Reward yourself with great theatre this winter.
This critic’s picks for February could not be more different. We’re highlighting a five-time Tony Award winning family drama downtown, a heartwarming comedy from the Great Depression playing in Skokie, and a sophisticated cabaret show in Glencoe. Select your own favorite, or attend them all—as a reward for living in the Midwest during the winter!
“August: Osage County”
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago.
Feb. 2 to 14
This powerful play about a combustible family reunion won just about every award possible, including a Pulitzer Prize, when it premiered on Broadway in 2008. Originally produced at Steppenwolf Theatre, this touring production has an entirely new cast, headed by the irrepressible Estelle Parsons as the rarely sober mother of the family.
Tickets are on sale at Broadway In Chicago box offices, 24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St., as well as through Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000; all Ticketmaster retail locations, including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores. Or visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Groups of 15 or more call 312-977-1710.
“Awake and Sing”
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.
Jan. 21 – Feb. 28
This Clifford Odets play at Northlight Theatre about a Jewish family cramped up in a Bronx tenement during the Great Depression of the 1930s is full of hardship, hope and dreams. Directed by Amy Morton, the show features Mike Nussbaum, one of the founders of Northlight and among the most beloved of Chicago actors.
For tickets visit the box office, www.northlight.org or call 847-673-6300.
“Oh Coward!”
Writers’ Theatre, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
Now though March 21
With music by Noel Coward and musical direction by Doug Peck, how can you go wrong? Writers’ Theatre space at Books on Vernon has been transformed into a 1930s nightclub with Kate Fry, Rob Lindley and John Sanders as the sophisticated entertainers. (See opening night review at makeitbetter.net.)
For tickets call 847-242-6000 or visit writerstheatre.org.
