Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

FALL THEATER PREVIEW Easy does it, A dozen classic plays and musicals
by Jonathan Abarbanel, Windy City Times
2018-09-19

This article shared 889 times since Wed Sep 19, 2018
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


My gambit is to recommend revivals of works that have been staged and tested previously in Chicago and elsewhere, sometimes uncountable times over many centuries—in other words, the classics.

Several are quite new to be considered classics—Radio Golf and Rock 'n' Roll both are 21st-century plays—while others are burnished with age. New or old, they are worthy works of wit and wisdom which we warmly welcome! Shows are listed in order of production dates including preview performances. The first four shows already are running.

—Radio Golf: The final work in August Wilson's 10-play Century Cycle is set in Pittsburgh's gentrifying Hill District in the 1990s and features descendants of characters from several earlier plays. Wilson deals with serious issues, yet the play mainly is a comedy with an upbeat ending. Court Theatre offers an astonishing cast—James T. Alfred, Allen Gilmore, Ann Joseph, James Vincent Meredith, and Alfred H. Wilson—under director Ron OJ Parsons. Running through Sept. 30 at Court Theatre. Info/tickets: CourtTheatre.org .

—Six Degrees of Separation: New York City's glitterati know that Old Money hires a driver while the Nouveau Riche hire a chauffeur. But how does this white elite respond when the son of a famous African-American celebrity charms them? Should they trust this total stranger? Veteran director Steve Scott tackles this award-winning John Guare comedy in Red Twist's intimate space, which will make you feel like part of the family, so remember that a pot of jam is the perfect gift. Running through Oct. 7 at Red Twist Theatre. Info/tickets: Redtwist.org .

—Arms and the Man: This is one of George Bernard Shaw's most frequently-performed plays and it's one of his best; a charming romantic comedy that doesn't bog down in talk. Its utterly sane arguments against the glorification of combat and war continue to make sense in a world far madder then Shaw ever knew ( although he did live through World War II ). It's City Lit's first Shaw play, directed by the capable Brian Pastor. Running through Oct. 21 at City Lit Theatre. Info/tickets: CityLit.org

—Sweet Charity: Big dance show, great jazzy score by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, a book by Neil Simon and a sexy Cinderella story that almost ends happily—this is one of the great mid-century Broadway musicals. Alex Sanchez is the director/choreographer with Broadway veteran Anne Horak starring as perpetual optimist Charity Hope Valentine. Whether you're a "Big Spender" or you "Love to Cry at Weddings" you might enjoy this one. Running through Oct. 28 at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire. Info/tickets: Marriotttheatre.com .

—The Little Foxes: Blood may be thicker than water but it ain't nearly as thick as money and power, as this famous 1939 Lillian Hellman drama proves. Almost gothic in style, with its turn-of-the-last-century Southern setting and lurid plot, it features one of the greatest women's roles in dramatic literature, the cold-blooded Regina Giddens, made famous by Tallulah Bankhead. Running Sept. 28-Oct. 28 at the Citadel Theatre, Lake Forest. Info/tickets: CitadelTheatre.org .

—Rock 'n' Roll: What do Pink Floyd, Vaclav Havel, Sappho and the Plastic People of the Universe ( what, you don't know them? ) have in common? Answers are in Sir Tom Stoppard's sprawling 2006 play about mid-century rock music and the fall of Communism in Czechoslovakia. Spread over 30 years in two countries, it's about politics, philosophy, student-teacher relationships and the seditious influence of rock. It's a big show for the small Artistic Home ... but they've never lacked ambition. Staged by artistic director Kathy Scambiatterra. Running Oct. 3-Nov. 18 at The Artistic Home. Info/tickets: TheArtisticHome.org .

—Flyin' West—Pearl Cleage's frequently-produced play takes us to 1898 Nicodemus, Kansas, where Western settlers stake claims to farmland under the Homestead Act. Only these settlers are African-American women. The play is based on fact: Nicodemus was ( and still is ) a legacy of Black migration from the South following the Civil War. Cleage's language is rich, poignant and sometimes pungent. Chuck Smith, the director, is a quiet master of his craft. Running Oct. 5-Nov. 3 presented by American Blues Theater at Stage 773. Info/tickets: AmericanBluesTheater.com .

—La Boheme: Lyric Opera of Chicago has partnered with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden ( London ) and the Teatro Real Madrid to create a new production of Giacomo Puccini's romantic favorite about the starving artists of 1840s Paris, although the costumes appear ( in photos ) to be more 1890s. If you know the enchanting 19th century covered shopping arcades of Paris, you'll feel at home with this handsome new production. Running ( in repertory with other operas ) Oct. 6-Jan. 25 at the Civic Opera House. Info/tickets: LyricOpera.org .

—Gypsy: "Best damn musical I've seen in years," crowed critic Walter Kerr in 1959 responding to Arthur Laurents' masterful book, young Stephen Sondheim's witty lyrics and Jule Styne's dazzling music. Powerful E. Faye Butler is not to be missed as Mama Rose, a legendary role, as directed by Michael Weber. But here's the thing: Mama Rose was a real, historic person and she and her daughters were not African-American. Is Porchlight taking too much artistic license? Running Oct. 12-Nov. 25, Porchlight Music Theatre at the Ruth Page Center. Info/tickets: PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

—Hello, Dolly!: Another classic Broadway Golden Age musical arrives in October: the Tony-winning revival of Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart's Hello, Dolly!, created last year for Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce. We don't get Midler, but ain't nothin' shabby about Tony winner Betty Buckley and gifted veteran Lewis J. Stadlen. Jerry Zaks, who's won more Tony Awards than he can lift, is the director. Put on your Sunday clothes and catch this one. Running Oct. 23-Nov. 17, presented by Broadway In Chicago at the Oriental Theatre. Info/tickets: BroadwayInChicago.com .

