Now on stage:
Brilliant Adventures. Science fiction play featuring a time machine created by Luke, a bookish 19-year-old disabled by a severe stutter. By Steep Theatre at Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn Ave, Chicago. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. Sundays at 3 pm. Runs through August 15, 2015. Tickets at www.steeptheatre.com or ( 866 ) 811-4111 .
Roast Beef. Comedy about an all-male revue that entertains with hard bodies and hot moves. At CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago. 8 pm. Saturdays. Runs through August 15. Send ticket requests to publicity.cic@gmail.com .
All Our Tragic, all 32 surviving Greek tragedies combined in a single 12-hour theatrical event with multiple intermissions and meal breaks with food. By the Hypocrites at The Den Theatre's Heath Main Stage, 1333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago. 11 am. Saturdays and Sundays. Runs through August 16, 2015. Tickets www.the-hypocrites.com .
Beaches. Musical adaptation of novel by Iris Rainer Dart and Thom Thomas that was made into a 1988 Bette Midler film. The story follows a lifelong friendship between two women. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Wednesdays 1:30, Thursdays 1:30 and 8 pm, Fridays 8 pm, Saturdays 5 pm and 8:30 pm, Sundays 2 pm and 6 pm. Runs through August 16, 2015. Tickets ( 630 ) 530-0111 or www.ticketmaster.com .
As You Like It. Shakespeare classic with music, dancing, romance and comedy. By Citadel Theatre. $15. Runs Runs August 6-9 at Prairie Crossing Farm, 32400 N Harris Rd, and August 13-16 at the Grove Cultural Campus in Lake Forest, 100 E Old Mill Road ( tickets for these two at CitadelTheatre.org, boxoffice.printtixusa.com/citadeltheatre/calendar or ( 847 ) 735-8554 .
Shakespeare in the Parks. By Chicago Shakespeare Theater at 17 neighborhood parks across Chicago. Runs through August 16. Information at www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/parks2015 .
Improvised Twilight Zone. A new Twilight Zone-inspired scenario every show. At The Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 851 W. Belmont, Chicago, 773-697-9693. Wednesdays, 8 pm. Runs through August 19, 2015. Tickets at the door or at theannoyance.com .
Live at the Continental Baths. Musical tribute to Bette Midler focusing on her 1970s performances at a New York gay male bathhouse. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago. Runs through August 21, 2015. Tickets at www.handbagproductions.org .
The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Shakespearean classic about two young men away from home for the first time. By Oak Park Festival Theatre at Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Ave., Oak Park ( outdoors ). Runs through August 22. Tickets web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/244 .
Good People. Margie, from South Boston, seeks an opportunity in "lace-curtain" Chestnut Hill, where her old boyfriend has made a life for himself. Redtwist Theater. Runs through August 23, 2015. Tickets at www.redtwist.org . Reservations ( 773 ) 728-7529 .
Stanley in the Name of Love. Musical comedy in which a trailer park fairy decides to become a porn star because he wants to fall in love. Stanley, his hag, and a chorus of gay angels take off on the Road to Love. By The New Colony with music by The Delicious Moons, at the Den Theatre ( Upstairs Mainstage ). 1333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago. Runs through August 29. Tickets www.thenewcolony.org .
Macbeth. Classic Shakespearean tragedy about political ambition, murder and civil war in Scotland. By Midsommer Flight. July 11-12 and 18-19 performances are at Touhy Park, 7348 N. Paulina St., in the southeast grove along Paulina St. July 25-26 and August 1-2 performances are at Schreiber Park, 1552 W. Schreiber Ave., in the field at the corner of Bosworth Ave. and Schreiber Ave. August 8-9 and 15-16 performances are at Gross Park, 2708 W. Lawrence Ave., at the north end of the park along Gunnison St. August 22, 23, and 30 performances are at Lincoln Park, on N. Stockton Drive behind the Lincoln Park Cultural Center at 2045 N. Lincoln Park West. No performance August 29. Free. Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Runs through August 30, 2015. Reservations encouraged. Info at www.midsommerflight.com .
Loving Repeating. Musical tribute to American author Gertrude Stein, using Stein's own works as lyrics. Kokandy Productions. At Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8 pm. Sunday 3 pm. Runs through August 30, 2015. Tickets at www.kokandyproductions.com, ( 773 ) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit box office .
