June WishList

Attend the Tale of Danny Tanner: A Full House Musical 

Gorilla Tango Theatre  

In this original musical, the true life of Danny Tanner and his family is exposed; promises will be broken, sinister paths explored, lives (maybe even of main characters!) will be lost, and yes, songs will be sung. Whether you're a member of the Full House fan club or scoff in a superior fashion when you hear someone utter "Cut It Out", you will find both a touch of nostalgia and an illuminating light shining brightly on the Tanners' most clandestine realities in this black comedy with a twist. Come see the Tanners as you've never seen them before. Attend the Tale.

I grew up with the Tanners & love a new musical, so this is right up my alley. 

Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon 

Navy Pier Skyline Stage 

Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon is a spectacle for audiences of all ages, featuring performers direct from China who are leaders in their craft of tumbling, juggling, balancing and more. This year's production features an incredible line up of awe-inspiring acts, including favorites such as Bike Balances and Hoop Diving, as well as an all-new Group Chair Stack, Teeterboard act and the Wheel of Death.

I am ashamed to say I've never seen a show by Cirque du Soleil. And tickets to this one are surprisingly cheap at HotTix, so looks like I'll be able to cross Cirque du Soleil off the bucket list. 

Eastland: A New Musical 

Lookingglass Theatre Company 

July 24, 1915: Moored on the Chicago River between Clark St and LaSalle, The Eastland begins boarding and thousands of Western Electric employees and their families climb the ramp, excited for their annual company outing. Overflowing with passengers about to depart, the boat leans port – and doesn’t lean back. Within minutes, cries fill the air, families are torn apart and unexpected heroes emerge to rescue dozens of Chicagoans from a watery end.

Why this looks awesome: 

• Lookingglass tends to produce impeccable shows. 
• I never knew about the Eastland Disaster before I moved to Chicago. Much like Devil in the White City (another story that should be on stage), the Eastland is a part of Chicago’s history that doesn’t seem to be adequately acknowledged in American history. 
• I loved Titanic: The Musical. It won the 1997 Tony for Best New Musical but never seemed wholly embraced or beloved by musical-lovers. My theory is that, although the music was beautiful, the staging was too literal & not artistically fulfilling. Granted, sinking an ocean liner onstage is a pretty difficult task, but that is why the task needed to be approached with an artistic eye, innovative staging, & the use of/faith in the audience’s imagination. These are all elements that Lookingglass regularly incorporate into their productions, so I have no doubt Eastland: An Original musical will not disappoint.