LOOKING FORWARD: Chicago Shows We're Excited To See
Continuing our support of productions that embrace inclusion for artists and audiences, below are shows that you can buy tickets to THIS WEEK that we feel are moving our community in the right direction. Let your wallet do the talking. Buy tickets to shows that celebrate inclusion. Then write to producers and tell them you want to see more of it. Decision makers are led by numbers and this is one way we can all make a difference.
2nd Story presents When Things Finally Clicked
Directed by Krissy Vanderwarker, Curated by Megan Schuchman
Playing February 24 at Mayne Stage
1330 W Morse Chicago, IL
Join us for a special evening of storytelling featuring four brand-new stories. From learning to redefine what normal means to deciding if there even is such a thing, this brave group of storytellers is digging deep to discover new perspectives, and find the right in the wrong.
Ticket Prices: $20 online or at the door/Pay What You Can. Buy tickets HERE
The show features Deanna Myers, Devin Dyer, Erica Cruz Hernandez and Nick Ward.
The Goodman Theatre presents 2666
Directed and Adapted by Robert Falls and Seth Bockley
playing now through March 20 in the Owen Theatre
170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
A soaring adaptation of Chilean-born author Roberto Bolaño’s masterpiece, 2666 begins with a group of hapless European academics hot on the trail of an elusive author—a search that leads them into the dark heart of a Mexican border city where the murders of hundreds of women remain unsolved. This story gives way to a surprising, panoramic portrait of the 20th century that spans more than 100 years and jumps from Spain to Mexico to Germany and beyond, illuminating the power of literature to reflect and transform the world. An unflinching look at the nature of evil, 2666is an ambitious new work unlike any other theatrical experience.
Ticket Prices: $25-$51 Buy tickets HERE
The cast includes Charin Alvarez, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Yadira Correa, Sandra Delgado, Alejandra Escalante, Sean Fortunato, Henry Godinez, Larry Grimm, Eric Lynch, Mark L. Montgomery, Adam Poss, Demetrios Troy, Juan Villa, Jonathan Weir and Nicole Wiesner, who will all play various roles throughout the production.
A Red Orchid Theatre presents The Mutilated
Directed by Dado
playing now through March 13 at A Red Orchid Theatre
1531 N. Wells St.
It’s Christmas Eve in New Orleans and Trinket Dugan is holed up at the Silver Dollar Hotel with a painful secret. Her only friend and confidant, Celeste, has just been released from jail and will stop at nothing to get back into her good graces, her pocket-book and her booze. Can their friendship survive the cruelty, the con men, hookers, cops, sailors and drunks? The Mutilated is one of Williams’ funniest and most moving plays, and according to Williams himself is “an allegory on the tragicomic subject of human existence on this risky planet.” –Esquire magazine 1965.
Ticket Prices: $35 Buy tickets HERE
The production features ensemble members Lance Baker, Jennifer Engstrom, Mierka Girten, Steve Haggard, Shade Murray, Doug Vickers and Natalie West. The cast also includes Ciera Dawn, Jennifer Glasse, Roy Gonzalez, Morgan Maher, Mario Hernandez, Lauren Vogel and Dominque Worsley.
Barrel of Monkeys Presents That's Weird Grandma
Directed by Brandon Cloyd
playing now through March 20 at The Neo-Futurarium
5153 N Ashland
That’s Weird, Grandma is a variety show of short sketches and songs adapted from stories written by students in Barrel of Monkeys’ arts education programs. The weekly show, now in its 15th year, runs the gamut from clever and funny to touching and poignant, and includes live music, original song-and-dance numbers, wigs and props galore, and a rotating cast of talented professional actors who celebrate the imaginations of children through this raucous performance.
Ticket Prices: $6-12 Buy tickets HERE
The cast includes Michelle Alba, Elisa Carlson, Nick Hart, Linsey Falls, Emily Marso, Spencer Meeks, Meredith Milliron, Sha Norman and Gwen Tulin.
16th Street Theater presents Yasmina's Necklace
Directed by Ann Filmer
Playing now through March 5
6420 16th Street - Berwyn, IL 60402
Meet Abdul Samee: his father is Iraqi, his mother is Puerto Rican-but if you ask him, he’ll say he’s Italian. Longing to shed his cultural identity he changes his name to Sam, marries an American and does everything in his power to turn his back on his heritage. But when Sam meets Yasmina, a beautiful woman from his father’s homeland, he begins to learn that a tree without roots cannot stand for long.
Ticket Prices: $20 Buy tickets HERE
**The run is technically sold out, but you can get your name on a waitlist!
The show features Salar Ardebili, Laura Crotte, Susaan Jamshidi, Miguel Nunez, Michael Perez, Amro Salama, Mark Ulrich and Andres Enriquez
