Spotlight: ‘Theater of the Mind’ by pioneering musician/artist David Byrne premieres in Chicago
David Byrne’s mind theater premieres in Chicago
Academy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar, in cooperation with Goodman Theatre, debut a new, immersive theatrical experience titled “Theater of the Mind.” Rooted in neuroscience, the 15,000-square-foot installation provides visitors an opportunity of self-reflection, discovery and imagination.
Staggered afternoon and evening admission from Wednesday, March 11, through May 31 at the Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. $66-$96. (312) 443-3800 or TheaterOfTheMindChicago.com.
‘Drowsy Chaperone’ up close and personal
A slightly depressed theater lover decides to cheer himself up by playing the cast recording of his favorite (fictional) tuner, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As he listens, the musical comes to life in his own apartment, complete with actors, hoofers and showgirls. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s revival of the Tony Award-winning show is directed by L. Walter Stearns, with music direction by Eugene Dizon.
Previews are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, and March 13, and 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at 721 Howard St., Evanston, The show opens March 14. $28-$55. (773) 939-4101 or theo-u.com.
Family-friendly premiere
Jackalope Theatre commences its season devoted exclusively to world premieres with the family-friendly “The Dress-Up Play.” Centered around friends playing dress up, Juliet Huneke's immersive play asks: Who gets to wear what, and what if clothes don't match with how a person feels inside? Karina Patel directs.
The preview is at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway St., Chicago. The show opens Sunday, March 8. $15-$35. (773) 340-2543 or JackalopeTheatre.com.
‘Jackie Wilson’ returns to BET
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Black Ensemble Theater revives its 2000 production of “The Jackie Wilson Story,” the bio-musical chronicling the life and career of the great R&B singer, written and directed by founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. Jaitee Thomas stars as the entertainer known as “Mr. Excitement.”
Previews are at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 7 and 14; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8; and 8 p.m. March 13 at 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago. The show opens March 15. $55-$69. (773) 769-4451 or blackensemble.org.
Neo-Futurists on tour
The Neo-Futurists take their long-running “The Infinite Wrench” show, consisting of 30 plays in 60 minutes, to several Chicago theaters this month. “30 Chicago Plays in 60 Central Standard Minutes” features Neil Bhandari, Emma Casey, JJ Jamerson and Trent Lunsford.
5 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at UrbanTheater Company, 2620 W. Division St., Chicago; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at 1531 W. 18th St., Chicago; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. $25. neofuturists.org.
70 minutes, seven seasons, one Spike
Actor, writer, comedian and improviser Brendan Murphy brings “Buffy Revamped,” his solo show chronicling all seven seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” to the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building for a limited run.
8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, March 9-11 and 13, and 17-18; 2 and 8 p.m. March 14; 2 and 5 p.m. March 15; 5 and 8 p.m. March 21; and 2 p.m. March 22 at 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $49.99-$99.99. (312) 753-3210, ext. 102, or fineartsbuilding.com.
A grande dame takes her final bow
Walkabout Theater Company remounts an updated version of its 1999 inaugural show “Poor Poor Lear.” Written by Nina Sallinen and Katja Krohn, the dark comedy stars Sallinen as a grande dame of Scandinavian theater who decides her final role will be King Lear, a character whose life parallels her own.
7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 12-14, and 3 p.m. March 15 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago. $15, $20. WalkaboutTheater.org or ChopinTheatre.com.