Hamlet. Classic Shakespearean tragedy dealing with revenge and murder. By the Muse of Fire Theatre Company at Ingraham Park ( Ridge and Leonard Place in Evanston ). Free. Runs through August 30.
August 6, 2015
Zelda at the Oasis. A play about Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. By Genesis Theatrical Productions at the West Stage of the Raven Theatre Complex, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago. Runs through August 23. Tickets web.ovationtix.com .
August 7, 2015
Altar Boyz. Musical comedy following the final performance of a fictitious Christian boy-band. By Cult Camp Productions at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave, Chicago. $20. Runs through August 23. Tickets ( 866 ) 468-3401 or www.maynestage.com .
Mansical. Long form music improv comedy based on an audience suggestion. Musical direction by Jonathan Wagner and Julie Nichols. By Mansical at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 2nd floor, Chicago. 7:30 pm Friday nights. Runs through August 28. Tickets at the door, ( 773 ) 270-3440, www.undertheguntheater.com/shows/mansical .
Opening dates
August 8, 2015
Not Suitable For Textbooks. Improvised omissions and additions from history. At Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, Chicago. $12. Saturdays through September 5. Tickets www.undertheguntheater.com or ( 773 ) 270-3440 .
August 9, 2015
The Dueling Gentlemen. Performed entirely in silence a la pre-talkie era and accompanied by live original piano composition, the story follows two vaudeville performers whose friendship begins to deconstruct during their long time running successful act. By The Silent Theatre Company at Athenaeum Theatre, Studio 1, 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago. $17-$27. Runs through September 20. Tickets ( 773 ) 935-6875 or www.athenaeumtheatre.org .
August 13, 2015
A Great Dive. The story of a young woman caught between the Eastern and Western notions of love, written and performed by Puja Mohinda with classical Indian dance. By Silk Road Rising at Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W Washington St, lower level, Chicago. $15. Through August 16. Tickets at web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/942193 or 312-857-1234 x201 .
August 15, 2015
The Road Ahead. The struggles, achievements and revelations of three male adults searching to determine their purpose in life after college. By Paradigm Creative Group at Gorilla Tango Theater, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $15. Runs through August 16. Tickets at www.gorillatango.com or ( 773 ) 598-4549 .
South Pacific. Classic musical about love and war in the South Pacific. Choreographed by Rudy Hogenmiller. Full 30-piece orchestra. By Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St. ( at Sheridan Rd. ), Evanston, IL. Runs through August 30. Tickets itkt.choicecrm.net/templates/LOW/ .
August 22, 2015
Salve Regina: A Coming of Gay Story. One-man show by winner of the 2014 United Solo Best Actor award. At Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago. $10. 7:30 pm. Runs through August 23. Tickets for Saturday at community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina22, for Sunday at community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina23 .
Paragon, a science fiction-fantasy play festival. 40 plays in two days. By Otherworld Theatre Company at Genesis Event Space, 2525 Elston Ave, Chicago. Block tickets ( from break to break ) at the door $10. Day passes $20. Weekend passes $35. 1 pm to 10 pm. Through August 23. Tickets www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1996061 .
August 25, 2015
Mom? A Comedy of Mourners. Clown siblings Victoria, Frank and Mango mourn the loss of their mother. By Box of Clowns at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Tickets at www.gorillatango.com or ( 773 ) 598-4549 .
August 27, 2015
Glory Days. Broadway musical nailing the intense sensation of inadequacy that boys can experience on the precipice of manhood. By Refuge Theatre Project in Room 300, Collaboraction, Flatiron Arts Building, 1579 N Milwaukee Ave, 3rd floor. $20. Runs through September 20. Tickets www.refugetheatre.com .
The Jacksonian. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley's tale of divorce, suspense, dark humor and murder. By Profiles Theatre at The Main Stage, 4139 N Broadway, Chicago. $30-40. Runs through October 11. Tickets ( 773 ) 549-1815 or www.profilestheatre.org .
The Price. Revival of Arthur Miller's classic play about the legacy of the past and the price of life's choices. By TimeLine Theatre Company at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. $38/46/51. Runs through November 22. Tickets and subscriptions at TimeLineTheatre.com or ( 773 ) 281-8463 .
