Chicago Spring/Summer 2026

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 5:38pm

Reaching out to my Chicagoans here...anything jumping out at you for Spring/Summer? 

Definitely in Chicago between the last two weeks in April and will be booking Ma Rainey at the Goodman and Merry Wives at the CST.  There are three shows going on at the Steppenwolf, but really only Windfall is grabbing my attention. 

Any other recs ya'll might share?

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 5:41pm

Megan Mullally at the Goodman! From June, if you're back.

Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$

Updated On: 3/2/26 at 05:41 PM

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 5:59pm

Here is a list of what's coming:

https://www.theatreinchicago.com/comingsoonrs.php

[MidWestTheater]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 6:02pm

Kokandy Productions is putting on "Hair" in July at the Chopin Theatre. They are hands down one of the best musical companies here in Chicago. What they are able to do with with so little is kind of incredible. Their phenomenal Jekyll and Hyde is actually going to be a part of the Broadway in Chicago theater season in the fall. 

If you can get out to Aurora. Paramount Theatre is putting on South Pacific. They are the opposite of Kokandy in that they put on huge productions with large casts and amazing set designs.

I believe Writer's Theatre is doing Leopolstadt

I would urge you to check out some of the smaller store front theatres like Theatre Wit, Rivendale, American Blues Theatre...there's always so much going on here.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 7:49pm

MidWestTheater said: "Kokandy Productions is putting on "Hair" in July at the Chopin Theatre. They are hands down one of the best musical companies here in Chicago. What they are able to do with with so little is kind of incredible. Their phenomenal Jekyll and Hyde is actually going to be a part of the Broadway in Chicago theater season in the fall.

If you can get out to Aurora. Paramount Theatre is putting on South Pacific. They are the opposite of Kokandy in that they put on huge productions with large casts and amazing set designs.

I believe Writer's Theatre is doing Leopolstadt

I would urge you to check out some of the smaller store front theatres like Theatre Wit, Rivendale, American Blues Theatre...there's always so much going on here."

This! I generally try to hit one or two store front theaters but, if you don’t live there, it’s hard to have a grasp on which to see. If one group or production in particular comes to mind, please let known!

Thank you all for the recs!

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 8:10pm

Just saw this in the Chicago Tribune:

Separately, Chicago Shakespeare Theater says it has postponed its previously announced production of the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin'” due to performer schedule conflicts and has replaced it with a new marital comedy by Scooter Pietsch, titled “Fault.”

Teri Hatcher and Enrico Colantoni will star, with Jason Alexander returning to Chicago Shakespeare to direct. Performances will begin on April 18 and run through May 24 in The Yard on Navy Pier (tickets and more information at www.chicagoshakes.com).

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 8:53pm

SteveSanders said: "Chicago Shakespeare Theater says it has postponed its previously announced production of the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin'” due to performer schedule conflicts..."

Code for "ticket sales were bleak and we had to cancel."

"When we die, we go bye bye." - Abe Lincolns

Updated On: 3/2/26 at 08:53 PM

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 3/2/26 at 9:12pm

SteveSanders said: "Just saw this in the Chicago Tribune:

Separately, Chicago Shakespeare Theater says it has postponed its previously announced production of the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin'” due to performer schedule conflicts and has replaced it with a new marital comedy by Scooter Pietsch, titled “Fault.”

Teri Hatcher and Enrico Colantoni will star, with Jason Alexander returning to Chicago Shakespeare to direct. Performances will begin on April 18 and run through May 24 in The Yard on Navy Pier (tickets and more information at www.chicagoshakes.com)."

Thank you…this was not on their page a couple of days ago!

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 3/5/26 at 12:38pm

Timelline Theater has announced its 2026-2027 season (in a new space) opening with An Enemy of the People in May and closing with Merrily We Roll Along.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/timeline-theatre-season-new-theater/

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 3/18/26 at 4:29pm

Theo Ubique consistently does strong shows and it looks like their production of The Drowsy Chaperone (through April 19) keeps that record intact. Review from Chris Jones in the Chicago Tribune.  Tickets: https://theo-u.com/drowsy-chaperone/

 

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 3/18/26 at 8:25pm

Great suggestions...just noticed this will be playing over the Spring as well: Job.  Missed it in New York and love this theater!

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 3/18/26 at 10:22pm

Other events to consider:

• student production of RENT at the Bob Newhart Theatre, Loyola University
• student production of FUN HOME in the South Loop’s Getz Theatre, Columbia College
• a night at the wonderful CHICAGO MAGIC LOUNGE
• WAIT, DON’T TELL ME at the Studebaker Theatre
• Monday night showtunes at SIDETRACK

Updated On: 3/23/26 at 10:22 PM

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 4/23/26 at 1:45pm

Finally saw a production of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, at the Goodman no less, and damn was it worth the wait.  This is my fourth production of a Wilson play at the Goodman, and I’ve never been disappointed (argue that their production of The Piano Lesson was far superior to the recent Broadway revival), and this production added to the list of damn near perfect Wilson revivals. 

Al’Jaleel McGhee is rightly getting much of the well deserved accolades, but E. Faye Butler is a perfect Ma Rainey.  Pretty much exactly what I had in my mind when reading the play, even more than Viola Davis and, heaven forbid, Whoopie (very curious to hear what others thought of her performance from over 20 years ago). 

Pretty much came To Chicago just to see this and friends, and it was very much worth the trip. Elaine’s that I get to see it again on Sunday!  Run to this production if you’re in the Chicago area.  A delight I won’t soon forget (and worlds better than a certain other Wilson revival on Broadway…). 

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 4/23/26 at 3:42pm

SteveSanders said: "Chicago Shakespeare Theater says it has postponed its previously announced production of the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin'” due to performer schedule conflicts..."

Code for "ticket sales were bleak and we had to cancel."

The production was to be directed by Andre Deshields who has a very clear, very public schedule conflict. What a misinformed, but easily verifiable thing to say. 

 

Jesus saves. I spend.

[ColdClimateDude]

Posted: 5/6/26 at 1:11pm

SteveSanders said: "Just saw this in the Chicago Tribune:

Separately, Chicago Shakespeare Theater says it has postponed its previously announced production of the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin'” due to performer schedule conflicts and has replaced it with a new marital comedy by Scooter Pietsch, titled “Fault.”

Teri Hatcher and Enrico Colantoni will star, with Jason Alexander returning to Chicago Shakespeare to direct. Performances will begin on April 18 and run through May 24 in The Yard on Navy Pier (tickets and more information at www.chicagoshakes.com)."

Does anyone know why Teri Hatcher dropped out of this production?  I don't see any official statement that was released...and this theater BOMARDS with press releases.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 5/6/26 at 1:35pm

Was curious as well…probably would have gone out of pure curiosity had she been in it. 
 

Not sure if it’s still open, but Windfall at Steppenwolf was an epic mess and to be avoided. 

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 5/6/26 at 1:36pm

There was a statement mailed to subscribers. Standard stuff. 

Word on the street is that she wasn't comfortable or capable with the role and/or stage work in general.  It's not like riding a bike, apparently

Jesus saves. I spend.