'Hamilton' dominates, but there's more to see on stage this fall
The arrival of “Hamilton” in Chicago is by far the biggest theatrical event of the season. But it's certainly not the only production worth seeing this fall. If you couldn't get tickets for Lin-Manuel Miranda's hip-hop blockbuster (or even if you could), here are suggestions for some of this season's other must-see shows in the city and suburbs.
'Naperville'
Theater Wit presents the Chicago-area premiere of the latest play by Naperville native Mat Smart (2015 Joseph Jefferson Award winner for “The Royal Society of Antarctica”), who set his 2014 dramedy in his hometown. Laura T. Fisher stars as a recently disabled woman, whose adult son is considering returning home to care for her.
Through Oct. 16, at 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 975-8150 or TheaterWit.org
'Julius Caesar'
Writers Theatre opens its 25th season with William Shakespeare's political tragedy about leadership, loyalty and tyranny adapted and directed by artistic director Michael Halberstam and Scott Parkinson, who plays Cassius opposite Kareem Bandealy's Brutus.
Through Oct. 23, at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. (847) 242-6000 or writerstheatre.org
'Wonderful Town'
Goodman Theatre opens its season with a major revival of “Wonderful Town,” a love letter to the Big Apple by composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Artistic associate and Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman directs the show, about sisters from Ohio trying to make their mark in New York City during the 1950s. Doug Peck serves as music director, and the 26-member cast is headed by Lauren Molina and Bria Sudia.
Through Oct. 10, at 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (312) 443-3800 or GoodmanTheatre.org
'Tug of War: Civil Strife'
Chicago Shakespeare Theater's two-part epic debuted last spring with “Foreign Fire,” which chronicled a century of conflict between England and France. It concludes this fall with “Civil Strife,” an examination of war's impact on the homefront drawn from William Shakespeare's “Henry VI, parts 2 and 3” and “Richard III.” Artistic director Barbara Gaines adapted and directs the production featuring CST veterans Karen Aldridge, Timothy Edward Kane, Kevin Gudahl and Larry Yando.
Sept. 15-Oct. 9, at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595-5600 or chicagoshakes.com
'Man in the Ring'
Court Theatre presents the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cristofer's drama inspired by the real-life six-time world champion boxer Emile Griffin. Kamal Angelo Bolden plays the bisexual boxer, whose 1962 title bout was marred by tragedy.
Sept. 15-Oct. 16, at 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. (773) 753-4472 or courttheatre.org
'Visiting Edna'
Emmy and Tony Award winner Debra Monk plays the titular character in Steppenwolf Theatre's world premiere of “Visiting Edna” by David Rabe (“Streamers,” “Good for Otto”). Artistic director Anna D. Shapiro directs this tale about a terminally ill woman whose son (Steppenwolf ensemble member Ian Barford) tries to rekindle the loving relationship they once had.
Sept. 15-Nov. 6, at 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. (312) 335-1650 or steppenwolf.org
'Hand to God'
Gary Griffin returns to Victory Gardens Theater to helm the Chicago area premiere of Robert Askins' comedy about a devout congregation in a small Texas town whose members use puppets to teach children Christianity and how best to avoid Satan. All's well until Jason's puppet begins to lead teenagers astray. Northwestern University graduate Alex Weisman stars as Jason and his puppet alter-ego Tyrone.
Sept. 16-Oct. 23, at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 871-3000 or victorygardens.org
'The Last Wife'
TimeLine Theatre presents the U.S. premiere of Kate Hennig's modern re-imagining of the life of Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, as she navigates marital and political life alongside an often ferocious husband. AnJi White plays Katherine opposite Steve Pickering's Henry. Nick Bowling directs.
Sept. 21-Dec. 18, at 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. (773) 281-8462 or timelinetheatre.com
'Hamilton'
One of the most eagerly anticipated openings in recent years, the Broadway hit by composer/lyricist/writer/star Lin-Manuel Miranda launches its first production outside of New York in Chicago where “Hamilton” will have an open-ended run. Based on the best-selling book by Ron Chernow, the hip-hop bio-musical tells the story of Caribbean-born Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who helped shape the nation as George Washington's military aide and the nation's first treasury secretary.
Open run begins previews Sept. 27 at The PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com
'Dr. Seward's Dracula'
Just in time for Halloween, First Folio Theatre serves up the Chicago area premiere of Joseph Zettelmaier's version of the fallout from Dracula's deeds. The story picks up after the vampire's death, as Dr. Seward (Christian Gray) tries to explain to the police the trail of dead bodies, calling his own sanity into question. Artistic director Alison C. Vesely directs.
Oct. 5-Nov. 6, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. (630) 986-8067 or firstfolio.org
'The Magic Play'
Magician/actor Brett Schneider stars in this world premiere coproduction between Goodman Theatre and the Roundabout Theatre Company. The Hypocrites' Halena Kays directs Andrew Hinderaker's play about a magician who attempts to perform his show while dealing with the loss of his partner, who left him hours before.
Oct. 21-Nov. 20, at 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (312) 443-3800 or GoodmanTheatre.org
'Fun Home'
The national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical by writer/lyricist Lisa Kron and composer Jeanine Tesori comes to Chicago for a brief run. “Fun Home” is inspired by cartoonist Alison Bechdel's graphic novel detailing her coming-of-age and her difficult relationship with her closeted father.
Nov. 2-13, at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 443-3800 or broadwayinchicago.com
'Crazy for You'
Drury Lane Theatre revives the taptastic George and Ira Gershwin musical about a New York City banker with a passion for show biz who goes to Nevada to foreclose on a small theater and winds up putting on a show to save it. Joseph Jefferson Award winner and 2016 double nominee Matt Crowle directs.
Nov. 3-Jan. 8, 2017, at 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111 or DruryLaneTheatre.com
'Disney's The Little Mermaid'
Paramount Theatre's new works director Amber Mak directs and choreographs this buoyant, family-friendly musical. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film, the show tells the tale of a plucky young mermaid who makes a deal with a devilish sea witch to live on land with a handsome prince.
Nov. 23-Jan. 8, 2017, at 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666 or ParamountAurora.com