"This season, we are choosing to present established, off-Loop theater companies ... showcasing smaller, world-class theater companies with critically-acclaimed and extremely popular productions," says Theater on the Lake Artistic Director Curt Columbus. "It’s one of the most exciting and unique aspects of Chicago theater—companies that are off the beaten path, but extremely creative, entertaining and polished."
Single tickets are $17.50 at the Theater on the Lake, at Fullerton Ave. and Lake Michigan. Season brochures are available by calling Theater on the Lake at (312) 742-7994.
Porchlight Music Theatre will present "Closer than Ever," directed by Nick Bowling, July 6-10. This is a bittersweet, romantic musical by composer David Shire and lyricist Richard Maltby Jr. A funny, wise and witty look at everyday challenges, "Closer than Ever" helps you cope with the curious twists and turns on the road of life. What do you do when he just wants to be friends? How do you juggle family and career and still manage a terrific sex life? How do you manage secret longings, fantasies and desires all while keeping up appearances? We should all be as miserably happy as this high-energy tribute to tribulation.
American Theatre Company will present "It’s a Wonderful Life": A Live Radio Play adapted for the stage by Joe Landry, based on the film by Frank Capra and directed by Marty Higginbotham, July 13-17. Experience the quintessential American holiday story in an entirely new way. Six actors bring to life the entire town of Bedford Falls in an energetic production inspired by the golden age of radio, with live music, live advertisements, and a Foley artist producing live sound effects.
Next, Eclipse Theatre Company offers "Big Time" by Keith Reddin, directed by Steve Scott, July 20-24. This is a dark comedy that takes a savage look at a lost generation of Corporate America players, sleek in their enterprise and hungry for the sharp deal. Set in the late '80s, "Big Time" follows the world of Paul, a young businessman who loves his work and is sold on success – but on a business trip to shore up a shaky financial situation in the Middle East, he is confronted with the ruthless global realities of American culture and… himself.
Barrel of Monkeys performs "That’s Weird, Grandma," ensemble-written and directed by Halena Kays, July 27-31. "That’s Weird, Grandma" is a new installment of the critically-acclaimed evening of short plays, songs and film adapted and performed by BOM’s adult ensemble from stories written by Chicago Public School students grades 3 – 6. This is a fast paced, highly physical musical extravaganza.
MPAACT (Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre) follows with "Relevant Hearsay… Stories from 57," adapted for the stage by Shepsu Aakhu and Mignon Nance, based on the short stories of Shirley Carney and directed by Reginold Lawrence, Aug. 3-7. At 50 years of age Shirley Carney began to write short stories. Her stories reflect the journey of a black woman nearing a half-century of living. Ms. Carney's voice is distinctive and her characters capture the complexity of her varied experiences. She says of her stories: Some are true. Some mostly true. Some "Dragnet." The names have been changed to protect the innocent. "Relevant Hearsay... Stories from 57" is not so much a staging as it is a sharing of that which should be spoken, and that which needs to be heard.
Strawdog Theatre Company will perform "Detective Story," directed by Shade Murray, Aug. 10-14. Winner of four Joseph Jefferson Citations, including Best Production, Strawdog Theatre Company’s production of Sidney Kingley’s "Detective Story" takes place in New York City one hot August day in 1949 at the offices of the 21st Precinct detective squad. The play scratches a voyeuristic itch, as some 30 characters, including cops, criminals, reporters and everyday citizens, travel in and out of the precinct, each with their own story and voice.
Chicago Park District’s Theater on the Lake is located at Fullerton Ave. and Lake Shore Drive, in a historic building that offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. All performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
The box office is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m. The box office phone number is (312) 742-7994.
Parking is available for $12 in the Lincoln Park Zoo parking lot, located at Fullerton Avenue and Cannon Drive. Street parking is available on Cannon Drive after 6 p.m. To reach the theater by the CTA, take the Red Line to the Fullerton stop, then travel one mile east to Lake Michigan. Valet parking services are only available for patrons with special needs by calling the box office at (312) 742-7994. |
