Summer Stages: BWW'S Top Summer Theatre Picks - Chicago!

HAIR

American Theatre Company's current production of Hair is most likely different from any Hair you've seen. In the same vein as their hit production of the original script of Grease, this production has elicited the help of Hair's co-creator Jim Rado, restoring some of the original Off-Broadway script. Co-directed by PJ Paparelli and J.R. Sullivan, Hair is running now through June 29th.

For more info visit: http://www.atcweb.org/

CARRIE

Ready for a little camp this summer? Then get your tickets for Bailiwick Chicago Theater's production of the infamous cult musical Carrie. Based off of the Stephen King novel, see how the unpopular Carrie handles her bullies once she discovers she holds a special power. Receiving its Chicago premiere, Carrie is currently running through July 12th.

For more info visit: https://bailiwickchicago.com/

DAYS LIKE TODAY

Writers Theatre presents an original new musical with a score by Alan Schmuckler (Chicago Shakespeare's The Emperor's New Clothes and How Can You Run With A Shell On Your Back?) and book by Laura Eason (House of Cards staff writer). With musical direction by Doug Peck, choreography by Tommy Rapley, and direction by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, support this new musical work running now through July 13th.

For more info visit: http://www.writerstheatre.org

ANNAPURNA

Hot off a run Off-Broadway (which starred Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman), one of Chicago's most-trusted storefront theatres, Profiles Theatre, will be staging their own production of Sharr White's "Annapurna." With a two person cast (starring Darrell W. Cox and Tiffany Scott), the show chronicles the reunion of an ex-couple who haven't seen each other in twenty years. Also directed by Cox, "Annapurna" will be running from June 6th - July 20th.

For more info visit: http://www.profilestheatre.org

THE LAST SHIP

Chicago will once again be home to another pre-Broadway tryout with this new musical which has both story and music by Sting. One of the most highly anticipated Broadway in Chicago offerings this year, The Last Ship revolves around an English seafaring town inspired by Sting's childhood. Some big names are on board including director Joe Mantello (Wicked, The Normal Heart, and this season's Casa Valentina), book writers John Logan (Red) and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal and this season's If/Then), and choreographer Steven Hoggett (Once, this season's Rocky and The Glass Menagerie). Before it opens on Broadway this fall, The Last Ship will be running at the Bank of America Theatre June 10th - July 13th.

For more info visit: http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/

THIS IS OUR YOUTH

After opening "Of Mice and Men" on Broadway this past spring (featuring Chris O'Dowd and James Franco), Anna D. Shapiro will once again be directing screen stars on the stage: this time with Michael Cera ("Arrest Development," "Juno") and Kieran Culkin ("Igby Goes Down") in This is Our Youth at Steppenwolf Theatre. After its run this summer, this production is another that is headed to Broadway this fall. Catch it before its New York run at Steppenwolf June 10th - July 27th.

For more info visit: https://www.steppenwolf.org/

DEATH AND THE MAIDEN

Victory Gardens Theater's Death and the Maiden is sure to be a hot ticket this summer; right off of her last season of "Grey's Anatomy," Sandra Oh joins Chicago stage star John Judd and Raul Castillo (HBO's "Looking") in Ariel Dorfman's drama. Directed by Victory Gardens' Artistic Director Chay Yew, Death and the Maiden will be running at Victory Gardens' Biograph Theatre June 13th - July 13th.

For more info visit: http://victorygardens.org/

THEATER ON THE LAKE

Although the actual Theatre on the Lake is currently in the process of being converted to a year-round event facility, the summer shows will still go on! In lieu of their usual space, Theater on the Lake, who take the best of Chicago shows from the past year and remount them for a week each, is taking to a few of Chicago's wonderful parks. The shows this year include The Lockout: A Musical Book, First Class, A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, A Cole Porter Songbook, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, and Great Expectations. The season runs June 18th - August 10th.

For more info visit: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/theater-on-the-lake/#.U3u9dTJOWUk

BRIGADOON

Chicago staple Goodman Theatre will be staging the Lerner and Loewe class Brigadoon. Headed up by director and choreographer extraordinaire Rachel Rockwell (most recently of the critically acclaimed 42nd Street and In the Heights at Paramount Theatre in Aurora), this production boasts a talented cast of Chicago actors. Be transported to Brigadoon at the Goodman Theatre June 27th - August 3rd.

For more info visit: http://www.goodmantheatre.org/

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

To get your Shakespeare fix this summer, First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook is staging The Merry Wives of Windsor. Falstaff, a favorite character of the Shakespeare plays, is at the center of this show, finding himself in a pickle after attempting to seduce two wealthy (married) women. Directed by Nick Sandys, The Merry Wives of Windsor runs July 9th - August 10th.

For more info visit: http://www.firstfolio.org/

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

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