BROADWAY IN CHICAGO (312) 902-1400, celebrating their 10th anniversary, presents the award winning, Shrek, the Musical 7/13-9/5 at the Cadillac Palace, the show promises us a great time as everyone’s favorite ogre comes to life in a musical adaptation of the movie. With friends like a donkey that talks too much, a cookie with an attitude and a princess like no other, you can expect lots of laughs and nineteen new songs in this first stop of the national tour of the Broadway hit that’s sure to deliver nothing but a fun time for all.
At The Ford Center/Oriental Theatre Elton John’s, Billy Elliot the Musical, the winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical of 2009, has Chicago’s audiences raving for more. The dancing, the music and the performers are all 4 stars!
At Bank of America for one night only, 8/13, Rufus Wainwright, called the greatest song-writer on the planet by Elton John will perform his many compositions. Some of Broadway in Chicago’s up-coming shows include Rock of Ages, Traces, and the return of Disney’s Lion King, and Wicked.
At The Goodman Theatre (312) 443-3800 The Latino Theatre Festival features, The Sins of Sor Juanauntil 7/25. With an extremely talented cast of Chicago favorites, and incredible staging, this center piece of the festival takes place at the end of the Inquisition. Ahead of her time, Sor Juana was a sixteen year old writer and poet, illegal during these times, and it’s truly a unique love story. The Festival includes more than 10 works, some performed in Spanish with sub-titles. Coming next season, Candide.
At Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier (312) 595-5600 The Emperor’s New Clothes runs until 8/29. The new musical is for the whole family. The silly emperor and his daughter can’t get along until some interesting characters and some very unusual clothes help them see eye to eye. Coming next season: Romeo and Juliet.
Also at Navy Pier appearing throughout the summer, Cirque Shanghai Cloud 9 runs until 9/6. Direct from China the all new show is an acrobatic spectacle featuring beautiful costumes, gymnasts, jugglers and so much more-entertainment for the whole family.
At The Steppenwolf Theatre (312) 335-1650 Bruce Norris’ new play, sure to be a hit, A Parrallelogram runs until 8/29. The world premiere dark comedy is not only very funny, it is fabulously staged, directed and just full of talent. Is it Sci-Fi or paranoia? Can we or should we change the future if we know what’s coming? These are just a few of the questions raised. All in all it’s fun, intelligent and a don’t miss. This Trainruns until 8/1 in the Garage. Tony Fitzpatrick, poet, and storyteller wrote and performs along with Stan Klein, guitarist John Rice and guest vocalist Kat Eggleston.
Victory Gardens’ (773) 871 -3000 A Guide for the Perplexeduntil 8/15, is a dark dramedy about a newly released convict who begins living with his sister, her husband and their son. He also, finally, meets his female, ‘pen-pal’, and attempts ‘rehabilitation’ in this slightly crazy environment. Ignition Inaugural Festival of New Plays 8/15-22, presents 6 world premiers, two of which will be produced next season. Since it’s founding in 1974 this theater has produced more world premieres than any other Chicagoland theater. Also, Blair Thomas and Co., one of Chicago’s most acclaimed puppet masters presents Hard Headed Heart, three interconnected solo shows including: Don Cristobal, St. James Infirmary and The Blackbird.
Timeline Theatre Company (773) 281-8463, The Farnsworth Inventionhas been extended until 7/24. Written by Aaron Sorkin (creator of The West Wing), this story is about an invention that revolutionized our world as we know it…the television.
Lookingglass Theatre Company’s (312) 337-0665 Lookingglass Alice triumphantly returns until 8/15. This delightful take on a favorite fantasy is back for a fourth year and it’s better than ever. Lauren Hirte in the title role celebrates her 300th performance and the whole ensemble will thrill you with a show that defies gravity and imagination. Lots of surprises, a must see…catch it before it’s gone. Coming up Peter Pan.
At The Black Ensemble Theater (773) 769-4451, Jackie Taylor presents another world premiere in a Season of Excellence Dedicated to the Music. Come on along to that little club in the basement, Therese’s Lounge, home of some of the greatest blues legends in the world, and enjoy Nothing But the Blues. Remember to where your dancing shoes… “cause down in the basement-that’s where it’s at!”
