Spotlight: Jeff Award winner Donica Lynn headlines Skokie concert series

Blue bash

American Blues Theater celebrates its 35th anniversary online with its Blue Bash benefit. The interactive event includes performances by ensemble members Matthew Brumlow, Dara Cameron, Steve Key, Ed Kross, Michael Mahler, Denzel Tsopnang and Wandachristine among others. Central to the benefit is a performance of a new monologue written by ensemble member Rick Cleveland (“The West Wing,” “Six Feet Under,” “Mad Men”) for fellow ensemble member Dennis Cockrum (“Shameless”).

“At American Blues, we miss so much of the experience of live theater, including its ephemeral quality and social nature,” said artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside in a prepared statement. “This entirely live event is meant to be an interactive, one-time-only experience as we gather online to celebrate 35 years of artistry and community at American Blues Theater.”

7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Suggested donation is $100. (773) 654-3103, ext. 1, or americanbluestheater.com.

Summer series

Joseph Jefferson Award winner Donica Lynn — a veteran of Marriott, Drury Lane and Paramount theaters among others — pays tribute to the late queen of soul Aretha Franklin as part of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Center's outdoor concert series in cooperation with Artists Lounge Live. Lynn, who has battled brain cancer, performs such Franklin hits as “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Capacity is limited to 200 people for the physically distanced event, which takes place in the parking lot behind the Skokie theater.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 (rain date is Sunday, Sept. 6), in the parking lot at 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $38 (two ticket minimum). (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org.

Virtual Austen

Lifeline Theatre presents “Pride and Prejudice: A Virtual Play,” adapted from Jane Austen's novel by ensemble member Christina Calvit. Ensemble member Dorothy Milne directs the production, which takes place via video conferencing. Andrés Enriquez plays the prideful Mr. Darcy and Samantha Newcomb plays the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet in this romantic comedy of manners about the pursuit of matrimony during the 19th century.

Available online Thursdays through Sundays, from Thursday, Sept. 10, through Oct. 4. Suggested donation is $20. Call (773) 761-4477 or see lifelinetheatre.com for a password to the production.