Chicago's Outstanding Theatre Scene

From July 15-22, Chicago will be the GLBT sports capital of the world, but every week of the year, it’s possibly the best theater town in the country. We have some 200 theater companies around the city in addition to our own long-running productions of current Broadway shows, outstanding resident theater companies. We have GLBT productions and a host of other shows of interest to queer audiences.

Here are some productions you may want to check out:

Broadway Hits

Wicked
Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph.

The long-running megahit is packing them in here as well. Still a tough ticket, but there’s a daily lottery at the Border’s next door. Tuesday-Sundays. For info, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Drury Lane Water Tower Theater, 175 E. Chestnut

The Broadway Tony Award-winner with a great young cast. Shouldn’t be too hard to get tickets. Tuesday-Sundays. For info, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com

Doctor Dolittle
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph

Stage version of the movie musical starring Broadway legend Tommy Tune. No plans for Broadway yet, but they’re probably hoping. Tuesday-Sundays. For info, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com

Chicago’s Prestige Regional Theater Companies

This is a great chance to check out the internationally-known Steppenwolf (which gave us the likes of John Malkovich and Gary Sinise), the Goodman and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

The Unmentionables
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted

A funny, dark comedy about the misguided intentions of Americans helping the disadvantaged people of Africa. Tuesday – Sunday. For info, www.steppenwolf.org

Monsieur Proust
About Face Theater Company at Steppenwolf Upstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted

One woman show about the celebrated French gay novelist Marcel Proust, with an outstanding performance by Mary Beth Peil. Wednesday – Sunday. For info, www.steppenwolf.org, www.aboutfacetheatre.com

The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove
Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

Play by Regina Taylor about an African-American washerwoman who becomes a millionaire. Wednesday-Sunday. Info at www.goodman-theatre.org

MacHomer
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Upstairs, Navy Pier

A one-man show retelling Shakespeare’s tragedy using characters from The Simpsons. Wednesday – Sunday. www.chicagoshakes.com

Seussical the Musical
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier

Indulge your inner child as well as your non-so-inner show tune queen. There are a lot of matinees, so it may be a good break from the midday heat or the nightlife. 7/15 & 16, then Wed.-Fri. 7/19-21. www.chicagoshakes.com

GLBT- Themed Theater

Bailiwick Pride Series , Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont. For info, www.bailiwick.org

Three shows at Chicago’s primary venue for GLBT theatre.

Barenaked Lads in the Great Outdoors – A musical and comedy revue delivering exactly what the title promises. You may have to fight the bachelorette partiers! Fridays through Sundays.

Correctional Fluids – One man show about a gay man’s life journey. Fridays

Pins – Drama about gay high school wrestlers. Thursdays – Sundays.

Other theaters

Jeffrey
Stage Left Theater , 3408 N. Sheffield

Paul Rudnick’s classic comedy about a gay guy’s search for love. Thursday- Sunday. Call 773-784-2772 for tickets.

The Home Project
About Face Theater at Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.

GLBT teens created and perform this piece about homeless gay youth. Wednesday – Sunday. www.aboutfacetheatre.com

Performance Art

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
United Center, 1901 W. Madison.

The Cirque is in town! Cirque du Soleil’s new touring show opens Friday, July 14 for a six-week run.

Performances Tuesday-Sunday, www.cirquedusoleil.com

Blue Man Group
Briar Street Theater, 3133 N. Halsted

The long-running show with the bald blue guys is still going, and it’s conveniently located just south of the Boystown bars. Tuesday – Sunday, http://www.blueman.com/ticketinfo/chicago/index.shtml

For Ticket Deals

The League of Chicago Theatres offers discounted tickets for many shows at their three HotTix locations. 72 E. Randolph in the Chicago Tourism Center, 163 E. Pearson in the Water Works Visitors Center, and 9501 Skokie Boulevard in the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. For hours and a list of available shows, visit http://hottix.org/