Theatrical Events and Updates From Various Venues
The Obama Presidential Center will host a free sing-along screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical “Hamilton.” The screening is part of the “You Are America” summer series celebrating America’s 250th birthday. “Hamilton” marks the first Movies on the Plaza event with reservations available at obama.org. Disney’s “Encanto,” also featuring music composed by Miranda, will be screened on August 11.
Recent layoffs occurred at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the casting office and other departments. Though a few positions were eliminated, a spokesman confirmed that new roles have been added in areas like development. This change aligns with preparations for the upcoming season. The theater is also negotiating rent with its Navy Pier landlord.
Construction is ongoing at Black Ensemble Theater’s new studio located on the second floor of its main venue at 4450 N. Clark St. A visit revealed a spacious black-box theater and an additional rehearsal room. Founder Jackie Taylor expects the studio, which focuses on new plays and musicals, to open in October.
In February, former Steppenwolf Theatre artistic director Anna D. Shapiro will direct a new production of Richard Greenberg’s “Three Days of Rain” on Broadway. Starring François Arnaud, David Corenswet, and Yvonne Strahovski, the Shubert-owned theater hosting the play has yet to be announced. Shapiro previously directed the play in 1999 at Steppenwolf.
For those seeking affordable access to The Hand & The Eye magic club and theater, an off-peak option is available. Priced at $65, the happy hour runs Friday afternoons through Labor Day and includes a show with three magicians, offering attendees a chance to explore the venue.
“Paranormal Activity,” the Broadway show by Levi Holloway, advances its official Broadway opening to August 25, with previews starting August 14 at August Wilson Theatre.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater welcomes eight new trustees, including Ben Cameron, former president of TCG. Tickets are available for “Mexodus” at the Studebaker Theater. Meanwhile, Lyric Opera of Chicago appoints Kate Brueggemann as chief development officer, coming from Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
“Mean Girls” will open Paramount Theatre’s September season in Aurora. Directed by Devon Hayakawa, the cast includes Elizabeth Stenholt, Dariana Mullen, Angel Alzeidan, Julia Hope Budd, Diego Vazquez Gomez, Lucy Godinez, Steven Klenk, Ben Mathew, and Veronica Garza. Opening night is September 4.
The Hallmark Channel will film “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story” in Chicago this summer. Potential filming locations include Soldier Field, Arlington Heights, and Hammond, Indiana.
Chris Jones recommends the following shows: “Theater of the Mind” at the Goodman, “Job” through July 3 at Writers Theatre, “Octet” at Raven Theatre from July 15 to August 2, “Pandemonium, Please Hold” at Second City Mainstage, and “Damn Yankees” through July 5 at Theo Ubique Theatre. Additional shows include “Leopoldstadt” through August 16 at Writers Theatre, “Untitled Vampire Play” at Lookingglass Theatre through July 12, “Champions of Magic” through August 23 at the Studebaker Theater, “A Little Night Music” through August 9 at Marriott Theatre, and “Iceboy!” through August 9 at Goodman Theatre.