Displaying items by tag: Summer Theatre Guide

Chicago continues to produce some of the most exciting work in the country this Summer, offering a wide variety of plays and musicals, as well as comedy, dance, festivals, and more. To highlight these productions, The League of Chicago Theatres is publishing its Summer Theatre Guide, which includes 100+ shows running in the Chicago area through September.

For additional details about this summer's performances and the Summer Theatre Guide visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com. Additionally, many summer shows will be available at Hot Tix, Chicago's local, discounted ticketing service. Hot Tix operates online at HotTix.org and in-person at Guest Services inside Block 37 Shops on State, 108 N State Street. The Block 37 location is open Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

The following is a selection of notable work playing in Chicago this Summer, organized by location.

A selection of productions playing in theatres located Downtown are:

Death Becomes Her

Broadway In Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre

Now Thru June 2

Starring Tony Award^® nominees Megan Hilty (Wicked, "Smash"), Jennifer Simard (Company, Disaster!), and Christopher Sieber (Spamalot, Company), with Grammy^® Award winner Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child, Chicago), Death Becomes Her, based on the classic 1992 film, is a drop-dead hilarious new musical comedy about friendship, love, and burying the hatchet...again, and again, and again.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Goodman Theatre

Playing June 25 – August 4

Acclaimed author John Berendt's iconic New York Times best seller becomes a seductive new musical. Southern charm is bountiful in Savannah, Georgia. But behind polite smiles, the eccentric residents are filled with secrets and motives. When wealthy antiques dealer Jim Williams is accused of murder, the sensational trial uncovers hidden truths and exposes the fine line between good and evil – which sparks Lady Chablis and other Savannahians to change the city forever. MacArthur "Genius" grantee Taylor Mac, Tony Award winners Jason Robert Brown and Rob Ashford, and choreographer Tanya Birl bring the true-crime blockbuster book and its beloved characters to life in this new musical adaptation.

The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Playing July 19 – September 1

Journey to the magical realms of Middle-earth as J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy of books are brought to the stage in a US premiere musical. As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins' eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, he gifts his nephew Frodo his most precious belonging - a gold ring. This fateful moment launches Frodo on a legendary and perilous quest across Middle-earth to the darkest realms of Mordor, to vanquish evil with his loyal Fellowship. This theatrical event celebrates the magical world of Middle-earth, making for an unforgettable experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Kite Runner

Broadway In Chicago at CIBC Theatre

Playing June 11 – 23

Based on Khaled Hosseini's beloved, international best-selling novel, The Kite Runner is a powerful new play adapted by Matthew Spangler that follows one man's journey to confront his past and find redemption. Told across two decades and two continents, The Kite Runner is an unforgettable journey of forgiveness, and shows us all that we can be good again.

Queens of the Blues

The Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building

Playing June 7-30

TriCoastal Entertainment Group presents Queens of the Blues, a new musical that captures the heart of the African American experience through the lives of four Blues Queens; Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Koko Taylor and Etta James.

The 2024 Rhinoceros Theatre Festival

The Curious Theatre Branch at Facility Theatre

Running May 31 – June 30

Each year, Curious Theatre Branch curates and produces the Rhinoceros Theater Festival, which provides production and exhibition opportunities to hundreds of artists, drawing thousands in attendance each year. The longest-running fringe festival in Chicago, the Rhino features works in theater and performance from Chicago companies and national artists alike.

SIX

Broadway In Chicago at James M. Nederlander Theatre

Playing June 4 – July 14

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!.

Theatres are located in almost every neighborhood in Chicago. A selection of productions playing throughout Chicago are:

The Salon

Black Ensemble Theater

Playing June 8 – July 28

Bernadette's salon has been a place of refuge, love, and community in Chicago since opening their doors in 1974. It's now 2024 and the doors may have to close due to financial hardship, major changes in the community and new ownership. The staff must come together and save the salon by any means necessary! Through music, dance and shared experiences, the salon explores black legacy, black excellence and hair like never before seen!

Black Sunday

TimeLine Theatre

Now through June 29

Take a remarkable trip back in time to witness this haunting story of climate change, migration, and family in the days leading up to a calamitous dust storm in 1930s Texas. It is April 1935 in the dust storm-riddled plains of Texas and a family farm is struggling to keep afloat amidst a mounting series of environmental disasters. As Jesús, a new field worker, arrives in their midst, stubborn Pa refuses to believe his land is no longer viable, young Sunny dreams of a new life in bountiful California, and Ma starts having mysterious visions of the future.

Turret

A Red Orchid Theatre at Chopin Theatre

Now through June 9

Two men survive in a facility deep underground somewhere in the wild woods of the Pacific Northwest, hiding away from something terrible looming just outside. Ensnared in a relentless loop of endless tomorrows, they discover the wolf isn't at the door, he's already inside, waiting in the creeping darkness all around them. Turret is an excavation of masculinity, love, loss and isolation. A claustrophobic carnival of carnage, carrier pigeons, cribbage, whiskey, music, mischief and mayhem.

Little Bear Ridge Road

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Playing June 13 – July 21

Ensemble Member Laurie Metcalf comes home to Steppenwolf to star in Little Bear Ridge Road, a comic, cosmic and intimate world premiere, penned by MacArthur Fellow Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello. In the outer limits of rural Idaho, the last two members of the Fernsby family tree, an estranged aunt and nephew, reunite to sort the mess left behind after a troubled father's passing. They now face an uncomfortable and universal question: how do we deal with other people? And is connection more trouble than it's worth?

