September and October may well be the busiest and most exciting months of the year for plays in Chicago. Not only are theaters getting into full swing with their new seasons — there’s also a little play you may have heard of … about that guy whose face is on $10 bills?
“Hamilton“
Open run starting Sept. 27
It took a ton of Tony Awards. It won the Pulitzer. It’s a smart, youthful, energetic and inspiring take on American history. Of course you should go — the only question is whether you can get a ticket. (Good luck.) PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago, 312-977-1700
“Julius Caesar“
Sept. 7 – Oct. 16
This promises to be a fresh take on Shakespeare’s masterpiece about ancient Rome’s most famous emperor. Michael Halberstam, artistic director of Writers Theatre, and Scott Parkinson are directing their new adaptation — streamlined and performed without an intermission. They’re going for a version that’s both epic and intimate. Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, 847-242-6000
“Visiting Edna“
Sept. 15 – Nov. 6
Steppenwolf’s artistic director, Anna D. Shapiro, helms a world premiere by Tony winner David Rabe, whose play “Good for Otto” was so moving last year at the Northwest Side’s Gift Theatre. In this new drama, a man tries to reconnect emotionally with his mother, who’s facing cancer and mortality. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-335-1650
“The City of Conversation“
Sept. 15 – Oct. 23
“Terrific … smart, literate and funny.” That’s what the New York Times called this new play by Anthony Giardina, which follows a socialite and her politically divided family across 30 years of life in Washington, D.C., spanning six presidential administrations. The drama is receiving its Midwest premiere at Northlight, starring Lia Mortensen. Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300
“Longer! Louder! Wagner! The Second City Wagner Companion“
Oct. 27 – 30
Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Second City are teaming up for another show of opera-themed humor, and the target of their witty satire this time is composer Richard Wagner. This revue offers comic relief as Lyric launches a brand-new version of Wagner’s Norse mythological epic “Ring” cycle, starting with Part One, “Das Rheingold,” in October. (Thinking of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, we’re betting someone will shout “Spear and magic helmet!”) Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-827-5600
Other shows worth checking out:
- “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” through Oct. 16, Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, 847-634-0200
- “Life Sucks,” Sept. 9 – Nov. 6, Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-337-0665
- “Wonderful Town,” Sept. 10 – Oct. 16, and “The Magic Play,” Oct. 21 – Nov. 20, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, 312-443-3800
- “Civil Strife,” Sept. 15 – Oct. 9, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-595-5600
- “Hand to God,” Sept. 16 – Oct. 16, Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-871-3000
- “Let Me Entertain You: Jule Styne’s Greatest Hits,” Oct. 7 – 16, Light Opera Works, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-920-5360
- “East Texas Hot Links,” Oct. 19 – Jan. 15, Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, 847-242-6000
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