Love It Live: Some Picks For Broadway In Chicago This Summer
A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece on all of the exciting things you can do involving music this summer in the Loop. Unfortunately, I only included two theater options in that guide. I have great news though; as someone that can get down with live theater, I complied a list of live shows this summer around the Loop that are can't miss opportunities. If you're a big fan of theater but haven't looked into what shows are running, here's six great chances to bounce around Broadway in Chicago this summer. There's a little something for everyone.
Motel 666
Storefront Theater
Now through June 28th
If you're into seeing small productions, check out Storefront Theater on Randolph. Just yesterday, they began a run of Motel 666 until the end of the month. I'm not going to lie, I'm not a horror movie guy really at all; but there's something about watching a horror play. No sudden jumps like in the pictures, you actually need talent to creep the audience out. Buy tickets here, for the cheap price of one Alexander Hamilton.
Moby Dick
Lookingglass Theatre
June 10th through August 9th
In just under a week, Moby Dick begins about a two month long run at Lookingglass Theatre inside the Water Tower Water Works building on the Mag Mile. Such a power move not separating Looking and Glass and just having the double G's back to back; got to respect it. If you've only read the book or listened to Zeppelin, this is the perfect opportunity to watch it unfold before your very eyes. Watch a preview done by another company below.
Trainwreck Comedy Tour: Amy Schumer & Friends
Harris Theater
June 18th
This isn't Broadway, but every once in awhile it's a marvelous idea to go and take in some stand up. What better timing than in about two weeks from now when Amy Schumer stops by with her friends (Judd Apatow, Dave Attell, Vanessa Bayer, Mike Birbiglia, and Colin Quinn). Does anyone remember Dave Attell's Insomniac? I watched that show as a ten year old left and right.
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Goodman Theatre
June 20th - July 26th
This was the winner of the 2013 Tony Award for best play. It's about middle age siblings, two of them live together and is insanely funny and well done. Take a look of a preview from the New York orginal. Yes, I'm in agreement that Niles from Frazier has aged rapidly. I'm feelin' old.
Little Mermaid
Chicago Shakespere Theater
July 3rd - August 16th
Of course I have to include something for the kiddies, and what better way to take your children to see The Little Mermaid. There's so many jams in this thing it will be next to impossible to stay grounded and not get up and belt out, "Under The Sea." Catch a glimpse below.
Pippin
Cadillac Palace Theatre
July 28th - August 9th
I'd pay top dollar if there was an E in the fifth letter instead of an I and it was a musical about the 1994 Bulls without Jordan. However, Pippin with an I is an extremely well done musical about a prince finding his way in the Middle Ages. In fact, two years ago it won a Tony award for best Broadway revival, as the original was conceived in 1972. Witness royalty singing and check out tickets here.
There you have it, six live shows to go out to this summer and enjoy. I'll try to get out and see some of these, but I'll never understand the difference between Theatre and Theater. Might be just to keep bloggers on their toes.