August 28, 2015
The Outfit. A budding clothing designer changes tragic Nora's life with a remarkable outfit. Piccolo Theatre, 600 Main St. in Evanston, inside the Main Street Metra Station. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm. Runs through October 10, 2015. Tickets at www.piccolotheatre.com or ( 847 ) 424-0089 .
American Idiot, featuring music by the Grammy award-winning punk rock band Green Day. By the Hypocrites at the Den Theatre Mainstage, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago. Runs through October 25. Tickets the-hypocrites.tix.com/Schedule.aspx .
September 3, 2015
The Lyons. Nicky Silver's darkly humorous family drama. Indomitable matriarch Rita Lyons is at a major crossroads. Her husband is dying, her son is in a dubious relationship, and her daughter is barely holding it together. By Aston Rep Theatre Company at Raven Theatre ( West Stage ), 6157 N Clark St, Chicago. $20. Runs through September 27. Tickets ( 773 ) 828-9129 or www.astonrep.com .
September 5, 2015
Time and Spectrum. Solo performance mixes real life and time travel fantasy in tale about performer's social difficulties and exploration of whether he is on the autism spectrum. By Dennis Frymire at Windy City Music Theatre Blackbox Studio, 5430 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Runs through September 13. Tickets www.chicagofringe.org .
Porn Minus Porn. Live staged reading of real porn film scripts, culling out all the actual sex acts. Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, Chicago. $12. Saturdays 10:30 pm. Runs through September 26. Tickets www.undertheguntheater.com .
Dogfight. On the eve of their deployment, three young Marines take part in a "dogfight" a game where the soldiers compete to bring the ugliest date, unbeknownst to the girls they bring. By BoHo Theatre at Theater Wit. $20-30. Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. Runs through October 18. Tickets at www.bohotheatre.com/buytickets.php or 773-975-8150 .
September 8, 2015
The Tempest. Shakespearean classic about a banished duke's machinations to regain his position as Duke of Milan. Choreography by Pilobus and magic by Teller. At Navy Pier. Runs through November 8.
September 9, 2015
Heaven, How I Got There. The story told in his own words of the thief on the cross who died a few feet from Jesus, based on book by Colin S. Smith. By Provision Theater Company. Runs through October 28. Tickets ( 312 ) 455-0066 or www.provisiontheater.org/tickets.htm .
September 11, 2015
Next to Normal. Winner of three Tony awards plus a Pulitzer Prize, this play explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. By MadKap Productions at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Runs through September 27. Tickets SkokieTheatre.org, ( 847 ) 677-7761 .
September 16, 2015
Oklahoma! Rodgers and Hammerstein musical classic set in turn-of-the-century Oklahoma Territory. At Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL. Runs through October 18. Tickets tickets.paramountaurora.com/public/show_events_list.asp or ( 630 ) 896-6666 .
Direct From Death Row the Scottsboro Boys ( An Evening of Vaudeville and Sorrow ). Nine African-American teenagers falsely accused in 1931 of assaulting two white Alabama women spent decades in the legal system fighting for their lives. Songs, a magic act, a ventriloquist act, skits and soft shoe. By BoHo Theatre at Raven Theatre. Runs through November 14. Tickets at RavenTheatre.com or ( 773 ) 338-2177 .
September 17, 2015
East of Eden. From the award-winning adaptor of the Steppenwolf classic The Grapes of Wrath. By Steppenwolf Theatre Company at 1650 N Halsted, Chicago. Runs through November 15. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 7 at 11 am. www.steppenwolf.org/Plays-Events or 312-335-1650 .
September 18, 2015
Ordinary People. The essence of a young Lake Forest man, his friends and family, their relationships and survival. By Citadel Theatre Company at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Runs through October 18. tickets@citadeltheatre.org or 847-735-8554 x1 .
September 19, 2015
The Black White Love Play. The story of Chaz and Roger Ebert, featuring music, dance and a ten piece orchestra. Black Ensemble Theater at Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark St, Chicago. Thursdays 7:30 pm, Fridays 8 pm, Saturdays 3 pm and 8 pm, Sundays 3 pm. Runs through November 1, 2015. Tickets at www.blackensemble.org or call ( 773 ) 769-4451 .
