“Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon” will conclude its Chicago run on Sunday at the Apollo Theater. Despite an impressive start in ticket sales, the show has not maintained its momentum. This has led to the cancellation of its planned extension. However, other cities have shown interest in hosting the production. This week is the last opportunity for Chicago audiences to experience this sophisticated off-Broadway revue celebrating Burt Bacharach’s songs.
Laurie Metcalf, who recently triumphed at the Tony Awards, thanked individual colleagues from her early days at Steppenwolf but omitted the theater company itself. This omission follows a rift between Steppenwolf and producer Scott Rudin over “Little Bear Ridge Road.” Although eventually, Steppenwolf released the rights to the Tony-nominated show, conflict remains. Chicago audiences anticipate Metcalf’s return to local stages.
The Broadway production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Purpose,” which premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre, has recouped its $5.25 million investment. This success, aided by the New York State Tax Credit and profits from its record-breaking Broadway run, allowed all investors to reclaim their investments. Steppenwolf was credited as a producer in this accomplishment.
Carrie Coon didn’t win a Tony for her role in “Bug,” another Steppenwolf production, but she announced the Regional Theatre Tony Award win for American Players Theatre in Wisconsin, a venue cherished by Chicago theatergoers.
The Paramount Theatre in Aurora faces significant board changes as Aurora Mayor John Laesch intervenes to align the theater’s programming and financial goals with community needs. New board members include local leaders such as Juan Sifuentes and Diane Lantz. The mayor’s involvement in appointments is raising questions about future fundraising effectiveness, a key board responsibility. Paramount CEO Tim Rater is presently unavailable for comments.
The League of Chicago Theatres’ “Thank You 5” summer promotion offers a $5 discount on tickets from June 18 to July 3. This applies to various shows citywide at the Hot Tix box office with the usage of the promo code THANKYOU5.
Writers Theatre, experiencing high demand, has extended ticket availability for Tom Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt,” now running through at least August 9. Similarly, TUTA Theatre has extended “Crime and Punishment” through August 23, thanks to sold-out performances.
This weekend, the curtain rises on new productions: “Untitled Vampire Play” at Lookingglass Theatre and “Catch As Catch Can” at Steppenwolf, featuring Gary Cole.
Recommendations from Chris Jones:
- “Theater of the Mind” at Goodman in the Reid Murdoch Building
- “Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon” at Apollo Theater
- “Job” at Writers Theatre
- “Octet” at Raven Theatre
- “Pandemonium, Please Hold” at Second City Mainstage
- “An Enemy of the People” at TimeLine Theatre
- “South Pacific” at Paramount Theatre
- “Damn Yankees” at Theo Ubique Theatre