3 can't-miss Chicago productions this spring

April was a mad rush as all Broadway productions needed to open by April 27 for Tony Award consideration. Still, there’s plenty of theater happening Off-Broadway and beyond New York City.  Here’s a peek at three Chicago productions, including plays at the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Story Theater. 

I loved Bust, it's one of the best shows I've ever seen on the Goodman main stage in the past few years. ( There more daring and exciting works are in their smaller theater)  I love the fact that you think you know what this will be about, especially from the first 15 minutes and then something so different happens, it goes into a whole other space, that is quite beautiful. Also the end is an on your edge moment, it's also surprisingly quite funny that deals with a scary and sadly re-occuring issue in the US. There are some edges to the play that need to be worked on, some characters come across a little more caricatures, but it's a play full of new and exciting ideas. Sonia Freidman's company is producing this, so I would not be surprised if this ends up in NYC in the future. 

Also I can't wait for the Hell in a Handbag's new show Queen for A Day, by the great Tyler Anthony Smith, who's Poor People: The musical, is the one of the funniest parody shows I've ever seen. 

Chicago Shakespeare is also getting the US premiere of 42 Balloons, which was very well recieved on the West End, with the two leads from London.

Also I'm hoping to see Berlin at Court Theater, which is a new work based on the graphic novel that is getting raves.

I am a Steppenwolf Subsciber and anytime Namir Smallwood is in a play..I'm there. 

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Color Purple. I'm seeing You Will Get Sick in July.

Play Esq. said: "Going next week. I have You Will Get Sick and Color Purple booked, anything else looking interesting that's still open?"

42 Balloons runs through June 29 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and I often use the Theatre in Chicago site to check what is playing.

Updated On: 6/13/25 at 06:30 PM