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As the leaves will begin to change color and a chill fills the air, it can only mean one thing: Fall is approaching! And with Fall comes some of the best theater performances of the year. Chicago is known for its incredible theater scene, and this Fall is no exception. From classic musicals to brand new plays, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the top plays coming to Chicago this Fall.
ALMA
American Blues Theater
The play called Alma is coming to Chicago. It's a heartwarming story about a mother and daughter striving for the American Dream. Alma crossed the border 17 years ago in search of a better life for her and her family. Now, on the eve of her U.S.-born daughter Angel's SAT, Alma believes all their sacrifices and hard work will pay off. However, Angel has other plans for her future. Told in real time, playwright Benjamin Benne's Alma is a complex exploration of the immigrant generation and their first-generation children. Don't miss this powerful story when it comes to Chicago.
SWING STATE
Goodman Theatre
The play called "Swing State" is coming to the Goodman Theatre, and it's sure to be a hit with audiences. The play tells the story of a group of friends who are forced to confront their differences when they find themselves in the middle of a heated political debate.
With Tony Award-winner Robert Falls at the helm, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebecca Gilman as the playwright, "Swing State" is sure to be an enlightening and entertaining evening of theatre. Don't miss it!
PRIVATE LIVES
Raven Theatre
Set in the 1930s, "Private Lives" follows the story of divorced couple Elyot and Amanda. The two unexpectedly cross paths while on their honeymoons - at the same hotel, no less. What ensues is a battle of sharp words and fiery passion, as the two realize they may still be very much in love with each other.
The play is a timeless examination of love and betrayal, and has been called both witty and risque. It's sure to be a hit with audiences in Chicago, so be sure to catch it at the Raven Theatre while you can!
THE NOTEBOOK
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
The legendary theater will mount a Broadway-bound World Premiere musical based on the best-selling book that inspired one of the most romantic movies of all time. Ingrid Michaelson, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, wrote the music and lyrics, while Bekah Brunstetter, known for her work on NBC's hit series This Is Us, is responsible for the book.
The Notebook features iconic love story set in the South during the 1940s. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks' novel by Bekah Brunstetter, this new musical tells the tale of Noah and Allie, two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks who spend one unforgettable summer together before being forced apart by societal norms and family dynamics. The pair are reunited years later, but their reunion is threatened by the same forces that drove them apart all those years ago.
LAST ASCENT
The New Coordinates
If you're a fan of mountaineering and adventure, you'll want to check out the play called "Last Ascent". The play is about Iris, a professional alpinist, who is diagnosed with a heart condition that may prevent her from ever climbing again. She reluctantly turns to a therapist who specializes in supporting elite adventure athletes. But Iris begins unpacking a whole lot more than she bargained for as her therapist pushes her to unfurl a tragic accident that changed her life forever.
"Last Ascent" is sure to be an moving and inspiring story, so be sure to see this one!
TROUBLE IN MIND
TimeLine Theatre Company
Trouble in Mind is coming to Timeline Theatre, and it's sure to be a controversial production. The play is set in the mid-1950s and tells the story of a group of actors who are rehearsing for a new play called Chaos in Belleville. The play is an anti-lynching Southern drama, but the director's interpretation of the play is causing tension between the Black actress in the starring role and her white co-stars. The result is an explosive conversation about equality, power, and how race is portrayed in the American theatre. This is sure to be a production that will generate a lot of discussion, so be sure to catch it when it comes to Timeline Theatre.
LUMINAIRE
Cabaret ZaZou
The new, groundbreaking, immersive variety dinner show, Luminaire, will make its worldwide debut in a vintage Spiegeltent on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel in the heart of Chicago's Theatre District.
Luminaire is directed by Dreya Weber, and stars critically acclaimed performers Frank Ferrante and Liv Warfield as they lead an international cast of exceptional entertainers. Sassy, sexy, and sultry, Luminaire is designed to dazzle and delight audiences with stunning cirque acts, interactive comedy, captivating vocalists, and a stellar band, complimented by a delicious multi-course meal.
So come on out and enjoy an evening of fun, food, and entertainment at Luminaire!
CLUE
Mercury Theater
If you're a fan of the classic board game Clue, then you'll be excited to know that the play is coming to Chicago. This hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery tells the tale of six mysterious guests who assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth - the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the whodunit that will leave both cult fans and newcomers in stitches. So mark your calendars and get ready for a night of murder, mystery, and fun.
CAMELOT
Music Theater Works
Chicago is gearing up for the arrival of Lerner and Loewe's Camelot. Based on T.H. White's novel The Once and Future King, this classic Broadway play tells the story of King Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. Four-time Tony Award winner Camelot is packed with chivalry, passion, pageantry and betrayal, making it a must-see for any theater fan. So mark your calendars and make your way to the Windy City to catch this timeless tale. You won't be disappointed.
WICKED
Nederlander Theatre
We would be remiss for not mentioning this one. Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz - One of the most popular musicals of all time is finally making its way back to Chicago. Wicked tells the story of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, who are born into opposite sides of society. The two eventually meet and form an unlikely friendship, which changes their lives forever. This Tony Award-winning musical is not to be missed.
Whether you're a fan of musicals or plays, there's sure to be something for you this Fall in Chicago. So make sure to check out some of the amazing performances that the Windy City has to offer. You won't be disappointed.