September is the start of a new season, and Chicago theaters are aiming to make a big impression.
Isaac’s Eye
Through December 7
While Writers Theatre builds a new Tudor Court venue designed by star architect Jeanne Gang, it will stage two shows this season in its 50-seat space at Books on Vernon—plus a site-specific production of “Doubt” next spring at Glencoe Union Church. The season starts with this Midwest premiere of Lucas Hnath’s quirky play about the young Isaac Newton. We’re told that the characters will be writing incontrovertible scientific facts in chalk on the walls during this show, which is directed by this justly acclaimed theater’s guiding light, Michael Halberstam. Writers Theatre at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, 847-242-6000
King Lear
September 9–November 9
Larry Yando is one of the most consistently interesting and exciting actors in Chicago, with roles including a recurring turn as Scrooge in the Goodman Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” and an exceedingly acerbic husband in “The Dance of Death” this past spring at Writers Theatre. Now, he’s taking on one of the biggest theatrical roles of them all, starring as the aging, beleaguered monarch in Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” Chicago Shakes’ artistic director Barbara Gaines is directing this can’t-miss drama. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-595-5600
The Commons of Pensacola
September 12–October 19
Movie and TV star Amanda Peet made her debut as a playwright last year with this story about a woman who’s cut off from her luxurious lifestyle after her husband commits financial crimes. (Think Bernie Madoff, or Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine.”) The New York Times praised Peet’s script, saying that she “writes easily flowing dialogue, laced with biting humor and a brash streak of vulgarity.” Northlight landed the Midwest premiere of this comic drama, starring Barbara Kingsley, whose credits include the Broadway and national touring productions of “August: Osage County.” Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300
The Night Alive
September 18–November 16
This is the newest drama by Ireland’s Conor McPherson, who has written some of the most compelling plays of recent years, including “The Weir,” “Shining City” and “The Seafarer.” Steppenwolf regulars Ian Barford, Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper star in this tale about a down-on-his-luck moocher who defends a destitute woman against a violent attack. During its New York run, the Hollywood Reporter called it “a captivating play rich in tenderness.” Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-335-1650
Theater Guide
CITADEL THEATRE
Deathtrap
September 5–October 5
847-735-8554
COURT THEATRE
Native Son
September 11–October 12
773-753-4472
GOODMAN THEATRE
The World of Extreme Happiness
September 13–October 12
312-443-3800
HOUSE THEATRE (AT THE CHOPIN)
Season on the Line
September 12–October 26
773-769-3832
LIFELINE THEATRE
Jane Eyre
September 5–October 26
773-761-4477
LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE
Death Tax
Through October 12
312-337-0665
MARRIOTT THEATRE
On the Town
Through October 12
847-634-0200
PICCOLO THEATRE
Smash
Through October 11
847-424-0089
TIMELINE THEATRE (AT STAGE 773)
My Name Is Asher Lev
Through October 18
773-281-8463
VICTORY GARDENS THEATRE
Rest
September 12–October 12
773-871-3000
