As the season of rejuvenation, spring brings many fresh things. Outside, Mother Nature introduces blooming buds and newborn wildlife while Chicago venues offer a host of new shows indoors.
Thanks to Shattered Globe Theatre, Charly Evon Simpson’s Jump (April 19-June 1) makes its Midwest premiere. “I’ve been looking forward to working on this play for over a year now,” says the company’s associate artistic director AmBer Montgomery who is directing the play. “At the heart of this production is our brilliant playwright, Charly. She’s masterfully navigated the complexities of grief, family dynamics, and friendship, combining these heavy themes with an element of whimsy and magic.”
Two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad directs the world premiere of Purpose (through April 28) in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Downstairs Theater. The dramedy by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins features an Illinois family debating Black American politics. The company also presents the Chicago premiere of Larissa FastHorse’s The Thanksgiving Play (April 25-June 2). The comedy tackles everything right, wrong and woke in the country.
Theater Wit’s Midwest premiere of Inanimate (through May 4) centers around a woman in love with her local Dairy Queen sign. J.G. Smith stars in Nick Robideau’s amusing exploration of objectum sexuality.
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE) presents the world premiere of Into the Earth With You (May 2-June 2) at the McAninch Arts Center. The Brian Watkins dramedy promises all of the twists and turns that come with family relationships. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to direct the world premiere of this new play by fellow Juilliard alum Watkins,” says BTE’s Kurt Naebig. “It’s quirky and fun, but full of heart and has a couple of the most surprising moments I’ve ever seen on stage.”
In New Horizons, South Chicago Dance Theatre offers six company-commissioned world premieres by choreographers Donald Byrd, Joshua Blake Carter, Monique Haley, Tsai Hsi Hung, and Terence Marling, as well as a new title by the company’s founder and executive artistic director Kia S. Smith. The program performs for one night only at Chicago’s historic Auditorium Theatre on April 27. “Auditorium Theatre audiences loved South Chicago Dance Theatre’s world premiere of Memoires of Jazz in the Alley,” says Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan. “Chicago has such a vibrant dance scene, and we are privileged to present this gem of the South Side once again.”
Chicago Opera Theater presents the Chicago leg of the world premiere tour of Before It All Goes Dark (May 25-26) at the Studebaker Theater. The work by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer is based on a true story reported by a Chicago Tribune journalist who tracks down the heir to an art collection stolen by the Nazis. Bass-baritone Ryan McKinny and mezzo-soprano Megan Marino are featured.
Climate change and other hot topics take centerstage in TimeLine Theatre’s world premiere production of Black Sunday (May 8-June 29) written by Chicago’s Dolores Díaz and directed by Sandra Marquez. “Black Sunday embodies TimeLine’s mission—illuminating aspects of history often untold, while drawing haunting parallels to critical issues of today,” says the company’s artistic director PJ Powers. “As part of TimeLine’s Playwrights Collective, Dolores has demonstrated evocative storytelling, fierce intellect, and propensity for collaboration.”
The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance is launching its new Latine Theatre Artist Week (April 1-8) featuring events and workshops. “We hope local Latine theater artists will take full advantage of the week’s offerings, including professional development, free headshots, and auditioning for casting directors who are actively on the lookout for Latine actors in Chicago,” says the alliance’s executive director Jorge Valdivia.