Chicago theatre recommendations?

I have been so busy I have not seen anything. However, there is a production of It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman playing at one of the dinner theaters. Not sure how it is, but when are you going to get a chance to see a professional fully staged production of this show?

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If you aren't from NYC and but are familiar with shows, Forbidden Broadway SVU is on loan to us from NYC until September.

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http://www.chicagoplays.com/

if you want discounted tix,
www.hottix.org

there are always recomendations in the "On the Town" section of the Chicago Tribune, too

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I would not call the reviews of Zimmerman's show in the Trib or the Sun-Times "raves". Fairly positive but both had problems with the show.

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I am not really into the Jerry Springer type stuff and Studio Theatre here is doing it regionally next season. I've seen Forbidden Broadway fairly recently.

OtherDaryl- Any favorites out of the list you provided?

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August: Osage County, Tracy Lett's (writer of Bug, Killer Joe, and Pulitzer Prize finalist for The Man From Nebraska) new play at the Steppenwolf, for me at the very least, is THE theatrical event of the summer-here in Chicago. It has a HUGE ensemble cast including Steppenwolf founder Jeff Perry(Grey's Anatomy & Prison Break), Broadway's Sally Murphy (Fiddler on the Roof, Carousel, Bernarda Alba), and fab Steppenwolf ensemble members Amy Morton, Marian Mayberry, Frances Guinan, and Rondi Reed.

The acting on display, both individual performances and as an ensemble, is probably the best I have seen in eight years of hardcore theater going (in both New York and Chicago). It is fiercely hilarious, deeply moving, and intellectually involving. It IS very long (!), but doesn't feel that way. Maybe it is a little bit contrived, but not in a way that bothers me. If you care at all about NEW AMERICAN theater in anyway... you MUST go.

It is very edgy and VERY dramatic.

As for the other recomendations, Jerry Springer is a good production... but a much better production is readily availible on video, both Lookingglass Alice and Mirror of the Invisible World (which did not really get rave reviews) are visually interesting... but I wouldn't go for Mirror if you've seen any of Mary Zimmerman's plays because it is more of the same and not a stand out for her... Lookingglass Alice is great if you are looking for something fun. But if you want meat and potatoes... Chicago theater at it's best... go for August: Osage County.

kmc

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http://www.chicagoreader.com/listings/static/listings.html

Whatever you do, do NOT see Ragtime. I know it has been a critical darling but when I went I was SO unimpressed I left at intermission.

Just saw your question. I always recommend Steppenwolf and have subscribed since forever - going back to their Hull House days, though occassionally there is a clunker.

Anyway - safe journeys and let us know how all went!

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