Spotlight: Hershey Felder channels Russian composer in ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar’
Felder channels Rachmaninoff
Pianist/actor/writer Hershey Felder returns to Writers Theatre with his latest theatrical production, “Rachmaninoff and the Tsar,” a combination bio-concert about the great Russian composer/pianist/conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff. Felder wrote the book and stars as Rachmaninoff opposite actor Jonathan Silvestri as Tsar Nicholas II. The production includes selections from the Piano Concert No. 2 in C minor and “Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini,” among other compositions.
Previews at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 13-14, at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. The show opens Aug. 15. $35-$95. (847) 242-6000 or writerstheatre.org.
Sondheim salute
Oil Lamp Theater celebrates the legacy of Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim with a revival of “Side by Side by Sondheim,” a revue featuring songs from “Gypsy,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “Company” among others. Christina Ramirez, managing director of Wilmette’s Actors Training Center, directs. Amy J. Branahl, director of choral activities at New Trier High School serves as music director.
The preview is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. The show opens Aug. 15. $39, $55. oillamptheater.org.
Broadway in Chicago presents
• The Tony Award-winning jukebox bio-tuner “MJ” set in 1992 during Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his “Dangerous” tour, returns to Chicago for a brief run. This second national tour stars Brandon Lee Harris as Michael, the younger version of the titular MJ played by Jordan Markus.
7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Aug. 12-15; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17, and through Aug. 24, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $49-$153. broadwayinchicago.com.
• Also returning to Chicago is “Dungeons and Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern,” the combination game and interactive theatrical experience in which audience members help adventurers on their quest to save the world.
7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 12-14; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17 and through Sept. 28, at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. $50-$70. broadwayinchicago.com.
Staged readings in Chicago
• Midsommer Flight presents a staged reading of “Oh, These Times!” A one-act, 18th-century satire by Russian empress Catherine the Great, the play is about schemers from all stations in life who often practice the opposite of what they preach.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at The Understudy, 5531 N. Clark St., Chicago. Pay what you can. midsommerflight.com.
• Court Theatre hosts a multiday series honoring Theodore Ward, the “dean of Black dramatists,” that features staged readings of two works by the playwright. “Just Before Day” is a radio play about a Black matriarch named Nettie Sampson, who is struggling to hold her family together in 1940s Harlem. “Our Lan'” is set during Reconstruction and examines the broken promises made to newly freed enslaved people at the end of the Civil War.
“Just Before Day” is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, and “Our Lan” is at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago. Both readings are followed by panel discussions. Free. (773) 753-4472 or courttheatre.org.
Redtwist revival goes beyond monogamy
Redtwist Theatre’s 21st season centered on “defiant femmes” opens with “How to Transcend a Happy Marriage,” Sarah Ruhl’s dramedy examining polyamory or “consensual non-monogamy.” Intrigued by the lifestyle of a female office temp who’s in a romantic relationship with two men, a couple of married couples consider embracing consensual non-monogamy. Elizabeth Swanson directs.
Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 14-16, at 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago. The show opens at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 17. $20-$45. redtwisttheatre.org.