Theatre with a side of life
TimeLine Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of NOTES FROM THE FIELD. The school-to-prison pipeline describes the phenomena that educational inequities lead to unjust incarceration.Whether it’s a woman watching her boyfriend kill a man trying to rape her or a student filming a classmate being thrown across the room by a police officer, if the individual is ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ILLINOISE a new kind of musical. In 2005, singer, songwriter and composer Sufjan Stevens debuted his album “Illinois.” Stevens’ songs told the simplistic and complex eccentricities of Midwestern life. His composition had surprising depth as he weaved stories of aliens, zombies, serial killers, comic books, mental health and first loves into music. ...
Goodman Theatre presents the World-Premiere production of HIGHWAY PATROL. IRL!? What IS happening ‘in real life’? Is this a staged thriller or a cautionary Ted Talk for celebs? HIGHWAY PATROL blurs ALL the lines between reality and fantasy. The story is the actual experience of Emmy Award-winning actor Dana Delany. In 2012, Delany befriended a terminally ill ...
Porchlight Music Theatre launches its 29th season by presenting Cole Porter’s ANYTHING GOES. Ninety years ago ANYTHING GOES debuted as a madcap musical. The tale follows the antics of a stowaway, a debutante, a nightclub singer, a criminal and an English Lord on a cruise ship. Disguises, mistaken identities and vaudevillian-like gags pepper the quest for ...
Broadway in Chicago presents the pre-Broadway world premiere BOOP! THE MUSICAL. It’s official… I’ve been Boop-ed! Betty Boop is a cartoon character created by Max Fleischer in the 1930s. She gained fame in her portrayal of a damsel in distress. Although her curly hair, big eyes, short skirt and ample bosom are pretty recognizable, the story behind ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents a WorldStage Event from Scotland, ISLANDER the Musical. ISLANDER captivates with its unique storytelling. Human song and spoken word mingle together with the clicks and pulsed calls of whales. Two performers, Lois Craig and Julia Murray, tell the tale onstage with a couple microphones, a soundboard, minimal scenery and ample talent. Craig ...
Broadway in Chicago presents the all-new North American and Pre-Broadway Premiere Revival of THE WIZ. In 1974, William F. Brown (book) and Charlie Small (music and lyrics) conceived the hipper version of L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The Tony Award-winning musical was cast with black performers. The musical was later made ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents TWELFTH NIGHT. William Shakespeare tells a tale of shipwreck, romance and mistaken identities. A violent storm, maroons and separates twins on an island. Unable to find her brother, Viola disguises herself as a male page named “Cesario.” She works for Orsino. When Orsino sends “Cesario” with a message to Olivia, she falls ...
Broadway in Chicago presents BEETLEJUICE The Musical. The innovative team of Scott Brown (book), Anthony King (book) and Eddie Perfect (music and lyrics) said Beetlejuice three times turning the 1988 cult classic film into a highly-entertaining staged musical. Brown and King remain true to the essences of the movie. A hilariously crass spook, with green hair ...
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. In this political environment, Selina Fillinger’s play is particularly timely. Her clever premise suggests although an elected buffoon is the face of the POTUS office, the brains, heart and wit running the country is an ...