Light Opera Works (847) 869-6300 Evanston, with a 30 piece orchestra, presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s romantic classic, Carousel8/14-29. As carnival barker, Billy Bigelow falls for sweet young Julie we are treated to some of the most well-known and beloved love songs of all time including ‘If I Loved You’, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and the always fun ‘June Is Bustin’ Out All Over’. This show’s the perfect summer romantic musical for lovers of all ages.
Writers Theatre (847) 242-6000 Glencoe, presents A Street Car Named Desireuntil 8/15. With a superb cast, and an incredible interpretation of Tennessee Williams well-known tragic loves lost play, this show’s definitely a don’t miss. Blanch DuBois, Stella and Stanley come to life with all of their illusions and disillusions in one hot summer in New Orleans. Coming in September She Loves Me, often considered the “perfect musical” by aficionados.
At American Theatre Co. (773) 409-4125. Bailiwick Repertory Theatre (866) 811-4111 presents Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aidathe story is told in music, dance and humor. The staging and costuming, in this intimate theater setting, with almost 30 talented performers only enhances the love story complicated by issues of duty and country. Also Atc will present the original 1971 R-Rated Grease in their up coming season.
Last but not Least: Walking With the Dinosaurs the Arena Spectacular 7/28-8/1 at Allstate Arena (800) 949-1866. After 65 million years-They’re Back!!! 15 life sized dinosaurs have been created to walk the earth again for a thrilling experience for the whole family.
Second City’s (312) 337-3992 new mainstage show, Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies, from birth through the hilarious ups and downs of life what the most important thing for us to remember is that we’re all in this together.
Northlight Theatre’s (847) 673-6300 season opener in September, Daddy Long Legs.
And Centre East’s varied entertainment.
Drury Lane Oak Brook’s (630) 530-0111 Sugar until 8/1, based on the romantic musical comedy, ‘Some Like It Hot’.
Profiles Theatre’s (773) 549-1815 Killer Joe at Royal George Theatre (312-988-9000). BoHo’s (773) 791-2393 Ghosts until 7/18.
Court Theatre’s (773) 753 4472 Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors opening their season.
Gift Theatre’s (773)283-7071 Suicide Incorporated until 9/12, a world premiere that’s almost sold out.
Lifeline Theatre’s (773) 761-4477 Fillet of Solo Festival 7/29-8/21with Live Bait Theatre running for 4 weeks at multiple venues.
The Apollo Theatre’s (773) 935-6100 The Million Dollar Quartet, now also on Broadway and already been nominated for a Tony for Best Musical! We’ve still got it here, tickets are on sale until January, treat yourself and see it-a rousing good time.
Piven Theatre’s (847) 866-6597 Chicago premiere, Late: A Cowboy Song until 8/29, one woman’s search for true love.
Redtwist Theatre ‘s (773)728-7529 Equus until 8/26 (nudity/adult themes).
Raven Theatre’s (773) 338-2177 The Odd Couple until 8/7.
The Artistic Home Theater’s (866) 811-4111 The Tallest Man until 8/1.
Red Orchid’s (312) 943-8722 Midwest premiere of Louis Slotin Sonata 9/10-10/24;
Pegasus Players’ (773) 878-9761many entertaining shows. Blue Man Group at
Briar Street Theatre (773) 348-4000.
Red Tape Theatre’s (847) 738-6919 world premiere Le Enfants Terribles-Prom Night until 8/14.
Clockwise Theatre’s (847) 894-8788-Waukegan, Kita Y Fernada 7/30-8/15 authored by Tanya Seracho.
Stage 773’s formerly Theatre Building Chicago (773) 327-5252 multiple stages and great entertainment including Arizona Lady by Chicago Folks Operetta Co. 7/16-8/1; Sex Marks the Spot until 7/25 a spoof of political sex scandals; and Blues for an Alabama Sky 8/26-919, still has multiple stages and much great entertainment.
The Greenhouse Theatre Centre’s (773) 404-7336 Arthur Miller’s After the Fall,
Remy Bumppo’s Night and Day by Tom Stoppard and many others.
Until next time, we invite you to call us at (312) 661-1976 with opinions, suggestions, or for other recommendations.