September 20, 2015
Gem of the Ocean. A cleanser of souls encounters a murderer on her doorstep and takes him on a spiritual journey to the mythical City of Bones. Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave, Chicago. Runs through October 11, 2015. Tickets at www.CourtTheatre.org, ( 773 ) 753-4472 .
September 25, 2015
Blood Brothers. British musical about twin brothers separated at birth one raised by a rich family, the other by the impoverished birth mother of the boys. By Theo Unique Cabaret Theatre at No Exit Caf©, 6970 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago. $34/39. Runs through November 15. Tickets www.theo-u.com .
September 30, 2015
Million Dollar Quartet. Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the1956 recording session that brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. At Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Runs through January 17, 2016. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or ( 773 ) 935-6100 .
October 1, 2015
Yellow Dress. Born out of her experiences growing up as a Korean American adoptee in a family of ten in upstate New York, this coming-of-age, one woman show follows two orphans through the streets of South Korea, into the suburban American heartland, and their fortuitous journey back to Korea. By Silk Road Rising at Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W Washington St, Pierce Hall, Chicago. $15. Through October 4. Tickets at web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/942193 or 312-857-1234 x201 .
October 2, 2015
Barefoot in the Park, Neil Simon's play about newlyweds whose attempt at matchmaking goes totally wrong. Step Up Productions, Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Runs through November 1. Tickets www.stepupproductions.org, ( 773 ) 935-6875 .
Chicks With Shticks. A dragapella beauty shop quartet. By the Kinsey Sicks at Mayne Stage, 1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago. Tickets www.maynestage.com, ( 866 ) 468-3401 .
October 6, 2015
Unspeakable. Inspired by the life of comic icon Richard Pryor, focusing on the period between 1967 and 1982. By Broadway In Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse, Water Tower Place ( 175 E. Chestnet St ). Runs through November 6. Tickets ( 312 ) 977-1710 or www.BroadwayInChicago.com .
October 18, 2015
Treasure Island. Adapted from the Robert Louis Stevenson novel. By Looking Glass Theatre Company at Water Tower Water Works, 821 N Michigan at Pearson. Runs through January 31, 2016. Tickets go on sale August 12. www.lookingglasstheatre.org .
October 22, 2015
Design for Living by Noel Coward. An unraveling tempestuous love triangle between vivacious interior designer Gilda, playwright Leo and artist Otto - three people unashamedly and passionately in love with each other. By Pride Films & Plays at Rivendell Theater, 5779 N Ridge, Chicago. $22/27. Runs through November 22. Tickets ( 800 ) 737-0984 or www.pridefilmesandplays.com .
October 23, 2015
Arsenic and Old Lace. Classic comedy about two Victorian sisters who poison lonely old men. By Saint Sebastian Players at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, Chicago. Runs through November 15, 2015. Tickets at saintsebastianplayers.org or ( 773 ) 404-7922 .
November 5, 2015
Agamemnon. This ancient story is the second installment of the Court Theatre's Greek classic cycle. At Court Theatre on the University of Chicago campus: 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Runs through December 6. Tickets www.courttheatre.org/tickets .
November 19, 2015
My American Cousin. One woman sketch comedy show with a glimpse of the life of an Arab American woman from Chicago's south side. By Silk Road Rising at Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W Washington St, Pierce Hall, Chicago. $15. Through November 22. Tickets at web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/942193 or 312-857-1234 x201 .
November 20, 2015
3rd annual Holidaze. Musical celebration of the season with all its chaos, dysfunction and cheer. Original works by MT Cozzola, John Green, Robert Koon, Mia McCullough, Steven Simoncic, Steven Peterson, Joshua Rollins and others. By Step Up Productions at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Runs through December 20. Tickets at www.stepupproductions.org or ( 773 ) 935-6875 .
Oliver. Musical based on the Dickens novel. By Citadel Theatre Company at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Runs through December 20. tickets@citadeltheatre.org or 847-735-8554 x1 .
November 28, 2015
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. When the Herdmans ( the nastiest kids in the neighborhood ) decide they want to be in this year's Christmas pageant, everyone is sure it will be a disaster. Comedy filled with singing and music. By Provision Theater for Young Audiences. Runs through December 20. Tickets ( 312 ) 455-0066 or www.provisiontheater.org/tickets.htm .
