Need Chicago Advice...What to See this Fall

[Play Esq.]

I booked a flight to Chicago so as to see Sweet Bird and Sunday in the Park at CST, but I am astounded that SOOO much is going on in Chicago this Fall. I need some help: what else should I see in Chicago the last weekend in October.

With just some research, I've found that Zimmerman's Metamorphosis is playing the Lookingglass, Good People is playing Steppenwolf, and Kinky Boots is playing its pre-Broadway run. I've seen Good People here in New York, and though I love Steppenwolf productions/performers, I'm wondering it this requires a second viewing. Always wanted to see Metamorphosis but wondering how this production looks remounted.


Am I missing anything? I would love any other recommendations from Shytowners and/or recent Chicago visitors.


Thanks in advance.

[AC126748]

I am going in two weeks, and seeing SWEET BIRD, SUNDAY..., and GOOD PEOPLE. I decided not to see KINKY BOOTS as we'll be getting that here in New York, so it seemed like a waste of a slot. GOOD PEOPLE opened last night to across-the-board raves, so even if you've already seen the play, you might want to catch this particular production as well.

I saw METAMORPHOSIS in New York, and it's one of the best things I've ever seen. If you've never seen it before, it might be worth a look, although I believe it's already pretty well-sold.

[Jon]

There's always "I LOVE LUCY: LIVE!" - playing at the Broadway Playhouse (Water Tower Place).

[luvtheEmcee]

Steppenwolf's Good People is killer. I didn't see it in New York, though.

Do yourself a favor and see at least some things you would never see in New York. Chicago has a lot to offer if you look beyond the obvious. IMO it's a total waste of time to come all the way here and then see something like a Broadway in Chicago production. Take a look at chicagoplays.com. You can search by genre and it's a good tool for navigating the sometimes overwhelming landscape and finding stuff you might like.

[jon5202]

A few suggestions:

1. Albee's Seascape at Remmy Bumpo Theatre

2. Good People at Steppenwolf

3. Freud's Last Session at The Mercury Theatre

4. Iron Stag King by the House Theatre playing at the Chopin Theatre

5. Moment by Steep Theatre playing at the Wit Theatre bldg

6. Eqivocation at Victory Gardens

Reviews for the above can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com

Opening between now and October 21:

7. One Name Only at Black Ensemble

8. Kill Viktor, Vol 1 and Vol 2 at New Millennium Theatre

9. Making Noise Quietly at Steep Theatre

10. 44 Plays for 44 Presidents at Neo Futurists

11. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson by Bailiwick Theatre at the Wit Theatre bldg

12. Night Over Erzinga at Silk Road Rising Theatre

13. Broken Glass at Redtwist Theatre

14. Trainspotting USA at Wit Theatre

15. Wasteland at Lifeline Theatre

16. Burn This at Shattered Globe Theatre

17. The Opponent at Red Orchid Theatre

18. The Verona Project at Northwestern University

Shows 12-18 have yet to open but info can be found at the aforementioned Theatre in Chicago website. Check also Goldstar Chicago in advance and Hottix.org the week of for discounts.

[AwesomeDanny]

I completely agree with Emcee-- Chicago has so much to offer in terms of quality storefront theatre productions. Last weekend, I saw a fantastic production of A Class Act done by Porchlight Music Theatre in a 99-seat theatre. It got great reviews, but it will unfortunately be closed before you come here, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who will be here over the next two weekends. Also, if it's feasible, the suburbs have lots of great theatre, too. Marriott Lincolnshire is doing a very well-received production of Dreamgirls, and Writers' Theatre in Glencoe is doing a very intriguing production of Hamlet. I particularly like chicagotheaterbeat.com as a resource for finding good shows as they tend to cover more of the smaller productions that can fly under your radar.

[Play Esq.]

Thank you all! Looks like I'm adding Good People to the list. Love Steppenwolf. AC, you're probably right that Kinky Boots can wait. I'll act fast if I go with Metamorphoses as tickets are selling fast.

I don't think I've ever seen a storefront theater. Generally, are they all located around the same part of Chicago? Are any better known than others?

[Play Esq.]

One last question: does sitting on the sides of the Metamorphoses stage greatly affect the experience?

[EricMontreal22]

Dumb question, but what exactly is a storefront theatre? Like a small rep company?

[MisterSnow89]

Also, something else to consider would be Hamlet at the Writer's Theatre. I've not seen it yet, but Writer's Theatre produces some of the consistantly best theatre I've seen anywhere (i.e. David Cromer's Streetcar). Plus, their space is very intimate, which I love. Here is the website:


Writer's Theatre Homepage

[Play Esq.]

Seriously...there are almost TOO many options here! (If such a thing could actually be.)


I wish I were half excited about what's going on here in New York. The only thing I'm really pumped about in New York this Fall is "Virgina Wolf."


AND THAT'S A CHICAGO PRODUCTION!

[Jon]

A storefront theatre is a theatre located in a storefront. Usually under 100 seats. Many under 50 seats. Usually non-equity. Some of these "professional theatres" pay their actors ten bucks a show.

What's the difference between community theatre and professional theatre? Ten bucks.

[Play Esq.]

Umm...gotta ask again: does sitting on the sides of the Metamorphoses stage greatly affect the experience?

[Theatreboy49]

as a Chicagoan I too encourage you to see some of the amazing storefront theatre we have to offer. PErsonally I can recommend Boho Theatre's Spitfire Grill, Bailiwick Chicago's Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Skirker at Red Tape theatre, The Catholic Rep at American Theatre Company (Doubt and Agnes of God) and Good People at Steppenwolf.

[AwesomeDanny]

Check out whatever is playing at Stage 773 and Theatre Wit. Those are two buildings (that happen to be right next to each other) that each have several tiny spaces where storefront theatre companies often perform. Steep Theatre's production of Moment, which was very well reviewed, is transferring to Theatre Wit for a brief run that is gaining some attention.

And, to answer your question, I'm sure the sides for Metamorphoses will be fine. A director like Mary Zimmerman surely knows how to properly stage something on a thrust stage. You might even be better off on the side--I typically like sitting on the sides for shows in thrust spaces because they provide more interesting perspectives.

[jon5202]

Most Chicago storefront (or non-equity) theatres are located on the northside of the city in the Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. All theatres are accessible by subway, the L, buses or cabs. Timeline, Lifeline, House Theatre, Redtwist, Steep Theatre and Profiles are some of the better known ones. Prices are almost always under $50 per ticket and discounts are often available.

Most storefront companies have a 3-4 play season though a breakout hit can be extended changing the season layout. Some tend to feature the same players, others have open cast calls. Often these are younger actors straight out of or still in one of the local theatre programs - college based or other. Chicago seems to have become a mecca for young performers looking to hone their craft in low paying but often highly reviewed productions.

The smallest storefront (or Off-Loop) theatre that I know of is Boho (Bohemian Theatre) which seats 20 people. Most Off-Loop theatres range from 50-150 seats. As mentioned Stage 773 and Theatre Wit are next door to each other on Belmont Ave and contain a total of 7 theatres of various sizes. Note: 11:00pm or Midnight shows often play one night weekly performances at storefront spaces. Check for those online at www.theatreinchicago.com or www.chicagoplays.com

I am seeing Sunday in the Park Wednesday night and Metamorphoses on Thursday night.