Summer Shows

Who needs summer blockbusters at the movies when these features will be out on DVD for Christmas? Take advantage of great summer shows that are only in Chi-town for a limited time.
If you have not seen About Face Theatre's The Homosexuals at the Victory Gardens Theatre then head over to Lincoln Avenue right away. This production can make an audience member reminisce about past relationships and how people can effect our lives as it moves through years around the time of the Tony Awards.

Chinglish at the Goodman Theatre explores the world of business in China. Actors that speak Mandarin with subtitles projected on the stage add a foreign film feel to this story about mistranslations. I ran into the cast of Chinglish at the premiere of the mediocre Middletown delivered by the gang at Steppenwolf Theatre. The talented group from the Goodman was so grateful for the compliments about their show.

Circque du Soleil's Ovo hatched the same week under the big top tent at the United Center. Running through August 21, bring people of all ages to this one. The experience was light and fun then the acrobats bring thrills through stunts and tricks that had the audience screaming for the insect inspired show.

The next day I took a Chicago Trolley tour around the city with the Blues Brothers in past haunts from the movie. Ray's Music Exchange is still standing on 47th Street and the hot dogs Jim's Original were a yummy lunch. The All New Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers opens at the Auditorium Theatre July 6 and goes until the 24th.
Broadway in Chicago's Beauty and the Beast played just like the Disney cartoon that evening at the Oriental Theatre.

The week ended with Taste of Chicago and a country performance by the "Coal Miner's Daughter" Loretta Lynn herself. Fans screamed as the whole Lynn family took turns performing while they gnawed on BBQ ribs and corn on the cob just like in her hometown of Tennessee.
Neil Finn from Crowded House brought his project Pajama Club to the cozy Double Door to close out the long day.
These are rare opportunities to see shows that are live and in person so take advantage of our summer season while we have it in Chicago!