What to See in Chicago Theater: Week of March 26, 2018 to April 02, 2018
By: BWW Mar. 26, 2018
An Epic Tale of Scale at Chicago Children's Theatre (3/10/2018 - 4/8/2018)
In the spring, The Station itself transforms into an all-immersive, two-story theatrical environment, totally unique to Chicagoland, titled An Epic Tale of Scale, created and directed by Henry Wishcamper and Jo Cattell, collaboratively designed by CCT Community Programs Artistic Director Frank Maugeri, with original music by Gabriel Ruiz. Think The Magic School Bus meets Sleep No More, and youâ??re close. Its an encounter that defies description. Incorporating original music, science experiments, ...
HANG MAN at The Gift Theatre (2/9/2018 - 4/8/2018)
Stacy Amma Osei-Kuffour; dir: Erica Weiss.
An Enemy of the People at Goodman Theatre (3/10/2018 - 4/15/2018)
Henrik Ibsen; dir: Robert Falls.
Albert Theatre:
Cyrano at Theater Wit (3/3/2018 - 4/15/2018)
CYRANO, adapted by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner, is based on the play by Edmond Rostand, and directed by BoHo Artistic Affiliate Steve Oâ??Connell. This sharp, lean, nine-person translation of the classic French love story keeps the poetry, but ditches the pretension to create a work full of energy, passion, and theatrical artistry.
Set in 17th century France, CYRANO tells the story of a great swordsman with a beautiful soul who is handicapped by a huge nose that makes him feel incapable ...
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner at Court Theatre (3/15/2018 - 4/15/2018)
Todd Kreidler; dir: Marti Lyons.
Abelson Auditorium:
Merchant on Venice at Greenhouse Theater Center (3/20/2018 - 4/15/2018)
South Asian re-imagining of Shakespeareâ??s THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, set on Venice Boulevard in present day Culver City, California â?? a section of the Los Angeles area where hatred and intolerance among Hindus and Muslims has grown to a boiling point.
Pretty Woman at Oriental Theatre- Ford Center for the Performing Arts (3/13/2018 - 4/15/2018)
The story of Pretty Woman enters on the down-on-her-luck Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward (Roberts) who is hired by a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis (Gere), to be his escort for several business and social functions, and their developing relationship over the course of Vivian's week-long stay with him.
Schiller's Mary Stuart at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (2/21/2018 - 4/15/2018)
Peter Oswald; dir: Jenn Thompson.
Courtyard Theater:
The Picture of Dorian Gray at City Lit Theater Company (3/2/2018 - 4/15/2018)
Oscar Wildeâ??s only novel ranks with Frankenstein and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a defining excursion into psychological horror. Dorian Gray expresses the desire that his newly painted portrait, rather than he, will age and fade. This idle, destructive wish is granted: Dorian stays young and beautiful while his portrait ages and takes on the weight of his sins. He is both fascinated and trapped by this fatal freedom from responsibility, and enters into a life of hedonism. ...
Through the Elevated Line at Silk Road Rising (3/8/2018 - 4/15/2018)
Novid Parsi; dir: Carin Silkaitis.
Pierce Main:
Plantation! at Lookingglass Theatre Company (2/21/2018 - 4/22/2018)
Kevin Douglas; music: Rick Sims; dir: David Schwimmer.
Water Tower Water Works:
Plantation! at Lookingglass Theatre Co (2/21/2018 - 4/22/2018)
Kevin Douglas; music: Rick Sims; dir: David Schwimmer.
Water Tower Water Works:
Plantation! at Lookingglass (2/21/2018 - 4/22/2018)
A Texas matriarch calls a family meeting to reveal news about their ancestral home that is, well…complicated. Tempers soon run hotter than the devil’s armpit as eight fierce women battle over their home, future, and past. Ensemble Member David Schwimmer directs this World Premiere black (and white) comedy by Ensemble Member Kevin Douglas.
The Beauty Queen of Leenane at Northlight Theatre (3/15/2018 - 4/22/2018)
Martin McDonagh; dir: BJ Jones.
FINIAN'S RAINBOW-2 PIANO at Theo Ubique Theatre (3/9/2018 - 4/29/2018)
How I Learned to Drive at The Artistic Home (3/21/2018 - 5/6/2018)
A Pulitzer Prize winner and a pioneering drama for its examination of pedophilia and sexual abuse of women. It follows a young woman, named L’il Bit, from age 11 to age 18 and her friendship and sexual affair with her uncle. Director Adams says, “this courageous and surprising script reminds me again and again of the healing power of storytelling.”
