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Sep 2011  |  By Liz Logan  |  Comments

October’s theater offerings take audiences back in time

This month’s theater productions will carry you away into different eras, or simply bring back potent memories.

Some take audience into collective catastrophes, while others reinvent favorite hit musicals filled with familiar songs, or the well-worn children’s book you know by heart.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s “Follies”
October 4-November 6
Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
312-595-5600 chicagoshakes.com

This Broadway classic with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim explores the reunion of the Weismann Follies company, the night before the theater will be demolished. When the show premiered on Broadway 40 years ago, it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Original Score for songs like “Broadway Baby” and “I’m Still Here.” The ensemble of 40 actors and musicians in CST’s production includes the impeccable Hollis Resnik, whose soulful voice is sure to be a highlight.

Lookingglass Theatre Company’s “The Great Fire”
September 21-November 13
821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
312-337-0665 lookingglasstheatre.org

It’s only fitting that this show will be performed in Lookingglass’ theater inside the Water Tower Water Works across the street from the historic Water Tower, one of the few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire 140 years ago. Written and directed by Ensemble Member John Musial, this play was first produced in 1999, receiving positive reviews. It kicks off the 2011-2012 season, which explores powerful moments in American history, for Lookingglass, the recently anointed winner of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award.

American Theater Company’s “The Amish Project”
September 23-October 23
1909 W. Byron St., Chicago
773-409-4125 atcweb.org

This show, a fictional account based on the 2006 killing of five little girls in an Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pa., takes audiences into the otherworldly life of the Amish. Written by Jessica Dickey, the show was an off-Broadway hit in New York in 2009. ATC Ensemble Member Sadieh Rifai, playing no less than all seven characters, will bring this exploration of tragedy and unconditional forgiveness to life in its Chicago premiere, in ATC’s intimate theater in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood.

Northlight Theatre’s “Snapshots”
September 16-October 23
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
847-673-6300 northlight.org

This romantic comedy weaves together some of the best-known songs and hidden gems by Stephen Schwartz, the songwriter behind hit musicals such as “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Pippin” (not to mention Disney movies, such as “Pocahontas” and “The Prince of Egypt”). The cast includes Gene Weygandt, who played the wizard in “Wicked” on the Broadway, and Evanston’s Susie McMonagle, whose credits include “Les Mis” on Broadway and “Billy Elliot” here in Chicago. All in all, the show promises to be a “Wicked” good time.

Chicago Children’s Theatre’s “Goodnight Moon”
October 27-December 23
Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
773-871-3000 chicagochildrenstheatre.org

“Goodnight room, goodnight moon” … the beloved children’s bedtime story by Margaret Wise Brown about a bunny saying goodnight to everything in his abode could make for a musical that’s, um, a real snooze—but not when the Cow Jumping over the Moon and the Bears in Chairs come to life! The musical, written by Chad Henry, is directed by David Kersnar, a founding member of Lookingglass, with musical arrangements by Mark Messing, musical director of the Chicago-based circus punk marching band Mucca Pazza.

Theater Directory

Broadway in Chicago
“Wishful Drinking”
Bank of America Theatre
October 4-October 16                                  

“Mary Poppins”
Cadillac Palace Theatre
October 13-November 6

312-977-1700
broadwayinchicago.com

Goodman Theatre

“Red”
Through October 23

312-443-3800
Goodmantheatre.org

Marriott Theatre
“For The Boys”
Through October 16

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”
October 19-January 1, 2012

847-634-0200
marriottheatre.com

Second City’s deMaat Theater
"The South Side of Heaven”
October 7-8, 13-15

312-337-3992    
secondcity.com

Steppenwolf Theatre
“Clybourne Park”
Through November 6

312-335-1650
steppenwolf.org

Writers’ Theatre
“The Real Thing”
Through Nov 20

847-242-6000
writerstheater.org