Chicago Theatregoers: which show should I choose?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/5/09 at 5:23pm

For the first time ever I will be going to Chicago for U/RTAs so I can see 1-2 shows. At the moment, my first choice is THE SEAFARER. Here's my shortlist, other suggestions also welcomed:

MACBETH @ Chicago Shakespeare Theater?
http://www.chicagoshakes.com/main.taf?p=2,29

MISS SAIGON @ Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace?
http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/live_theatre/schedule.shtml

THE SEAFARER @ Steppenwolf
http://www.steppenwolf.org/boxoffice/productions/index.aspx?id=456

STOP KISS @ Gift Theatre Company
http://www.thegifttheatre.org/season_2006.html

TOPDOG/UNDERDOG @ American Theatre Company
http://www.atcweb.org/work/season24/rep/rep.php

[JeaniusIsMe]

Posted: 1/5/09 at 5:32pm

I haven't seen the other four (but I've heard amazing things about the Seafarer), but I just saw Macbeth yesterday and was blown away by it. It's a modern setting (2009 Chicago), so if you're more into traditional Shakespeare productions, not your cup of tea. But, as someone who spent all of college studying Shakespeare, it was one of the finest productions I've seen. Also probably one of the bloodiest- so be warned.

If you can only see one, see Seafarer. If you can see more than one, check out Macbeth- there's a reason Chicago Shakes won the regional Tony last year: they consistently present wonderful productions.

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/5/09 at 5:34pm

Or, just go to the Chicago board:

https://chicago.broadwayworld.com/board/

[pc1145N2]

Posted: 1/5/09 at 11:25pm

The Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace is really far from downtown and it would involve a rental car. Skip that one.

[heo1128]

Posted: 1/5/09 at 11:31pm

The Drury Lane Oakbrook is certainly no where near downtown, but it's a GORGEOUS theater and a great place to see a show. Haven't seen any of those productions but I'm planning to see Miss Saigon at some point.

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 1/5/09 at 11:34pm

I have heard sensational things about The Seafarer and am hoping I can get to see it but currently its not in the budget. And as a rule of thumb Steppenwolf rarely do bad work. After all they brought NYC August: Osage County. However Chicago Shakes does really good work but I have not heard anything about their Macbeth.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 1/6/09 at 12:27am

The Gift Theatre is a rather shabby company, IMO. I loved Ben Carlson's Hamlet, and I imagine he'll be a very good Macbeth too. And of course Topdog/Underdog is a really neat play. It's being done in repertory with True West with white and black actors switching back and forth between the plays. If you saw the same actors do True West and Topdog/Underdog that would be cool. I'm planning to catch at least one version of each.

I'm an U/RTA veteran, BTW. I'm currently getting my MFA from DePaul. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat about the audition process or whatever.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 1/6/09 at 2:30am

If you liked Boeing-Boeing, you should see Don't Dress for Dinner at the Royal George Theatre.

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 1/6/09 at 3:39am

I would say go for Macbeth, Chicago Shakes is a great company and they do great shows.
I wouldn't bother with visiting the Chicago board because it just doesn't get many visitors and you'll get a better answer here.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 12:40pm

The Royal George production of Don't Dress for Dinner is wonderful! Spencer Kayden, best known as Little Sally from Urinetown, practically runs away with the show, but honestly, the entire cast is perfection. The production could easily transfer to Broadway as-is. The audience was roaring and Spencer received several ovations for her brilliant performance. I may try and see it again.

Everyone in Chicago or visiting Chicago should not miss this show!

I also enjoyed The Seafarer, but I saw a preview and it needed a bit of tightening. And the dialects were all over the place, which I found a bit ironic in a city with such a large and proud Irish community.

I'm planning on Macbeth and Xanadu next...

[ChristopherDurangFan]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 1:13pm

I'd definitely recommend the Seafarer as well.

Also: if you're interested in real Chicago theatre, the stuff that we really specialize in, go to Profiles Theatre, and see Great Falls. It's a tiny off-loop theatre, with about 60 seats, and it will blow you away.