New and popular songs can be heard in a host of live shows popping up across Chicagoland this July, August and beyond.
Kokandy Productions gives the classic novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) a reboot with Alice by Heart at Chopin Studio Theatre (Aug. 3-Sep. 29). Under the direction of Derek Van Barham and Brittney Brown, this Midwest premiere features music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Steven Sater (who wrote the book with Jessie Nelson), and music direction by Heidi Joosten. “It’s dark, whimsical and witty — a curious twist on a story we think we know,” says Van Barham who also choreographed the play. To order tickets, visit KokandyProductions.com.
The U.S. premiere of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale directed by Paul Hart hits The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (July 19-Sept. 1). Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, the play includes book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus as well as original music by Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony winner Christopher Nightingale. “The Chicago-based ensemble that Paul and our team have put together promises to take us on an extraordinary adventure through Middle-earth,” says Artistic Director Edward Hall. “Launching our summer program in The Yard with this thrilling production promises an unforgettable night in the theater.” Click here to learn more.
Tony Award winner Rob Ashford directs Tony Award winner J. Harrison Ghee, Tony Award nominee Tom Hewitt, and Olivier Award nominee Sierra Boggess in the world premiere musical adaptation of John Berendt’s bestseller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil in Goodman’s Albert Theatre (through Aug. 11). The production features book by Taylor Mac; music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown; sets by Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram; costumes by Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James; and choreography by Tanya Birl-Torres. Visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Midnight for tickets.
Lucy Smith and her quintet will perform the music of Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie, Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor, and Lillian Green in Chicago Bound: The Great Migration of the Blues. As part of the Chicago Park District’s 2024 Night Out in the Parks programming, writer Cheryl Corley offers narration to the free shows staged at Ellis Park in Bronzeville’s Douglas neighborhood (July 6); Ada Park during the Morgan Park neighborhood’s Roots Festival (Aug. 3); and Warren Park in West Rogers Park (Sep. 6). Click here for details.
The Harlem Renaissance comes to life in the musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace (through Aug. 18). This live tribute showcases the jazz legend with songs “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” (1928), “Honeysuckle Rose” (1929) and more. Reserve tickets at DruryLaneTheatre.com.
In Aurora, Paramount Theatre inaugurates its Stolp Island Theatre with Million Dollar Quartet (July 19-Dec. 29), a musical showcasing the talents of Johnny Cash (Bill Scott Sheets), Jerry Lee Lewis (Garrett Forrestal), Carl Perkins (Christopher Wren) and Elvis Presley (Alex Swindle). “Our 2017 Broadway staging of Million Dollar Quartet remains an audience favorite,” says Jim Corti, Paramount Artistic Director and the play’s co-director. “Not only are we bringing it back, but this new production will be staged in a whole new way, where audiences are going to feel surrounded by amazing musical talent and the dazzling production values they’ve come to expect from Paramount.” Additional information is available at ParamountAurora.com.
Music Theater Works presents Carousel (Aug. 8-18) featuring music by Richard Rodgers; book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; and direction by Sasha Gerritson. The production runs at the Center Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie. For tickets and more information, visit MusicTheaterWorks.com.