The Spitfire Grill at Refuge Theatre Project at Windy City Cafe (3/23/2018 - 5/6/2018)
The musical by James Valcq and Fred Alley, which premiered off-Broadway in 2001 in a production by Playwrights Horizons, is set in a northern Wisconsin diner. THE SPITFIRE GRILL will be performed environmentally and acoustically in the Windy City Café, a breakfast restaurant at 1062 W. Chicago Avenue in the West Town neighborhood, just around the corner from Chicago Dramatists. Just 40 seats will be available for each performance.
The story, based on the 1996 film of the same name that starre...
KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL at Emerald City Theatre (3/16/2018 - 5/26/2018)
KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL
"A Small Heroine with Big Problems"
For Ages 3+
Join us on the hunt for your dearest stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, in this comedic musical adaption of the Caldecott Honor Book by Mo Willems! After losing the beloved rabbit at the laundromat, a desperate dad, a merry mom, and toddler Trixie learn the power in communicating, even when there are no words. With stage design inspired by illustrations straight from the book, this treasured tale is an ECT audie...
Smart People at Writers Theatre (3/21/2018 - 6/10/2018)
Lydia Diamond; dir: Hallie Gordon.
Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play at Public House Theatre (12/11/2015 - 12/31/2019)
Welcome to the smash hit that truly knows the heart of Chicago!
Bye Bye Liver is a series of outrageous sketches, all centered around the one thing that connects all of Chicagoâ?¦Alcohol!
Whether itâ??s the girl that should never, ever drink liquorâ?¦or that one guy that confuses courage with shots of Jameson, weâ??ve all known themâ?¦or been them. This is the hilarious romp that satirizes all of those fun times and f*ck ups weâ??ve all had when we had just one too many. Interspersed with hilarious, inter...
Josephine Baker at Black Ensemble Theater (5/6/2017 - 6/25/2027)
Daryl Brooks; dir: Daryl Brooks.
World Premiere
ELF-THE MUSICAL JR. at PRAIRIE JUNIOR HIGH MUSIC THEATRE (4/26/2017 - 4/26/2018)
MAGIC TREE HOUSE: DINOSAURS BEFORE DARK KIDS at Stratton Academy of the Arts (4/22/2017 - 4/22/2018)
While exploring one afternoon, siblings Jack and Annie discover a tree house full of books. Jack looks through a book about dinosaurs and wishes he could see a real one. Suddenly the wind begins to blow and the tree house starts to spin wildly.
ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA JR at Franklin Fine Arts Center (6/13/2017 - 6/13/2018)
Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest
to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of span style="font-style: italic;"Charlie and The Chocolate Factory/span, which features the songs from the classic family film span style="font-style: italic;"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory/span.
The memorable score features ?The Candy Man?, ?Pure Imagination?,
?Oompa Loompa? and ?I Want it Now? by Academy® and Grammy® award
winners a href="../biography.asp?writerid=3396"Leslie Bricusse/a and a href="../biography.asp?writerid=3514"Anthony Newley/a,
neatly fitted into a new script adapted under the auspices of the Dahl
Estate. With a flexible cast size, featuring roles for children and a
tour-de-force role in the title character.
SHREK THE MUSICAL-TYA VERSION at MARRIOTT'S LINCOLNSHIRE (2/23/2018 - 5/12/2018)
KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL at EMERALD CITY THEATRE COMPANY (3/16/2018 - 5/27/2018)
If you've ever felt lost, then you?ll know just how Trixie's favorite
stuffed Knuffle Bunny feels when left all alone. If you've ever felt
loved, then you'll know just how Trixie, Knuffle Bunny and their family
feel when they're together.
SHREK THE MUSICAL JR at Brentano Math and Science Academy (8/31/2017 - 8/31/2018)
LEGALLY BLONDE JR. at FOX RIVER GROVE JUNIOR HIGH (9/15/2017 - 9/15/2018)
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR at MORGAN PARK ACADEMY (8/29/2017 - 8/29/2018)
This highly
original and theatrical st1:place w:st="on"Caribbean/st1:place adaptation
of the popular fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" garnered eight Tony nominations
for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score. In almost
non-stop song and dance, the show tells the story of Ti Moune, a black peasant
girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other
side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods
who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love
against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.
brbrEqually effective regardless of its cast size, "Once On This Island Junior" features minimal--though colorful--sets and costumes that capture the imagination of the audience. Creative movement is also part of the show's style, calling upon performers to portray trees, wild animals and even a fierce rainstorm. Its catchy, contemporary, and Caribbean-flavored score by the
Tony® Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("Ragtime"
and the animated film "Anastasia") includes tender ballads and rousing
celebratory numbers for an ensemble cast of strong singers.
