Best of Gay Theatre For July 2013

The Parade may be done for the year, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating the Pride! Chicago theatres are celebrating Pride all through July with some poignant and provocative LGBT-themed theatre. Here are some of the best picks:

The Pride (About Face Theatre)

Written by Alexi Kaye Campbell, Directed by Bonnie Metzgar

Two story lines, fifty years apart. Set in London, Alexi Kaye Campbell's time-shifting play THE PRIDE maps the progression of the gay rights movement from the repression of the fifties to the freedom of today through the fate of two twisted love triangles. In 1958, Philip is married to Sylvia but in love with Oliver. In 2008, Oliver is addicted to public sex with strangers, so Philip leaves him. Sylvia has to pick up the pieces. THE PRIDE is a sharp, witty portrait of urban gay couples and the punishing consequences of liberation.

The Pride runs until July 13th, 2013. Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater is located at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. For tickets call (773) 871-3000 or by clicking here.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Book by John Cameron Mitchell, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Trask, Directed by Kyle Trent, Music Direction by Kory Danielson



The newly formed Haven Theatre mark their innaugural production with Hedwig and the Angry Inch , featuring Jeff-award winning actor Ryan Lanning in the title role. The groundbreaking Obie-winning Off-Broadway smash Hedwig and the Angry Inch also won multiple awards for its hit film adaptation of the story of "internationally ignored song stylist" Hedwig Schmidt. Hedwig, a fourth-wall smashing East German rock 'n' roll goddess, happens to be the victim of a botched sex-change operation, which has left her with just "an angry inch." This outrageous and unexpectedly hilarious story is dazzlingly performed by Hedwig (formerly known as Hansel) in the form of a rock gig/stand-up comedy routine backed by the hard-rocking band "The Angry Inch," including Yitzhak (played by Lauren Paris) and band members Kory Danielson (keyboard) Eric Engelson (drums), Nick David (guitar) and Zach Moore (bass). Using songs and monologues, Hedwig describes her life's search for "The Origin of Love" and her other half. It's a rocking ride, funny, touching and ultimately inspiring to anyone who has felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch runs at Theatre Wit, 1229 W. Belmont in Chicago. Preview performances areFriday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 7 at 6 p.m. Opening night is Monday, July 8 at 730 p.m. Preview performance tickets are $20 and the all other tickets prices are $32. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here or by calling the box office at 773.975.8150.

The Little Dog Laughed (Kid Brooklyn Productions)

Written by Douglas Carter Beane, Directed by Evan F. Caccioppoli

The Little Dog Laughed follows the adventures of Mitchell Green, a movie star who could hit big if it weren't for one teensy-weensy problem. His agent, Diane, can't seem to keep him in the closet. Trying to help him navigate Hollywood's choppy waters, the devilish Diane is doing all she can to keep Mitchell away from the cute rent boy who's caught his eye and the rent boy's girlfriend (wait, the rent boy has a girlfriend?). Will there be a happy ending as the final credits roll?

At The Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. For tickets and info click here. Tickets $20, $15 students/industry, Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, running time is 2 hours with intermission, through July 13, 2013

Assemblers 2: Gamma-Radioactive Boogaloo! (pH Comedy Theatre)

Written by Ensemble, Directed by Brett Mannes

In a post-Avengers world, the superhero craze just keeps getting stronger. So, the creators of The pH Comedy Theater's hit show, The Assemblers , have once again heeded the call to give the citizens of Chicago an all new original super-satire of the comic book genre with Assemblers 2: Gamma-Radioactive Boogaloo!

Assemblers 2 is a sketch comedy show that explores all aspects of the modern superhero and his or her universe. From the skies of Metropolis to the depths of the sea, Assemblers 2 explodes into the fray with new sketches about the frustrations of the geek, the plight of mere humans in a superhuman world, and the warped mind of the costumed vigilante. There will be fighting. There will be singing. But most of all, there will be epic laughter.

Assemblers 2 is meant for mature audiences and will be performed every Friday at 9:30 pm atThe pH Comedy Theater, 1515 W. Berwyn in Andersonville, from June 7 through July 19. The show is BYOB. Tickets are $15 / $10 (students with valid ID) and can be purchased here.

I'm a little biased about this one...

Mahal (Bailiwick Chicago)

Written by Danny Bernardo, Directed by Erica Weiss

MAHAL is a new play about how one Filipino American family redefines itself after loss and reclaims their culture. One of the first plays about a Filipino American family, MAHAL centers on the Reyes family dealing with the loss of their matriarch. As new relationships blossom and family bonds are tested, a long forgotten secret from the homeland threatens to tear the family apart. Dealing with themes of cultural identity, assimilation, homophobia, interracial and inter-generational relationships, MAHAL examines what it truly means to be an American family.

Mahal runs through August 2, 2013 at Stage 773 ,1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Regular run: Monday, July 1 – Friday, August 2, 2013; Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. Please note: There will not be a performance on Saturday, June 29 at 8 pm, Sunday, June 30 at 2 pm or Thursday, July 4 at 8 pm. There will be special Industry Night performances on Monday, July 1 and Monday, July 15 at 7:30 pm and an added Saturday matinee on Saturday, July 27 at 3 pm. Tickets: Previews: $25. Regular run: $35 ($30 groups of 10 or more). Tickets are available here, in person at the Stage 773 Box Office or by calling (773) 327-5252. Use promo code MABUHAY for $10 off tickets through July 14.

Also this month, you can find some amazing queer comedy! The newly launched Chigaygo at the Laugh Factory (hosted by Scott Duff ) performs every Monday. Find out more here.

And as always, host Adam Guerino brings the best in queer comedy every month with Queer Comedy at Zanies , presented by OutLoud Chicago. Find out more here.