Chicago (the city, not the musical) Theater Question

[WillParker]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 11:53am

Going to be in & around Chicago this weekend & would like to see a show. Never been to Chi, so I'm not familiar with the theater scene there. Dont really wanna see Wicked (unless Jenna is scheduled to be on), and dont have the bucks to spend....any suggestions? Even like, community theater would be cool...I'm not picky. Please send PVT msgs if you can be of assistance.

thanks a million!

Posted: 5/25/05 at 12:05pm

Will you came to the right place!

When you get to town head over to a HotTix location-- it's a lot like TKTS and they have tons of shows half-price each weekend, usually including stuff as low as $10. You can pick them up at the new HotTix office at 72 E. Randolph (Across from the Millenium Park) or at any Tower store. Usually HotTix is for same day only, but on Friday tickets for the whole weekend go on sale.

A couple things I'd recommend: Romeo & Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare theatre, Silk at Goodman, Dancing at Lughnasa at Raven, or any of the Second City shows. You missed the Finn Fest, but there is still some great. There's also Hair at the Lakeside (Which runs Thursday & Sunday only) and Hedwig at Theatre Building which runs late Fridays & Saturday, both of which are well-reviewed and not on HotTix but probably only $20. Pick up a free copy of the Reader (At any hip store-- Look for the huge pile by the door) starting late Thursday and check the theatre listings.

Have fun!

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:40pm

If you live in or around the Chicago area, or will be in the area between June 2 and June 19th, swing by Theatre Building Chicago on West Belmont and check out "BurgerTown: The Musical." Written by Jamey Strawn (Score/Musical Director) and Ken & Christine Jones (Concept/Librettist/Director and Lyrics, respectively), “BurgerTown” is a brand new musical set in the Windy City which tells the story of Dan O'Reilly, a timid fry cook who accidentally invents the hottest new craze in the fast food world. He takes the humble BurgerTown restaurant from its lowly place beneath the tracks of the Fullerton train station to soaring new heights. In this fun and cheeky new musical, our shy hero encounters bad guys, big business and burgers and struggles to hold onto his sanity as he chases his dreams for success, romance, and a fast-food fortune. “BurgerTown” was originally produced in 2004 as part of Northern Kentucky University's Summer Dinner Theatre, a professional summer production series, and makes its regional debut in Theatre Building Chicago’s South Theatre beginning June 2.

Chris Curcio of broadwaysbiggesthits.com had this to say,

“[Burgertown] is a cute little show with a simple plot about the evils of corruption and the temptations and allures of big franchise money… The score is…breezy and fun…The cast is solid and the show looks to have a future throughout America where we can relate to the concepts the show reminds us of so lovingly.”

The entire review of the Original Cast Recording can be read at:
http://www.broadwaysbiggesthits.com/cd_reviews.html
Scroll down right past “South Pacific” and “Simply Heaven.”

If you're looking for a fun time and lots of laughs, come check out “BurgerTown.”

Musical comedy served hot and fresh!

http://www.burgertown.net
http://www.theatrebuildingchicago.org

[ShuQ]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:42pm

Time to be cliche...you could enter the Wicked lottery!

[WillParker]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:44pm

you'll have to tie me up & drag me, kicking & screaming!!!!!


...unless Jenna's on.

[ShuQ]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:48pm

Well Stephanie was out last night and Jenna didn't go on...Maria did and I heard she wasn't too good. Atleast I think her name is Maria.

[WillParker]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:54pm

where the freak was Jenna?

*second thought* why am i getting upset here? i dont even LIKE the damn show!

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 4:39pm

Don't bother with the Chicago Wicked lottery.....grr. (From experience.)

I reccomend the William Finn Festival that is going on at the Theatre Building. "A New Brain" was great....and there's always the option of seeing Malkovich in "Lost Land" at Steppenwolf.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 4:44pm

MTD2 - is the lottery at the box office or Borders?

Posted: 5/25/05 at 4:48pm

Depends on the day of the week-- I think it's Borders on weekends, lobby weekdays?

I thought the Finn Fest closed last weekend? Did it extend??

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 5:00pm

Here's the Reader list of current shows. You can also chek the availabilty of Hottix daily at www.hottix.org
Reader Theatre Listing

[WillParker]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 5:21pm

thanks guys....this gives me MORE than enough to go on!! much obliged

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 5:26pm

Have fun in Chicago! I too highly reccomend Hottix and echo what others have said.