Alice By Heart

Kokandy Productions at Chopin Theatre

Playing July 18 – September 29

In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer's budding teen life is turned upside down as she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

A Year with Frog and Toad

Chicago Children's Theatre

Playing through June 9

Children's author and illustrator Arnold Lobel's beloved characters hop from the page to the stage in the Tony-nominated musical A Year with Frog And Toad, based on his popular children's book that follows two best friends - the cheerful, popular Frog and grumpy, but lovable Toad - through four fun-filled seasons.

The Prodigal Daughter

Raven Theatre Company

Playing through June 22

In the Red Summer of 1919, Chicago's Black Belt is boiling over, from both the ruthless heat and the intensifying racial conflict gripping America. Virginia Bass, a successful saleswoman, is traveling with her business partner when they decide to pay her hometown and her family a visit. However, Virginia finds the welcome not nearly as warm as the weather outside, especially from her estranged father, leaving her wondering if it's ever possible to truly come home.

Romeo and Juliet

Midsommer Flight

Running June 28 – August 4

Free outdoor performances of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet will be presented outdoors in six Chicago Parks District parks – Chicago Women's Park and Garden, Gross Park, Kelvyn Park, Nichols Park, Lincoln Park, and Touhy Park

Die Hard 4 Your Luv

The Factory Theater

Playing May 31 – July 13

It's NYE 1999. A group of sinister terrorists are holding the world's most popular boy band hostage! Unless the nations of the world hand over their vital Y2K codes by midnight, the Boyz Will B Boyz will be Boyz Will B Dead! Will the non-talented boy band member save the day? Or will the terrorists escape to their all-inclusive resort with the water ski package?

Port of Entry

Albany Park Theater Project

Playing through June 15

Port of Entry invites you to step inside the real-life stories of immigrants and refugees from all parts of the world living side by side in a single apartment building in one of the country's most diverse immigrant communities: Chicago's Albany Park. Formed by APTP's youth ensemble, Port of Entry will take you on a journey through time and across cultures.

Jersey Boys

Mercury Theater Chicago

Playing through July 28

Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards and Olivier Awards, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom.

Native Son

Lifeline Theatre

Now through June 30

Suffocating in rat-infested poverty on Chicago's South Side during the 1930s, twenty-year-old Bigger Thomas struggles to find a place for himself in a world whose prejudice has shut him out. After taking a job in a wealthy white man's house, Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate.

The Choir of Man

Apollo Theater

Now through July 14

Set in the best pub in the world, a cast of nine (extra)ordinary guys combine hair raising harmonies, foot stomping singalongs, world class tap dance, and poetic meditations on the power of community. Featuring pop, classic rock, folk melodies, and pub anthems from artists such as Adele, Paul Simon, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Luther Vandross and more, The Choir of Man is 90 minutes of feel good entertainment that has something for everyone and is unlike anything else in Chicago!

A Little Night Music

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Now through July 14

Adapted from the celebrated Ingmar Bergman film "Smiles of a Summer Night," A Little Night Music follows actress Desire Armfeldt, the affairs she is entangled in, and the men who love her. When everyone gathers at the country estate of her mother, new romances and second chances bloom in surprising ways.

Productions playing in the suburbs of Chicago include:

Peter and the Starcatcher

Paramount Theatre

Playing July 24 – August 25

Tossing aside unfortunate adult notions, Peter and the Starcatcher embraces the bonds of camaraderie, love and duty in this Victorian adventure. Adulting is hard! Join Peter on this quest to protect something important starstuff, and the cheerful spirit of youth itself, in this fanciful rendition of Peter and the Starcatcher.

Ain't Misbehavin'

Drury Lane Theatre

Playing June 26 – August 18

Stride along with the toe-tapping, finger-snapping revue that journeys through the Harlem Renaissance with the music of legend Fats Waller. Brimming with the energetic charm of jazz classics such as "Honeysuckle Rose" and "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," the crooners of Ain't Misbehavin' bring soulful melodies to life, capturing the essence of an era where the joint was always jumpin'.

Beehive: The 60's Musical

Marriott Theatre

Playing June 19 – August 11

The ultimate celebration of 1960's female empowerment! Featuring such timeless classics as "My Boyfriend's Back," "Be My Baby," "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Me and Bobby McGee," Beehive: The 60's Musical nostalgically recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power.

2 Pianos 4 Hands

Northlight Theatre

Playing July 5 – August 4

A talented duo of would-be concert pianists trade stories of pushy parents, eccentric teachers, endless practice, and dreams of stardom. Piano wizardry and roaring comedy combine as piano nerds Ted and Richard play classical, pop, and everything in between, all while portraying dozens of characters that took part in their humbling quest for musical greatness.

The Hot Wing King

Writers Theatre

Playing June 20 – July 21

When it comes to wings, Cordell is king! Supported by his beau Dwayne and the best friends who serve as his fry crew, the group embarks on a fun night of pre-competition prep for Memphis' Annual hot wing festival. But when Dwayne's troubled nephew unexpectedly needs a place to stay, it quickly becomes a recipe for disaster.

Carousel

Music Theater Works

Playing August 8-18

Based on Ferenc Molnar's play, "Liliom," Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel tells the love story between carnival barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan. Voted best musical of the 20th Century by "Time Magazine," Carousel includes the songs "If I Loved You," "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Soliloquy."

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com. Available discounted tickets will be listed at HotTix.org. Chicago theatres prioritize safely gathering. Patrons are encouraged to confirm current protocols at each theatre. Shows and protocols are subject to change.

About Chicago theatre 

Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 6 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago's theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. For more information, visit www.chicagoplays.com.

The League of Chicago Theatres' Mission Statement

Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago's theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.