League of Chicago Theatres Announces Summer 2012 Theater Highlights

Summer 2012 will see Chicago offering more than 200 producing theaters includes a range of special summer programming, featuring everything from the latest musicals to highly anticipated world premieres.    

“The quality and creativity of the theater being produced in Chicago this summer is second to none. The past season saw record attendance and ticket sales for productions ranging from world premieres and international work to family-friendly shows,” says Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres. “Moving into the summer season on the heels of such success, and with an exciting line-up of world premieres, new adaptations and beloved musicals, further establishes our vibrant theater community as a source of tremendous pride for our city.” 

New works and adaptations include:

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tracy Lett’s new adaptation of Three Sisters can be seen at Steppenwolf Theatre June 28 – August 26, 2012. 

Timeline Theatre Company presents the world premiere of John Conroy’s My Kind of Town, May 1 through July 29, 2012. 

Congo Square Theatre’s production of the new work, Bulrusher performs at Stage 773 May 20 – June 17, 2012. 

Lifeline Theatre transforms the classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, to the stage, April 20 – June 10, 2012. 

Oracle Productions’ adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s, The Sandman, performs May 19 – June 30, 2012. 

Sideshow Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Gacy Play by Calamity West at Theater Wit from June 23 to July 29, 2012. 

Musicals include:

Lookingglass Theatre’s new musical Eastland begins performances at the Water Tower Water Works June 6, 2012. 

Jackie Taylor’s original work, The Story of Marvin Gaye “Don’t Talk About My Father Because God Is My Friend,” performs at the Black Ensemble Theatre May 11 – July 19 2012. 

The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead, featuring Deborah Staples, performs at Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe, May 22 –July 29, 2012. 

ReGina Taylor’s hit musical Crowns plays at the Goodman’s Albert Theatre June 30 – August 5, 2012. 

[title of show], with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and book by Hunter Bell, performs at Northlight Theatre May 4 – June 10, 2012. 

Dramatic works include:

The Goodman Theatre presents Eugene O’Neill’s The Iceman Cometh, featuring Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy, through June 17, 2012.

The Chicago premiere of Luis Alfaro’s Oedipus El Rey runs at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, from June 29 to July 29, 2012.

Raven Theatre Company presents Eric Simonson’s adaptation of Bang the Drum Slowly, May 15 – July 14, 2012. 

Redtwist Theatre presents Martin McDonagh’s Dark Comedy, The Cripple of Inishmaan, May 10 – June 24, 2012. 

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble performs Crooked, written by Catherine Trieschmann, at its new home at 5779 N. Ridge from May 16 to June 24, 2012.

Family friendly shows include:

The smash hit, Pinkalicious: The Musical, is now extended through August 5, 2012 at the Broadway Playhouse. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Navy Pier from June 28 to August 26, 2012.

Ongoing productions continuing in Chicago include:

The hit musical, Million Dollar Quartet, continues in its fourth year at the Apollo Theater. 

The Second City’s History of Chicago will continue through the summer at Up Comedy Club.

The hit show Blue Man Group performs at the Briar Street Theatre in Lakeview.

The House Theatre’s Death and Harry Houdini returns to the Chopin Theatre July 7 – August 17, 2012.

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

 

For a comprehensive list of ChicaGo Productions, visit the League of Chicago website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.com.

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