ANNIE JR at ST MARYS OF KICKAPOO (9/29/2017 - 9/29/2018)
It's upbeat plot and flamboyant characters have made Annie one of the most beloved musicals in history--what girl hasn't dreamed of performing the title role or playing the outrageous Miss Hannigan? Cast size is flexible, and the age range of the parts makes Annie Junior ideal for productions involving different grade levels, or for middle school where students may be maturing at different rates. The bright, tuneful score is easy to sing and filled with familiar numbers.
ANNIE JR at Keeneyville District 20 (11/7/2017 - 11/7/2018)
It's upbeat plot and flamboyant characters have made Annie one of the most beloved musicals in history--what girl hasn't dreamed of performing the title role or playing the outrageous Miss Hannigan? Cast size is flexible, and the age range of the parts makes Annie Junior ideal for productions involving different grade levels, or for middle school where students may be maturing at different rates. The bright, tuneful score is easy to sing and filled with familiar numbers.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR at IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (10/26/2017 - 10/26/2018)
The Emmy® Award-winning Saturday morning educational cartoon series is
now the basis for one of the most fun, energetic, and easily mounted
musicals ever to hit the stage! A loose, revue-like structure allows for
a great deal of flexibility in staging and cast size. Set and costume
design can be as simple or complex as your budget or imagination allow.
And because most of the songs are so familiar and easy to learn,
rehearsals are bound to be a snap. Perfect for young performers of all
ages and experience levels, strongSCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR./strong will be a hit for actors and audiences alike!
SWEENEY TODD at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre at No Exit Cafe (3/11/2018 - 4/29/2018)
In this musical by Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd, a barber unjustly convicted of a crime, escapes from prison in Australia and returns to his former home in nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integr...
ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA JR at GALLISTEL LANGUAGE ACADEMY (11/9/2017 - 11/9/2018)
Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest
to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of span style="font-style: italic;"Charlie and The Chocolate Factory/span, which features the songs from the classic family film span style="font-style: italic;"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory/span.
The memorable score features ?The Candy Man?, ?Pure Imagination?,
?Oompa Loompa? and ?I Want it Now? by Academy® and Grammy® award
winners a href="../biography.asp?writerid=3396"Leslie Bricusse/a and a href="../biography.asp?writerid=3514"Anthony Newley/a,
neatly fitted into a new script adapted under the auspices of the Dahl
Estate. With a flexible cast size, featuring roles for children and a
tour-de-force role in the title character.
DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR at WILLOWS ACADEMY (10/28/2017 - 10/28/2018)
The Brainy and Beautiful Belle yearns to escape her provincial life...and her brute of a suitor, Gaston. However, Belle gets more adventurous than she wanted when she becomes a captive in the Beast's enchanted castle! Dancing flatware, menacing wolves, and singing furniture fill the stage with thrills in this beloved fairy tale about very different people finding strength in one another and learning how to love.br
ANNIE JR at ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC ACADEMY (11/30/2017 - 11/30/2018)
It's upbeat plot and flamboyant characters have made Annie one of the most beloved musicals in history--what girl hasn't dreamed of performing the title role or playing the outrageous Miss Hannigan? Cast size is flexible, and the age range of the parts makes Annie Junior ideal for productions involving different grade levels, or for middle school where students may be maturing at different rates. The bright, tuneful score is easy to sing and filled with familiar numbers.
HONK! JR at QUEST ACADEMY (3/20/2018 - 12/19/2018)
Produce the show that beat The Lion King out of the Olivier award (the British equivalent to the Tony Award)! Honk! Junior is a contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, "The Ugly Duckling" and features a Joseph... Dreamcoat-like score that kids everywhere will enjoy. Honk! Junior can be performed with simple sets and costumes. No feathers or fur necessary, making it the perfect Broadway Junior musical!
ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA JR at SCIENCE AND ARTS ACADEMY (12/15/2017 - 12/15/2018)
Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest
to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of span style="font-style: italic;"Charlie and The Chocolate Factory/span, which features the songs from the classic family film span style="font-style: italic;"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory/span.
The memorable score features ?The Candy Man?, ?Pure Imagination?,
?Oompa Loompa? and ?I Want it Now? by Academy® and Grammy® award
winners a href="../biography.asp?writerid=3396"Leslie Bricusse/a and a href="../biography.asp?writerid=3514"Anthony Newley/a,
neatly fitted into a new script adapted under the auspices of the Dahl
Estate. With a flexible cast size, featuring roles for children and a
tour-de-force role in the title character.
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