Chicago theatre recommendations?

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 7:03pm

I will be in Chicago for a very short business trip. Despite my best efforts to get my meeting scheduled for a Thursday or Friday so I can see Ragtime, I will be in town on a Tuesday night (July 24). Does anyone have any recommendations? No Color Purple, Bee, or Wicked please- I have seen them, some more than once.

I tend to go for pretty much anything besides slapstick comedy with a preference (in straight plays at least) for things to be edgy and/or dramatic. Musicals are obviously ok too.

I've enjoyed work at the Steppenwolf and by the Hipocrates Theatre Company in the past, so would be interested in any takes on current offerings.

Thanks!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 7:36pm

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?

[Toddlin2]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 7:45pm

See Mary Zimmerman's "Memories of the Invisible Mirror" at the Goodman. Rave reviews.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 12:47am

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

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 1:56am

Jerry Springer: The Opera is playing at the BAILIWICK REPERTORY. Go to hottix.org for cheap tickets to many shows.

[ashbash1990]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 2:01am

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

[whatever2]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 9:02am

i actually thot "Mirror" was one of zimmerman's weaker offerings ... and i'm a huge fan.

if it's still playing, my advice would be RUN, don't walk, to the bailiwick to see jerry springer the opera. it is outrageously over the top, but superb from top to bottom. brace yourself for a LOT of foul language, but absolute genius!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 9:18am

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.

[OtherDaryl]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 9:26am

One night in Chicago and you want some unforgettable theatre . . . hie thee to Steppenwolf, The Goodman, Lookinglass or Victory Gardens.

The following should be running the 24th:

Lookinglass Alice

August: Osage County (Tracy Letts

Before I Wake (William Norris) Tinfish Productions at Victory Gardens

Mirror of the Invisible World (Goodman/Zimmerman)

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 10:28am

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?

[gustof777]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 11:04am

Lookinglass Alice is AMAZING! A chicago must!

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 12:36pm

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

[SpellingBeeFan4Ever]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 12:46pm

Why not try light in the piazza (don't know if youv'e seen it) or married alive at marriot lincolnshire theater.

[kyle.]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 12:57pm

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.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 7/6/07 at 7:17pm

I think I am going to go with the Steppenwolf production of August: Osage County. It sounds like the type of play I like, so thanks for the recommendation. I've never been disappointed with anything at the Steppenwolf. I usually catch a show there everytime I am in town for work.

I actually tried to schedule my meeting for a Thursday or Friday so I could see Ragtime but it did not work (damn work!).

I have seen Piazza with the OBC and I believe it closes shortly before my trip anyway. I didn't see the tour when it came to DC at the Kennedy Center because I was fearful of it ruining my perfect memory of the show in Lincoln Center.

Updated On: 7/6/07 at 07:17 PM

[OtherDaryl]

Posted: 7/8/07 at 6:02pm

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!

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 7/8/07 at 7:18pm

Thanks. I have my ticket for August: Osage County.