Obama Presidential Center Summer Series
The Obama Presidential Center will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a sing-along screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton.’ This event is part of the ‘You Are America’ summer series. Attendees can reserve tickets on obama.org. An outdoor screening of Disney’s ‘Encanto’ will follow on August 11, also featuring music by Miranda.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Adjustments
Chicago Shakespeare Theater has experienced layoffs, affecting the casting office and other areas. The theater is renegotiating rent with its Navy Pier landlord. A spokesperson mentioned the changes are in preparation for the next season, with some positions eliminated but new roles emerging in development.
Black Ensemble Theater’s New Studio
Construction progresses on the Black Ensemble Theater’s new studio at 4450 N. Clark St. This studio includes a black-box theater and rehearsal room. Founder Jackie Taylor anticipates an October opening with a focus on new plays and musicals.
Broadway’s Upcoming Productions
Former Steppenwolf Theatre artistic director, Anna D. Shapiro, will direct ‘Three Days of Rain’ on Broadway in February. The production stars François Arnaud, David Corenswet, and Yvonne Strahovski. The specific Shubert-owned theater location will be announced later.
‘Paranormal Activity,’ directed by Levi Holloway, will officially open on Broadway on August 25. Previews start on August 14 at the August Wilson Theatre.
Chicago’s Various Theatrical Events
The Hand & The Eye magic club offers an off-peak show option with three magicians, catering to those seeking an affordable visit. The happy hour runs every Friday until Labor Day, opening at 4 p.m. with a show concluding by 5:15 p.m.
‘Mean Girls’ will open the season at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora on September 4, featuring Elizabeth Stenholt as Cady Heron.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater welcomes eight new trustees, including Ben Cameron. Additionally, Kate Brueggemann joins Lyric Opera of Chicago as the chief development officer.
Miscellaneous Theatrical Recommendations
Chris Jones recommends the following productions:
- ‘Theater of the Mind’ at the Goodman
- ‘Job’ through July 3 at Writers Theatre
- ‘Octet’ from July 15 to August 2 by Raven Theatre
- ‘Pandemonium, Please Hold’ at Second City Mainstage
- ‘Damn Yankees’ through July 5 at Theo Ubique Theatre
- ‘Leopoldstadt’ through August 16 at Writers Theatre
- ‘Untitled Vampire Play’ through July 12 by Lookingglass Theatre
- ‘Champions of Magic’ through August 23 at the Studebaker Theater
- ‘A Little Night Music’ through August 9 at Marriott Theatre
- ‘Iceboy!’ through August 9 at the Goodman Theatre