HAMILTON is a revolutionary piece of theatre, with a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations from Alex Lacamoire, it tells the story of America's founding father Alexander Hamilton. It has received numerous awards and accolades, including Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as a special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. Drawing from Ron Chernow's acclaimed biography, HAMILTON is now seen by audiences around the world as an essential representation of America then, told by America now.
The Highest Rated Shows In Chicago
Here is a list of the top rated plays now running in the Chicago area based on what the current reviews are saying. To see all of the play reviews go to Review Round-Up.
Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit
This is the story of Eddie, a longshoreman, who visits a lawyer, Alfieri, with a problem. Eddie's teenage niece, an orphan who he raised as his own daughter, has fallen in love with a newly arrived Italian immigrant. They want to marry, but Eddie must stop them. Because things are not what they seem.
Remy Bumppo Theatre at Theater Wit
Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage is a play about change, struggle, and joy set against the tumultuous backdrop of prohibition, the Jazz Age and the dawning of The Great Depression. It's 1930 in Harlem and jazz singer Angel has just gotten fired from The Cotton Club. Supported by her closest friends, Angel hopes for her next big break as costume designer Guy imagines sewing dresses in Paris and Delia works to bring family planning centers to the community. But all of their dreams are put in jeopardy when Angel meets Leland, a recent Alabama transplant. Will he be the true love Angel has been waiting for or will he forever alter the dynamic of their precious inner circle?
Opera’s most thrilling ghost story sets sail. Not seen at Lyric in more than 20 years, The Flying Dutchman is perhaps Wagner’s most haunting opera. This tempestuous work tells the story of a sailor known as the Dutchman, who is doomed to roam the seas forever. The Dutchman’s only hope to break the curse is (*drumroll please*) true love. Senta, a young Norwegian woman, falls quickly and deeply in love with the Dutchman and, well, the story only sinks from there. Through recurring musical themes (known as leitmotifs) and a rich orchestration, Wagner leaves the audience holding their breath to see what comes next for the love-struck couple.
Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it's her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century.
Every year since Emancipation, The Nacirema Society of Montgomery, Alabama introduces six elegant African American debutantes to a world of wealth, privilege and social responsibility. For these young ladies, bus boycotts and freedom marches are less interesting than making a perfect entrance-or, plotting the perfect blackmail. As the Society celebrates its centennial...with young love brewing, old flames simmering and national media attention abounding...what would dare go awry?
"A Taste of Soul" is an outstanding musical tribute to a genre of music that has influenced popular culture worldwide. Experience how Soul music has evolved from its Gospel roots to the pop culture sensation of today. With songs from some of Soul's greatest hit makers like Barry White, Lou Rawls, Al Green, Bobby Caldwell, Gladys Knight and duets from legends like Peaches & Herb, Ashford & Simpson - and the list goes on and on! "A Taste of Soul" is more than an appetizer, it is a gigantic musical feast full of fun and laughter - with a little history for good measure.
Gypsy is the tale of the ultimate ambitious stage mother, fighting for her daughters' success while secretly yearning for her own. Arthur Laurents' landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication. This lavish classic boasts a celebrated score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim including: "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," "Some People," and "Together Wherever We Go."
Blue Man Group is best known for its award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as "ground-breaking," "hilarious," "visually stunning" and "musically powerful." These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.
TimeLine Theatre Company at Broadway Playhouse
Told in three parts over one evening, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY is the quintessential story of western capitalism, rendered through the lens of a single immigrant family. On a cold September morning in 1844, a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is soon joined by his two brothers, and an American epic begins. 163 years later, the firm they establish-Lehman Brothers-spectacularly collapses into bankruptcy, triggering the largest financial crisis in history. Weaving together nearly two centuries of family history, this theatrical event charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes, and devastating failure of the financial institution that would ultimately bring the global economy to its knees.
Chicago Children's Theatre at The Station
Embark on a journey to France with Ben Franklin, one of our country's founding fathers and most famous scientists, and his smart, outspoken young niece, Sarah, where they discover that people are magically being cured by a mysterious man-Mesmer. Through fabulous storytelling, fast-paced comedy and drawing from true stories of Franklin's many scientific discoveries and inventions, Ben and Sarah employ the Scientific Method to put Mesmer's mystical powers to the test. Is it science, is it magic, or will we all be Mesmerized? Kids, come help solve this scientific mystery!
Join the famed Hoenikker family on the Caribbean Island of San Lorenzo for a satirical tale of how "pure" scientific research, banana republic politics, and an organized religion based on lies bring about the end of the world. You're invited to convert yourself, learn a new way to make love, and make a supreme gesture to God Almighty (if indeed, He is still with us) in this revival of ensemble member John Hildreth's playful adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's beloved novel.
In Motherhouse, a young woman enlists the help of her four aunts to create an authentic eulogy for her recently deceased mother. What begins as a small act of family solidarity quickly spirals into darkly comic chaos as they attempt to capture the spirit of the departed. Motherhouse is a wickedly funny, wickedly human story about the painful, messy momentum of grief.
Come see The Second City Mainstage's brand-new 111th Revue, newly titled Don't Quit Your Daydream. This is the most exciting time to see a show on our stages. The cast is fresh, new material is worked into the show every night, and your laughter in the audience helps shape the final show!
The story is set in Skid Row, where meek and mild Seymour Krelborn is eeking out a living at the failing Mushnik's Flower Shop. Until one day, Seymour discovers a strange and unusual plant - one that feeds on human blood. He names her Audrey II and becomes caught up in a wild scheme of trying to acquire fresh blood for his ravenous, carnivorous plant - all while attempting to save the love of his life from her evil dentist boyfriend.
To see the reviews of all plays go to Review Round-Up.