CHICAGO — It’s August — a good time to get out of the warmth and revel in a few of Chicago’s superb stay theater. As at all times, we’re fortunate to have so many native choices when trying to find our subsequent theatrical tour.
Should you need assistance narrowing down your theater choices, listed here are 5 of Block Membership’s don’t-miss picks for August, from a standup set from a “Saturday Night time Stay” common and a parody of a fantasy teen movie franchise to an unconventional take a look at a Chicago sports activities dynasty. They’ll get you within the temper for stay efficiency — simply in time for the kickoff subsequent month of the large fall theater season.
Know of a manufacturing we should always try? Tell us at arts@blocklclubchi.org.
“44 – The Musical”
The Studebaker Theater, High quality Arts Constructing, 410 S. Michigan Ave.
Via Sept. 21
“44” makes use of the type of an R&B musical to supply a satirical take a look at the rise and presidency of Barack Obama, in addition to the multitude of political characters he encounters alongside the best way to the Oval Workplace, together with Joe Biden, Sarah Palin, Mitch McConnell, Lindsay Graham, Ted Cruz and extra.
Because the theater payments it, “it’s the story of Obama you received’t examine in historical past books … as a result of historical past books at the moment are banned in most states. But additionally as a result of 44 is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it.” Immense vocal expertise on the stage and catchy tunes craft the political enviornment of 2008 America.
“Amélie”
Chopin Downstairs Studio,1543 W. Division St.
Via Sept. 28
Take a theatrical journey to Paris at Wicker Park’s Chopin Theatre with its whimsical model of “Amélie,” the story of the enchanting, imaginative waitress decided to assist others discover happiness as she ultimately finds it for herself. As she places it in one in every of her musical numbers, “I is perhaps a dreamer, however it’s gotten me this far.”
The viewers will develop into a part of Amélie’s journey as all the basement of the intimate theater — in addition to the foyer, bar and cafe — have been remodeled into her imaginative world.
“BULL”
Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave.
Via Sept. 11
The Bulls’ look within the 1996 NBA Finals is without doubt one of the defining moments in Chicago sports activities historical past. The Annoyance Theatre’s “BULL” reimagines that iconic run “by means of the lens of two unproven, bench-warming jokesters, merging the legendary ‘96 Bulls with beloved film tropes of the identical period.”
As Bryce and Scott transfer from the bench to the center-court highlight, they parody basic sports activities underdog movies like “Like Mike” and particular episodes of sitcoms like “Full Home,” making “BULL” an excellent theater match for everybody from sports activities followers to obscure pop-culture fans.
James Austin Johnson
Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Aug. 23
“Saturday Night time Stay” solid member James Austin Johnson is spending his summer season hiatus with a standup tour throughout the nation, and he’s wrapping up his tour in Chicago with a present on the Den Theatre. It’s extremely possible that his uncanny Trump impersonation will make an look, however that’s truly solely one in every of Johnson’s many impressions. He additionally impersonates Kamala Harris internet hosting a cooking present and Batman in search of “The place’s Waldo?” And does your mother ask lots of questions throughout motion pictures? Johnson feels your ache.
“TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody”
Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave.
Via Aug. 31
Sorry, Bella and Edward followers — the interminable “Twilight” e book/movie sequence is a perfect candidate for hilarious musical parody. “TWIHARD!,” which seems to like and poke enjoyable at “Twilight” in equal measure, kicked off on the Chicago storefront Otherworld Theatre Firm, so it is smart that it might return to the town for a run this summer season.
Bella and Edward’s unlikely romance is soundtracked with infectious songs like “Daddy Off!”, a face-off between the patriarchs of the Cullen and Swan clans, and “Lion and the Lamb,” a ballad depicting the duo’s everlasting relationship. And sure, there will likely be glittery baseball.
Have your personal strategies? Please ship them to arts@blockclubchi.org.
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