Fall Favorites On The Chicago Theatre Scene For 2018

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FALL 2018 THEATER HIGHLIGHTS

When it comes to theatre, arts and entertainment and more in Chi, IL, we have you covered. Check out ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) and ChiILMama.com (family friendly) like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We've got great theatre ticket giveaways, entertainment news, original reviews and more. September is off to a fabulous start with a plethora of openings. For a great starting point, we recommend taking a peek at the League of Chicago Theatre's website and Fall Theatre Guide for a look at many exciting productions the windy city has on stage for fall 2018.

Chicago will continue to produce some of the most exciting theater in the country throughout Fall 2018. Offerings from the city’s more than 250 producing theaters include a range of special fall programming, featuring everything from the latest musicals to highly anticipated world premieres.   

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions including a Fall Theatre Guide, visit the League of Chicago website, ChicagoPlays.com. Discounted tickets are available at HotTix.org or at the two Hot Tix half-price ticket locations: across from the Chicago Cultural Center at Expo72 (72 E. Randolph) and Block Thirty Seven, Shops at 108 N. State. Hot Tix offers half-price tickets to more than 250 Chicago area theatres, full price tickets to all Ticketmaster events including concerts and sports, and Play Money gift certificates.

“When I look at the astounding array of artists that will be represented this Fall I am most struck that many of them are Chicagoans, including: Bruce Norris, Calamity West, Ike Holter, Mary Zimmerman, E. Faye Butler, Gary Griffin and Mike Nussbaum. Chicago will be alive this Fall with Chicago artists telling fascinating stories that speak to Chicago and the world,” notes Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres.”

The following is a selection of notable work playing in Chicago throughout the fall:

New works and adaptations include:
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and ensemble member Bruce Norris’ fiery and provocative new play Downstate, opens at Steppenwolf Theatre. Directed by Pam MacKinnon. Runs September 20 - November 11, 2018.

Writers Theatre in Glencoe premieres Witch, a smart, modern fable by playwright Jen Silverman. Runs September 27 - December 16, 2018.

Jackalope Theatre presents In the Canyon, a new American saga by local playwright Calamity West. Runs October 23 - November 25, 2018

Ike Holter’s newest Chicago-set play Rightlynd runs at Victory Gardens Theater, November 9 - December 23, 2018.

Mary Zimmerman adapts and directs Hans Christian Andersen’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier into an enchanting spectacle for Lookingglass Theatre Company, November 7 - January 13, 2019.

Musicals include:
One of Chicago’s greatest divas E. Faye Butler makes her Porchlight Music Theatre debut in the landmark musical, Gypsy. Runs October 12 - November 25, 2018.

Congo Square Theatre Company presents Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at eta Creative Arts, September 14 - October 7, 2018.

TimeLine Theatre Company in partnership with Firebrand Theatre presents Caroline, or Change at The Den Theatre. Runs September 22 - October 28, 2018.

Mercury Theater’s hit production of the hilarious and sassy musical Avenue Q continues its successful run through November 4, 2018.

Dramatic works include:
Award-winning director Gary Griffin helms Paula Vogel’s acclaimed play Indecent at Victory Gardens Theater. Runs September 21 - November 4, 2018.

Favorite Chicago theatre actor Mike Nussbaum returns to Northlight Theatre in Curve of Departure as the patriarch of an unconventional family in this delicate and gently comic drama. Runs September 13 - October 21, 2018.

Notable comedies include:
Broadway In Chicago presents a pre-Broadway engagement of Tootsie, a new musical comedy based on the movie. Runs at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from September 11 - October 14, 2018

The Second City’s 107th Mainstage Revue launches its run at the historic Chicago home for comedy on October 9, 2018.

Nell Gwynn, the Olivier Award Winner for Best New Comedy, which took audiences by storm in its Shakespeare’s Globe London debut, has its American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Courtyard Theater this fall. Runs September 20 - November 4, 2018

Other Notable Works Include:
The second annual Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival will celebrate homegrown Latino theater artists and companies, both emerging and established, from the host city, Chicago. Destinos will also showcase artists from Dallas and Los Angeles. Theater artists and companies from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Puerto Rico round out the festival’s deep roster of international participants, helping underscore the growing reputation for Destinos as one of the country’s leading international Latino theater festivals. Runs September 20 – November 4, 2018.

It’s Alive! In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Frankenstein three Chicago theatre companies will present unique adaptations of Mary Shelley’s classic horror story. Lifeline Theatre’s production runs September 7 - October 28, 2018. Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s production features some daring double casting and alternating roles October 11 - November 11, 2018, and Manual Cinema brings its unique visual take on the story to Court Theatre November 1 - December 2, 2018.

Strawdog Theatre Company presents a new immersive theatrical experience at its home in North Center with Masque Macabre. Runs October 4 - 31, 2018.

About Chicago theatre 
Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Last year alone Chicago theatre companies produced more than 100 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world.   

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement 
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres which leverages its collective strength to promote, support, and advocate for Chicago's theatre industry locally, nationally, and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theatre in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theatres and theatre professionals.  

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website,  ChicagoPlays.com. Half-price tickets to the current week’s performances as well as future performances are available at HotTix.org and at the two Hot Tix half-price ticket locations: across from the Chicago Cultural Center at Expo72 (72 E. Randolph) and Block Thirty Seven (108 N. State).