Spotlight: Women take center stage in ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes,’ ‘Always … Patsy Cline’
Nostalgia trip
Oil Lamp Theater invites fans of musicals to take a trip down memory lane with its revival of “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” a jukebox tuner about four high school singers “navigating the ups and downs of prom night and beyond.” Written and created by Roger Bean, the score includes such 1950s and 1960s pop hits as “Lollipop,” “Stupid Cupid,” “It’s My Party” and “It’s in His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song),” among others.
The preview is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6. $30, $55. oillamptheater.org.
The Factory revisits history
The Factory Theater premieres Chase Wheaton-Werle’s play about the oft-overlooked Louis Le Prince, a French artist and inventor credited with developing the first motion-picture camera whose Sept. 16, 1890, disappearance denied him credit for his contribution to cinematography and the film industry. Becca Holloway directs The Factory’s production starring Joe Sergio as Louis and Ethan Smith as his son, Adolph.
Previews at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at 1623 Howard St., Chicago. The show opens June 13. $15, $30. (312) 275-5757 or thefactorytheater.com.
LookOut at Steppenwolf
• Steppenwolf Theatre kicks off Pride Month with “Trans Scribe: A New Works Festival,” a LookOut series event showcasing 10-minute plays, a new one-act musical and a full-length play by trans playwrights living in Chicago.
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at 1700 N. Halsted St., Chicago. $28-$43. (312) 335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.
· Also appearing as part of Steppenwolf’s LookOut series is Colette Gregory in her solo show “Black Best Friend,” which incorporates sketches and songs to “dissect Black media tropes” ranging from Black conservatives to “Love is Blind” contestants.
8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, June 12-14, at 1700 N. Halsted St., Chicago. $25. (312) 335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.
BET salutes pop and soul legends
Black Ensemble Theater celebrates sisterhood, soul, and the legendary Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle in the new show “That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti.” Producing managing director Daryl D. Brooks wrote and directs the premiere jukebox tuner, which imagines the superstars reminiscing backstage before a show. Rose Marie Simmons plays mature Gladys Knight; Sybyl Walker plays mature Dionne Warwick, and Tamara Batiest plays mature Patti LaBelle.
Previews at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and June 13 and 14 at 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago. The show opens June 15. $57.50-$67.50. (773) 769-4451 or blackensemble.org.
‘Queer comedy chaos’
The Second City main stage cast members will be joined by e.t.c. ensemble members and touring company alumni for “The Event,” an LGBTQ+ improv showcase that promises “queer comedy chaos.” George Elrod hosts.
8:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 7-28, at Donny’s Skybox Theater, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets start at $20. (312) 337-3992 or secondcity.com.
Tony-winning tuner on tour
The national tour of “Kimberly Akimbo,” the Tony Award-winning musical by composer/lyricist Jeanine Tesori and writer David Lindsay-Abaire, plays the CIBC Theatre for a limited run. It centers on a teenage girl living in suburban New Jersey and navigating family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition and her first crush. Carolee Carmello stars as the titular teen.
The preview is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. The show opens Wednesday, June 11. $35-$125. broadwayinchicago.com.
Musical celebrates Patsy
Aja Alcazar plays country star Patsy Cline and Bri Sudia plays her pen pal fan and friend Louise Seger in Drury Lane Theatre’s revival of “Always … Patsy Cline.” The jukebox tuner — featuring the hits “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walkin’ After Midnight,” among others — is based on the real-life friendship between the women, which they maintained via letters from their 1961 meeting through Cline’s 1963 death in a plane crash. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which she signed “Love Always … Patsy Cline.”
Previews at 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 11 and 18; 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12; 7 p.m. June 13; 3 and 8 p.m. June 14; and 2 and 6 p.m. June 15 at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The show opens June 19. $75-$150. (630) 530-0111 or drurylanetheatre.com.
The Poet returns to Court Theatre
Timothy Edward Kane reprises his acclaimed, Joseph Jefferson Award-winning performance as The Poet in Court Theatre’s eagerly anticipated revival of “An Iliad,” Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. “Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s interpretation of Homer’s epic poem is urgent and undeniable. This text is perhaps one of the clearest examples of the classic’s modern relevance, and it has been an artistic touchstone of mine for many years,” said director Charles Newell in a prepared statement. “I know our audience feels the same. We have received countless calls, emails, and questions asking when we will be staging ‘An Iliad’ again, and it brings me great joy to say: The wait is over.”
Previews at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, June 11-13, at 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. The show opens June 14. $75-$125. (773) 753-4472 or courttheatre.org.