January 7, 2016
Botanic Garden. A widow's first date and her desire to get out of it. By Citadel Theatre Company at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Runs through January 17. tickets@citadeltheatre.org or 847-735-8554 x1 .
January 21, 2016
Le Switch. Drama about a young gay man's ambivalence in the face of national "wedding fever." By About Face Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago. Runs through February 21, 2016. Tickets at www.aboutfacetheatre.org .
February 10, 2016
Tuesdays with Morrie. An exploration of the meaning of life based on the book by Mitch Albom. By Provision Theater Company. Runs through March 20. Tickets ( 312 ) 455-0066 or www.provisiontheater.org/tickets.htm .
February 11, 2016
Fugitive Songs. Song cycle focusing on everyday people on the run: a disgruntled Subway sandwich employee, a jilted ex-cheerleader, a pair of Patty Hearst fanatics, a stoner forced to rob a convenience store against his will, and many others. By Boho Theatre at the Heartland Studio. Runs through March 13. Tickets at www.BoHoTheatre.com or ( 866 ) 811-4111 .
February 12, 2016
Educating Rita. In the play Rita, a married hair stylist, begins studying with Dr. Bryant, a professor using alcohol to cope with his divorce. By Citadel Theatre Company at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Runs through March 14. tickets@citadeltheatre.org or 847-735-8554 x1 .
February 18, 2016
Zyryab, the Songbird of Andalusia. A musical journey following the life and legacy of the ninth century musician and polymath, Ziryab, who rose out of slavery to achieve extraordinary fame throughout Islamic Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. By Silk Road Rising at Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W Washington St, Pierce Hall, Chicago. $15. Through February 21. Tickets at web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/942193 or 312-857-1234 x201 .
February 19, 2016
The Tempest. Shakespearean classic about a banished duke's machinations to regain his position as Duke of Milan. By Saint Sebastian Players at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, Chicago. Runs through March 13. Tickets saintsebastianplayers.org or ( 773 ) 404-7922 .
March 18, 2016
After all the terrible things I do. A young, gay writer takes a job at a bookstore and discovers a dark connection with the owner. By About Face Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago. Runs through April 12. Tickets at www.aboutfacetheatre.org .
March 24, 2016
Mosque Alert. Inspired by the "Ground Zero Mosque" controversy in New York City, and developed, in part, via online conversations and live community events, Mosque Alert tells the story of three fictional families living in Naperville, Illinois, whose lives are interrupted by a proposed Islamic Center on the site of a beloved local landmark By Silk Road Rising at Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W Washington St, Pierce Hall, Chicago. $35. Runs through May 1. Tickets at web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/942193 or 312-857-1234 x201 .
April 8, 2016
Private Lives, Noel Coward's story of chaos among a formerly married couple and their new spouses. Step Up Productions, Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Runs through May 8, 2016. Tickets www.stepupproductions.org, ( 773 ) 935-6875 .
April 23, 2016
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This Broadway farce combines situations from the 2000-year-old comedies of the Roman playwright Plautus with the energy of classic vaudeville. By Citadel Theatre Company at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Runs through May 23. tickets@citadeltheatre.org or 847-735-8554 x1 .
April 27, 2016
Best of Enemies. True story about the relationship between C.P. Ellis - a Grand Cyclops of the KKK, and Ann Atwater - an African-American civil rights activist, during the desegregation of the Durham, North Carolina schools in 1971. By Provision Theater Company. Runs through June 5. Tickets ( 312 ) 455-0066 or www.provisiontheater.org/tickets.htm .
April 29, 2016
Deathtrap. A struggling Broadway writer plots the murder of one of his students in order to steal his promising script. By Saint Sebastian Players at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, Chicago. Runs through May 22, 2016. Tickets saintsebastianplayers.org, 773-404-7922 .
May 25, 2016
Uncle Vanya. New adaptation of Chekhov's classic from critically-acclaimed playwright Annie Baker ( Body Awareness, Circle Mirror Transformation, The Flick ). By BoHo Theatre at the Heartland Studio. Runs through June 26. Tickets at www.BoHoTheatre.com or ( 866 ) 811-4111 .
Compiled by Gene Naden