—110 in the Shade: This 1963 musical by Tom Jones ( not the singer ) and Harvey Schmidt, who wrote The Fantasticks, is based on The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash ( who wrote the musical's book ). It ran a modest 330 performances on Broadway and is an under-rated show with a heartfelt, lovely score, and it remains true to the original play set in 1930s rural America. BoHo's intimate productions are a perfect match for this one. Running Oct. 27-Dec. 16, presented by BoHo Theatre at Theater Wit. Info/tickets: BohoTheatre.com .

—Twelfth Night: For many kids, this mostly sunny romantic comedy is their first encounter with The Bard, never mind its monumental genderfuck aspects. In a rare Shakespearean foray, Writers Theatre is sure to have fun with all aspects of this familiar play, staged by artistic director Michael Halberstam who's assembling a top cast. Running Nov. 7-Dec. 16 at Writers Theatre, Glencoe. Info/Tickets: Writerstheatre.org .


This article shared 889 times since Wed Sep 19, 2018
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

Jamie Barton brings nuances of identity to her Lyric Opera 'Aida' performance 2024-03-18
- Chicago's Lyric Opera is currently featuring a production of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida starring Michelle Bradley as Aida, Jamie Barton as Amneris and Russell Thomas as Radamès. The opera runs through April 7, 2024, with Francesca Zambello ...


Gay News

Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez is set to slay at The Big Gay Cabaret 2024-03-05
- Out and proud performer Jai Rodriguez is set to play at The Big Gay Cabaret this March for three days. Presented by RuPaul Drag Racer Ginger Minj, this monthly series highlights the wide world of cabaret ...


Gay News

THEATER 'R & J' puts a female, queer spin on Shakespeare 2024-03-05
- Romeo and Juliet is the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. It's been reworked for the masses numerous times, whether in direct adaptations or musicals such as West Side Story. Shakespeare's plotline points have even inspired ...


Gay News

Center on Halsted hosts 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show 2024-03-03
- On the evening of Feb. 29, Center on Halsted held its 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show in front of a packed audience at the Hoover-Leppen Theater. The event brought together participants of the Center's youth and senior ...


Gay News

THEATER When growth is paramount: Jim Corti helps fuel Aurora theater expansion 2024-03-01
- Out actor/director/choreographer Jim Corti made his Broadway debut in 1974, in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide. Director Harold Prince's acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival is often cited as a ...


Gay News

Theater Review: Billy Elliot, The Musical 2024-02-19
- Book and Lyrics: Lee Hall; Music: Elton John. At: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Tickets: 630-896-6666 or Paramountaurora.com; $28-$79. Runs through March 24 Billy Elliot: The Musical may nearly be two decades old, but ...


Gay News

'West Side Story' gets a sex-positive spin with new burlesque show 2024-02-19
- In partial observance of National Condom Day, which was Feb. 14, Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) presented A West Side Story Burlesque at the Harris Theater for two hour-long performances on Feb. 17. The show, ...


Gay News

Second Glance Productions hosts LGBTQupid Soiree 2024-02-16
- In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chicago based film and media production company Second Glance hosted The LBGTQupid Soiree. The event, which was focused on spinning attitudes on this particular day, was presented at The iO ...


Gay News

Carisa Hendrix mesmerizes as Lucy Darling in Teatro ZinZanni 2024-02-12
- Since 2019, Teatro ZinZanni has gathered together amazing performers from all over the world to create an experience in Chicago under the Spiegeltent in the Cambria Hotel building, 32 W. Randolph St. Over the years, ticket ...


Gay News

THEATER Dot-Marie Jones talks Goodman production, 'Glee,' 'Bros' 2024-02-12
- Running through Feb. 18 at the the Goodman Theatre, the production Highway Patrol works with a script conceived entirely from Emmy-winning actor Dana Delany's (TV's China Beach) digital archive of hundreds of tweets and direct messages ...


Gay News

Dr. Lady J explains how opera can be a drag 2024-02-10
- On Feb. 8, Center on Halsted, in partnership with Lyric Opera of Chicago, presented a lecture by historian, drag activist, podcaster and curator Dr. Lady J. The event, titled "Castrated Superstars, Cross Dressed Divas, and Queer ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Raven-Symone, women's sports, Wayne Brady, Jinkx Monsoon, British Vogue 2024-02-09
- In celebration of Black History Month, the LA LGBT Center announced that lesbian entertainer Raven-Symone will be presented with the Center's Bayard Rustin Award at its new event, Highly Favored, per a press release. She joins ...


Gay News

Chicago-based production company to host all-inclusive, LGBTQ-focused Valentine's Day event 2024-02-07
--From a press release - CHICAGO — Second Glance Productions will host the LGBTQupid Soiree this Valentines Day, Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The event will be held at the iO Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury St., from 6 pm to 11 pm ...


Gay News

THEATER Nostalgic 'Sunsets' still offers a timely reflection of LGBTQ+ community 2024-02-07
- Nostalgia reigned on a variety of scales this past weekend in Chicago. During her Celebration tour, at a majestically packed United Center, Madonna acknowledged the last 40 years of her career, highlighting her '80s interactions with ...


Gay News

The Jeff Awards announces the 50th-anniversary non-Equity theater nominations 2024-02-06
--From a press release - (Feb. 6, 2024 - Chicago) — Celebrating its 50th anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the Joseph Jefferson Awards announces its nominations for theater excellence among Non-Equity theater during the ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.