'Hot Mikado' revival at Drury Lane Theatre
"Hot Mikado" creator David H. Bell directs and choreographs the latest revival of his updated version of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta for Drury Lane Theatre Oak Brook. Devin DeSantis plays Nanki-Poo the wandering minstrel in love with Yum-Yum (Summer Smart), who's betrothed to the Lord High Executioner Ko Ko (Stephen Schellhardt).
Previews begin Thursday, Aug. 12, at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The show opens Aug. 18. (630) 530-0111 or drurylaneoakbrook.com.
Blago sendup comes to the MetropolisBlago testifies at last when Second City remounts "Rod Blagojevich Superstar," the hit 2009 revue chronicling the political life and times of the disgraced former governor, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Trial tidbits will likely pepper the adults-only show which features post-show "testimony" with audience members doing the questioning. Previews begin Friday, Aug. 6, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The show opens Aug. 12. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.Provision's 'Godspell'Before he steps onto the Marriott Theatre stage next month to play Zack in that company's revival of "A Chorus Line," actor/director Tim Gregory will direct a revival of the 1970 pop musical "Godspell" for Provision Theater Company. Syler Thomas plays Jesus and Justin Berkobien plays John the Baptist/Judas in this retelling of St. Matthew's gospel.@x BTO factbox text bold with rule:Previews begin Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. The show opens Aug. 14. (866) 811-4111 or provisiontheater.org.What's Newbull; Genesis Ensemble debuts "In Love's Bright Coils," a new show celebrating love and communication, specifically the love letter. Created by company members and directed by Kat Paddock, it begins previews on Friday, Aug. 6, at the Charnel House, 3421 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago. The show opens Sunday, Aug. 8. See genesisensemble.org for information. bull; Previews begin Saturday, Aug. 14, for Annoyance Theatre's production of "Frenz Finds It!" a satirical puppet show that details Frenz LaRonde's journey through the Forest of Doubt to the Lake of Little Hope and the Mountain of Self-Confidence. The show opens Saturday, Aug. 21, at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago. (773) 561-4665 or theannoyance.com.bull; Broadway in Chicago admits one child free with the purchase of a full price adult ticket to evening performances of "Billy Elliot," Tuesday through Thursday through Sept. 16, at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Use the code "kidsfree" when ordering online at broadwayinchicago.com. You can also call (800) 775-2000, or buy in person at the box office or Ticketmaster locations. The free tickets are available for children 14 and younger and are subject to availability. bull; A new exhibition chronicling Shrek's evolution - from the book by William Steig, to the hit DreamWorks' films to the musical which recently opened its national tour at the Cadillac Palace Theatre - opened last week at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. "A Look Inside the Swap: Shrek from Book to Film to Stage" continues through Sept. 1 on the lower level terrace. See navypier.com for information.