Fall Theater Preview In Chicago
'One Brain More: A Zombie Les Misical'
MCL Chicago
3110 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 610-5930
www.mclchicago.com
Through Oct. 30
Picture it: It's 2023, and a zombie apocalypse has hit Chicago. What happens next? In MCL Chicago's "One Brain More: A Zombie Les Misical," you'll find out. The comedy, which includes Chris Gorton's book, lyrics and music, is directed by Michael Shepherd Jordan. The play runs through Oct. 30, but will stage a special performance — fittingly — on October 31 at 8 p.m. MCL Chicago is located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and is BYOB, too.
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier
800 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-5600
www.chicagoshakes.com
Sept. 29 through Nov. 8
If you'd like to check out a new production, then consider catching a performance of "Ride The Cyclone." The work, which makes its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, is a blend of comedy and drama. The play has received glowing reviews, with Richard Ouzounian of Variety calling the Toronto production in 2011 "Picture 'Forever Plaid' meets 'Glee' meets 'Spring Awakening' and you'll have a pretty good idea of 'Ride the Cyclone.'" As noted on the theatre's website, "Ride The Cyclone" is suitable for ages 13 and up and tickets start at $30. After the show, consider checking out the restaurants and other venues located on Navy Pier.
'Northlight Theatre Presents: Charm'
Steppenwolf's Merle Reskin Garage Theatre
1624 N. Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 335-1650
www.steppenwolf.org
Oct. 14 through Nov. 8
Make your way to Steppenwolf Theatre for the world premiere of the play "Charm" by Philip Dawkins. Presented by Northlight Theatre, the play centers on an etiquette class taught by Mama Darleena Andrews, an African-American transgender woman. The play, which takes place in an LGBTQ organization, focuses on much more than manners. "Charm" has a cast including Armand Fields, Elizabeth Ledo, Monica Lopez Orozco and Julian Parker, with BJ Jones as director. Steppenwolf Theatre offers an open captioning performance on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m., and an audio description and touch tour on Oct. 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Oriental Theatre
24 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 977-1700broadwayinchicago.com
Nov. 24-29
Move over, Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch. There's a new take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, with actor David Arquette (who starred in the "Scream" films) taking on the role of the iconic fictional detective. Fans won't have to travel to 221B Baker Street in London to see the play on stage, either, as "Sherlock Holmes" will be performed in Chicago's Oriental Theatre. The show is suitable for ages eight and up. The theatre is also located right in Chicago's famed Theatre District and is near a number of bars, restaurants and even public transportation options.
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place
175 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 977-1700broadwayinchicago.com
Dec. 1, 2015, through Jan. 3, 2016
If you've read the Harry Potter series cover-to-cover so many times that your copies are in desperate need of the reparo spell, then here's a play for you. "Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience — A Parody by Dan and Jeff" is coming to Chicago at the end of this fall and will run through the early days of 2016. The play takes on J.K. Rowling's juggernaut of a series and condenses all seven books into a 70-minute performance complete with songs and jokes. The play has received a number of glowing reviews and accolades worldwide, too.