By Richard Gore and Denise Marie
special to inside
The explosion of theater in Chicago is absolutely astounding. For your pleasure, come along with us, while we tour, review and preview some of Chicago’s unique theaters, and their productions. Theater in Chicago has expanded so much that sometimes the only hard part of going out for an evening is making a choice of what you want to see.
Just one of the terrific features of our downtown theater district is Broadway in Chicago; phone (312) 902-1400. They bring us world premieres, pre-Broadway openings, and shows straight from New York. For example, at the Shubert Theatre, “Stomp,” the international smash-hit percussion sensation, has made its triumphant return and runs until Dec. 29. It is followed by “The Allergist’s Wife,” starring Valerie Harper, Jan. 14 until 26. Then from Feb. 4 through 16, Brian Dennehy and Marlo Thomas star in “The Exonerated.”
At the Cadillac Palace, enjoy Dr. Seuss’ whimsical world in “Seussical the Musical,” where Cathy Rigby flies you back to your childhood in the witty, wild land of the Whos. This clever production, part of a national tour, runs until Dec. 22. Coming up April 23: “The Lion King.”
At the beautifully renovated Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, “Blast” returns after winning the 2001 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. “Blast” is a blast. It runs through Dec. 22. From Jan. 4 until March 2, for a very different spin on “The Wizard of Oz,” check out the world premiere of the national sing-along tour. The Goodman Theatre, at (312) 443-3800, is delighting audiences again, for the 25th year, with their acclaimed production of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” running through Dec. 28. If you’ve never treated yourself, or the special people in your life, to this enduring story of Ebenezer Scrooge finally learning the meaning of Christmas, don’t wait another year—make this the year you enjoy a real classic.
The Steppenwolf Theatre, at (312) 355-1650, one of Chicagoland’s truly innovative theatre ensembles performing classics and cutting-edge plays, offers the wonderful American premiere of “I Just Stopped By to See The Man,” a legend about a blues singer, which will run until Jan. 12. Following this production, from Feb. 6 through March 30, see “Wedding Band,” starring Chicago’s own award-winning Amy Morton. At Steppenwolf’s Studio, a world premiere, “No Place Like Home,” begins Jan. 9 and runs until Feb. 9. Both of these theaters have multiple spaces, often presenting several productions at the same time.
Some other fascinating downtown theaters include the Storefront Theatre at (312) 744-1424; the Studio Theatre in the Cultural Center; and The Noble Fool—Chicago’s Comedy Theatre at (312) 726-1156. At Noble Fool, “Roasting Chestnuts: Oy! It’s Christmas” runs until Dec. 29. Running in repertory is “Sex in the Suburbs,” which is an open run. On the North Side of Chicago, there are two theaters on the 1200 block of Belmont Ave. that may have as many as six shows running simultaneously in their complexes. Theatre Building Chicago, at (773) 327-5252, for example, presents the world premier of Stage Left Theatre Company’s “Prairie Lights” until Jan. 4, as one of its many productions. This family holiday musical is fantastic. Visualize the Christmas Carol with a Jewish twist. It’s a story that will be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their background. This production is also a milestone in Stage Left’s history, moving this first rate production to a larger venue.
Also running at the theatre is an Agatha Christie mystery, “The Mousetrap,” until Dec. 29, and until Dec. 22, “Everybody Loves Ramen.” Additionally, for a really bent, funny experience, don’t miss Broutil & Frothingham’s “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom.”
Next door at Bailiwick Theatre, at (773) 883-1090, they are presenting their annual, delightful production of “The Christmas Schooner,” running through Jan. 5; and the critically acclaimed “Naked Boys Singing” has been extended, again, through Dec. 29.
Let us now mention some more terrific Chicago theaters: The Royal George Theatre, at (312) 988-9000, is another terrific theater featuring a multiple space complex, so that at any given time several productions are running at once. “Is There Anything Going Up There?” runs until Dec. 19, written by and starring two-time Emmy Award winner Denise LaGrassa. A unique jam of social monologues and original jazz songs are performed in this one-woman show. They also are showing “I Love You, You’re Perfect. Now Change.”
The Black Ensemble Theatre, at (773) 769-4451, presents “Do Wop Shoo Bop,” a wonderful song and dance salute to the black artists of the ‘50s. Running in repertory is the world premiere “Ella,” about Ella Fitzgerald, the first lady of song. Jackie Taylor, the director, creator and producer of this wonderful theatre, continues to amaze us with fantastic productions.
Apollo Theatre, at (773) 935-9336, continues the successful, long running, “Vagina Monologues.” In addition to a very catchy title, it’s a lot of fun. The Mercury Theatre, at (773) 325-1700, has a smash hit comedy, “Over the Tavern.” This production is certainly touching and enjoyable for the whole family, with its superbly talented cast, headed up with a young teen lead. Mom, dad, and the kids will relate to the funny and dramatic trials of a Catholic family in the ‘50s. On Wednesdays you’ll even get a free Twinkie! Unfortunately, we’ll be waving good-by on Jan. 4, after its long, rewarding and successful run.
Raven Theatre, at (773) 338-2177, is enjoying their new home and additional theatre spaces, with a Main Stage and The Nest Studio. The Raven flies again! They have just extended “Marvin’s Room” through the holidays. It is a dynamite comedy/drama, on our “don’t miss” list. Lifeline Theatre, at (773) 761-1772, is one of many theaters with a terrific Kid Series. “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel” runs until Jan. 5.
Pegasus Players, at (773) 878-9761, always presents interesting productions. Coming up is their Young Playwrights’ Festival.
Well, these are a few of our favorite theaters and recommendations. We haven’t really covered any of the wonderful Chicagoland suburban theaters, and should mention just a few. For your enjoyment, see an annual, dazzling holiday production. The Rosemont Theatre, at (312) 559-1212, will present the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the world-famous Rockettes from New York’s Radio City Music Hall, through Dec. 29—always a treat for the entire family. Also at the Rosemont, the all new national tour of “Bear In The Big Blue House Live” runs from Jan. 9 until Jan. 12. Other terrific productions must include, in the Marriot Theatre at (847) 634-0200, “Funny Girl,” until Jan. 19. Drury Lane in Evergreen Park, at (708) 422-0404, brings you Hollywood on Ice until Jan. 2. Drury Lane in Oakbrook, at (630) 530-0111, runs “Annie” until Dec. 31; and opening January 8th “Little Shop of Horrors.” Writers’ Theatre Glencoe at (847) 242-6000 has “Rocket To The Moon.”
Light Opera Works in Evanston, at (847) 869-6300, shows “Pirates of Penance” Dec. 21 through 31. And even Theatre at the Centre, Munster, IN, at (219) 836-3255, has “The Christmas Story” until Dec. 22; and opening Jan. 23, “Gypsy.” With snowflakes falling, and the beauty of the season, treat yourself and those you love to the one hundred and fifty year anniversary of Marshall Field’s delightful holiday window displays, the Daley Center Christmas Tree, the beauty of the Magnificent Mile’s white lights. You might have some hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts, take a stroll or a horse drawn carriage ride, while you’re enjoying all of the traditions that make Chicago shine during the holidays.
Feel free to call (661-1976 if you need additional information. Have a wonderful holiday season. |
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