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1 week ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
Chicago theater owes a great debt to visionary social reformer Jane Addams. Without her decision to include a community theater in her Hull-House settlement, the city’s Off-Loop theater scene might not exist as the unique entity it is today.
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2 weeks ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
Northlight Theatre and Theater Wit present “Prayer for the French Republic,” Joshua Harmon’s drama that follows five generations of a French-Jewish family in a sweeping look at history, home and the effects of ancient hatred. Jeremy Wechsler directs. From April 10-May 11 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $49-$91. Visit northlight.org. Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s “Titanic the Musical” is a portrait of the passengers on board the infamous ship and the tragedy that followed.
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3 weeks ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
The jazz dance ensemble Giordano Dance Chicago celebrates the life and legacy of artistic director Nan Giordano with the world premiere of Al Blackstone’s “Sana,” plus “333,” “Soaring” and more from the company’s repertoire. At 7:30 p.m. April 4 and 6 p.m. April 5 at Harris Theatre, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $27-$97. Visit harristheaterchicago.org. Evanston Dance Ensemble presents world premiere works by choreographers inspired by the theme of science and exploration.
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3 weeks ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Katie Anthony |Mary Houlihan
April showers bring May flowers — so as wet spring weather descends on Chicago, residents might be looking for an indoor activity that won’t break the bank. Museums in and around Chicago offer free days for Illinois residents throughout the month of April, and some spots are always free and open to the public. Here are the free museum days for Illinois residents in April:Adler Planetarium 📍1300 S. Lake Shore DuSable Dr.Free admission from 4-11 p.m. on Wednesdays for Illinois residents.
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3 weeks ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
About a decade ago, three friends — Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue — living in Los Angeles found success with comedy concert shows that transformed iconic movies into something lovingly irreverent. “These were scrappy, silly shows that we staged at a local dinner theater,” Blue says.
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4 weeks ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is John Logan’s adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s film, a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and love. Alex Timbers directs. From April 2-20 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph. Tickets: $40-$135. Visit broadwayinchicago.com. Suzi-Lori Parks’ drama “The Book of Grace” revolves around a family reunion and the ensuing search for common ground that explodes in all directions. Namir Smallwood, Brian Marable and Zainab Jah star; Steve H.
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1 month ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
Ray Davies and Joe Penhall’s Olivier Award-winning “Sunny Afternoon” is the story of the Kinks’ rise to fame as told through their own prolific catalog of hit songs including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” “All Day and All of the Night” and more. Portraying the original members of the Kinks are Michael Lepore (as Peter Quaife), Oliver Hoare (Dave Davies), Danny Horn (Ray Davies), and Kieran McCabe (Mick Avory). Edward Hall directs the North American premiere.
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1 month ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
This weekend it’s all about the Irish beginning with the annual dyeing of the Chicago River (10 a.m. March 15) followed by two traditional parades. The 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest in the country, begins at noon March 15 and lasts for about three hours on Columbus between Balbo and Monroe (chicagostpatricksdayparade.org).
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1 month ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
The Paramount Bold Series presents William Finn, Rebecca Feldman and Jay Reiss’ “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a musical that recounts the epic struggles of six middle school students vying for the championship of a lifetime. Stephen Schellhardt directs. From March 12-April 27 at Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena, Aurora. Tickets: $40-$55. Visit paramountaurora.com.
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1 month ago | 
chicago.suntimes.com | Mary Houlihan
“Elvis Presley Was a Black Man Named Joe,” written and directed by Jackie Taylor, is a true story based on Taylor’s relationship with her brother Joe and their lifelong fascination with Elvis Presley. From March 1-April 20 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark. Tickets: $56.50-$66.50. Visit blackensembletheater.org. Jackalope Theatre presents “Dummy in Diaspora,” the U.S. premiere of one of the hits of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
