first ever tap story-show, Love Taps until 3/28. Focusing on lonely singles, every performance will be different as each night the audience decides who gets paired with whom. Rent until 3/28 is the story of impoverished young artists living in New York City. You Took Away My Flag 4/2-5/30 is the tale of the conflict in Kosovo that threatens to tear a brother and sister apart. Stage Door 4/11-5/30 Edna Ferber and Gorge S. Kaufman’s biting, witty satire about a group of young women in the 1930’s who will do anything for their love of the theater. Into the Woods 4/11-5/30 is a delightful classic, and its beautiful Sondheim score charm you while telling a tale of morality.
At Profiles Theatre (773) 549-1815 Body Awareness previews 4/23. Famous for his nude portraits, a photographer’s presence instigates bickering and high drama on a Vermont college campus.
At Court Theatre (773) 753 4472 The Illusion until 4/11, adapted by Tony Kushner, and based on one of French Baroque’s most beautiful romances, is the tale of an estranged father and son. In his search to find his son, the father is taken to a whole new world filled with humor, magic and true love. It will be followed by Athol Fugard’s Sizwe Banzi is Dead 5/13-6/13
On the comedy scene Rush Limbaugh! The Musical at The Second City e.t.c., is a funny satirical look at Rush and his fanatical followers, and on their mainstage the Taming of the Flu – are you sick of the flu, sick of hearing about health reform and sick of being watched while running red lights? Well so are they, and it won’t stop all of the above but it will help you laugh through it all. Also, Zanies continues to be the home of stand- up comedy.
Last but not Least: Northlight Theatre’s (847) 673-6300 A Life 3/18-4/25 about memories and life in a small Irish town stars John Mahoney; and all the great shows at Centre East. American Theatre Co.’s (773) 409-4125 Welcome to Arroyo’s 4/15-5/16. Gift Theatre’s (773)283-7071 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Lifeline Theatre’s (773) 761-4477 hit, Mrs. Caliban until 3/28, followed by Neverwhere 4/30-6/20, and for the kids, The Blue Shadow runs 3/13-5/2. The Apollo Theatre’s (773) 935-6100 The Million Dollar Quartet, soon open on Broadway. Drury Lane Oak Brook’s (630) 530-0111 Ragtime opening on 3/18. Redtwist Theatre ‘s (773)728-7529 hit Pillowman will be followed by Equus. Raven Theatre’s (773) 338-2177 Twelve Angry Men until 4/17.The Artistic Home Theater’s (866) 811-4111 The Skin of Our Teeth. Red Orchid’s (312) 943-8722 very funny Abigail’s Party until 3/28. Pegasus Players’ (773) 878-9761The Gimmick . Blue Man Group at Briar Street Theatre (773) 348-4000. The Greenhouse Theatre Centre’s (773) 404-7336 Resurrection Blues; Les Liaisons Dangereuses 3/17-5/2 by Remy Bumppo and many others.
Until next time, we invite you to call us at (312) 661-1976 with opinions, suggestions, or for other recommendations.