Chicago Shakespeare Theater News

John Arthur Pinckard, the Tony Award-Winning Producer of Clybourne Park,has joined with The New Colony, 2011 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theater Award-recipient, to announce the acceptance of last summer's critically-acclaimed 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, written by Andrew Hobgood and Evan Linder and directed by Sarah Gitenstein, into The New York International Fringe Festival. Chicago audiences will be able to see the re-staging of last summer's hit production at Center on Halsted opening on Monday, July 30th with a limited run from August 2nd - August 5th before it heads to FringeNYC.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the Tony Award-winning Broadway and West End smash hit THE 39 STEPS, opening tomorrow, July 12 at 8 p.m. and running through August 26. Check out photos of the cast on stage below!

Drury Lane Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning Broadway and West End smash hit THE 39 STEPS, opening tonight, July 12 at 8 p.m. and running through August 26.

Among all the summer-time concerts taking place in the Chicago area this month, one concert stands out--free, accessible, chock-full of hit songs and performed by an unmatched quartet of Broadway stars. And it's only in Chicago. "Perfectly Frank: From Broadway to Hollywood" isn't happening anywhere else except the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, courtesy of the Grant Park Music Festival. It's this weekend, and early arrival is recommended.

The Marriott Theatre presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, running now through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. Click below to watch a behind-the-scenes video about the production!

FREUD'S LAST SESSION will feature a post-show talkback discussion with Scott Kelley, Assistant Vice President for Vincentian Scholarship in the Office of Mission and Values and Assistant Professor in the Religious Studies Department at DePaul University, and James Halstead, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University, following the 1:00 p.m. performance on Sunday, July 29 at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport in Chicago.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed by Rachel Rockwell with Music Direction by Doug Peck, featuring Emily Rohm as Belle and William Travis Taylor as the Prince turned into a Beast by an enchantress's spell. This Tony Award-winning musical is filled with lovable characters, beautiful sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers, including 'Be Our Guest' and the beloved title song. BroadwayWorld has the production photos below.

TRIASSIC PARQ The Musical, 2010's Best Musical winner at FringeNYC, celebrated its Off-Broadway opening night Wednesday, June 27th with a post-performance party at the SoHo Playhouse. The limited engagement is set to run through August 5th. Written by Marshall Pailet, Bryce Norbitz and Stephen Wargo, TRIASSIC PARQ is directed by Mr. Pailet, with choreography by Kyle Mullins and musical direction by Zak Sandler. The cast of TRIASSIC PARQ features Lindsay Nicole Chambers, Brandon Espinoza, Wade McCollum, Claire Neumann, Lee Seymour, Shelley Thomas, and Alex Wyse. Check out photos of the cast and creative team at opening night below!

Right from the Broadway production of Godspell, Hannah Elless joins the cast of Michael Ogborn's award winning musical Baby Case, playing the role of Adela St. John. Baby Case is directed by Jeremy Dobrish and produced by Charlie Fink, Michael Ogborn, Robert Soslow, Juliana Schauerman, Dorothy Flynn, Caroline Castagno, Glenn Gunderson, Kathy Lou Leone, Diane Santillo, and Anne Makara. Baby Case will play from July 16 - 22, 2012, at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W 42 St). Baby Case is presented by The New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Porchlight Music Theatre launches its 18th season with the Chicago premiere of A Class Act, September 1 - October 7, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. A Class Act's music and lyrics are by Edward Kleban and the book is by Linda Kline and Lonny Price.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is now playing in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier through August 26, 2012. Director Rachel Rockwell shares her enthusiasm for Disney's Beauty and the Beast with the company on the first day of rehearsal. Get a glimpse inside the rehearsal room by watching the video below.

The Board of Directors of Chicago Muse, an organization dedicated to the development of new musical-theater projects, announced today it has ceased operations and will contribute the Corporation's assets to Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST). The contribution of more than $500,000 will establish a newly endowed fund at CST in support of the Theater's ongoing commitment to commission, develop and produce new musicals.

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

TRIASSIC PARQ The Musical, 2010's Best Musical winner at FringeNYC, is set to open tonight, June 27th for a limited Off-Broadway engagement through August 5th.