August WishList

 

A Steady Rain

@ Chicago Dramatists 

A Steady Rain is the story of two seasoned police officers) who find themselves caught up in a conflict between family and duty when a seemingly routine domestic disturbance call results in the death of a boy. When the horrific truth of the situation is made public, one of the two must take the blame for the fatal mistake. Their life-long friendship is put to the test, as both men struggle with issues of honor, love and loyalty in the face of adversity. 

Through Sept. 2

Reefer Madness @ Circle Theatre

Reefer Madness takes the over-the-top morality tale of the 1936 film cult classic, and pushes it to the edge of ridiculous. Innocent teen Jimmy is lured into the dangerous world of marijuana, a world full of insanity, promiscuity, recklessness and murder. This campy musical will have you tapping your toes to a Tom Jones-esque Jesus, and just might make you hungry for a snack.

Through Aug. 26

Death & Harry Houdini 

The House Theatre of Chicago @ The Chopin Theatre 

Artistic Director Nathan Allen returns to his very first script having spent the last decade developing The House’s voice. The House’s original production featured magic, music, dance, and film. Now Allen, along with The House’s incredibly diverse ensemble of artists, bring their experience in creating ensemble theater and devising story to the life of history’s greatest magician, while reaching deep into its bag of tricks to create an altogether new theatrical event.

Through Aug. 17

Three Sisters 
@ Steppenwolf Theatre Company

The Prozorov family chafes at the constraints of life in their small provincial town, once a bustling army garrison where their late father served as general. Attempts to shore up their crumbling social status lay bare the larger forces of unrest that will soon engulf them all. Tony® Award-winning ensemble members Tracy Letts and Anna D. Shapiro continue their celebrated collaboration, bringing fresh insight to this classic story of a privileged family’s changing fortunes.

Through Aug. 26

December WishList

Spring Awakening

Griffin Theatre @ Theatre Wit

The Tony Award-winning musical that change musical theater on Broadway forever in its first made in Chicago production. A groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock & roll that celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood.

Through Jan 8.

 

The Baker’s Wife

Circle Theatre

A provincial French town suffers from the absence of a bakery and the lack of good gossip. When a new baker arrives with his much younger, very beautiful wife, the town immediately seizes on the idea that she will leave him, leading to unexpected consequences for everyone. A charming musical by the creator of Wicked, The Baker’s Wife has developed a loyal following for its lush score featuring the song “Meadowlark.”

Through Jan. 22.

Elizabeth Rex

Shakespeare Theatre

Artistic Director Barbara Gaines brings her masterful hand to this contemporary play reimagining Shakespeare's time. On the eve of the beheading of her court favorite and rumored lover, the Earl of Essex, Queen Elizabeth was entertained by a royal command performance by Shakespeare and his company. Upon this obscure historical fact, one of Canada's most acclaimed playwrights, Timothy Findley, imagines this daring and original drama. Longing for distraction, the Queen visits the acting troupe's lodgings, where she finds the actor who plays Shakespeare's leading ladies. In their passionate confrontation, the actor and the Queen come to shocking revelations about sexuality, identity and love.

Through Jan 22.

Red Light Winter

Mary-Arrchie Theatre

Escaping their lives in Manhattan , former college buddies Matt and Davis take off to the Netherlands and find themselves thrown into a bizarre love triangle with a beautiful young prostitute named Christina. But the romance they find in Europe is eventually overshadowed by the truth they discover at home. Written with an unflinching poetic beauty, Red Light Winter is a play of sexual intrigue that explores the myriad and misguided ways we seek to fill the empty spaces inside us.

Through Dec 18.

October WishList



Putting It Together
Porchlight Music Theatre

Putting it Together is the emotional story of the entangled relationships of five guests attending a Manhattan cocktail party as they are confronted with the troubles of marriage, infidelity and divorce. The production includes songs from Sondheim's original musicals and films including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Merrily We Roll Along, Anyone Can Whistle, Sunday in the Park with George, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, The Frogs, and Sweeney Todd.

Runs Through Oct. 16
 

Urinetown
Circle Theatre

One of the most uproariously funny musicals in years, Urinetown is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. With a wink to its old “unisex” bathrooms, Circle can’t help but relish this edgy musical treat.

Runs Through Oct. 23
 

The Amish Project
American Theatre Company

Nickel Mines. 2006. Five years ago, a thirty-year old man walked into a one-room Amish schoolhouse and opened fire, killing 5 girls and himself. In a decision that shocks the world, the Amish community later the same day forgives his crime and offers aid to his grieving widow. ATC Ensemble Member Sadieh Rifai performs this devastating tour-de-force through the mystical world of the Amish and the ultimate limits of forgiveness.

Runs Through Oct. 23