It’s curtains (for now) for theatrical productions per Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and local health officials. Based upon the recent guidance from the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago, entertainment venues throughout Chicagoland will temporarily close to help combat the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). “The safety and health of our audiences, artists and theater staff remains our highest priority,” says Deb Clapp, executive director of the League of Chicago Theatres.
The Second City will suspend all Chicago performances through March 26 or until further notice. Ticket holders may contact the box office at (312) 337-3992 or via live chat at secondcity.com.
The Chicago production of “Be More Chill” originally slated to preview on April 17 will now open on July 17 at the Apollo Theater. Similarly, Little Time Theatre Company will postpone its world premiere drama “Clementine.” For refunds, contact info@littletimetheatreco.com.
The Den Theatre is closing its doors through April 12. This includes the Haven Lounge, Haven Guest House, and Queer Soup Night. Productions from First Floor Theater, Irish Theatre of Chicago, The New Colony, and WildClaw Theatre will be canceled, as well as performances by singer Alex Cuba, Chicago Dance Crash KTF, and various comedians. If a show is rescheduled for a later date, patrons will be offered the option to transfer tickets or request a refund. For details, email boxoffice@thedentheatre.com.
Goodman Theatre is suspending Jocelyn Bioh’s “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” and “Molly Sweeney.” Options for ticket holders include a credit towards a future production or a tax deduction for the total value. Call (312) 443-3800 to learn more.
Court Theatre has canceled “The Lady from the Sea” and postponed the remaining performances of “An Iliad.” Patrons may donate their tickets to the theater or make other arrangements by calling (773) 753-4472.
As a nonprofit arts organization, Lookingglass Theatre Company also suggests patrons donate their unused tickets for canceled performances of “Her Honor Jane Byrne” back to the theater. Other options, including exchanges or credit, are also available.
Griffin Theatre Company will cancel all remaining performances of Lynn Nottage’s “Mlima’s Tale.” Ticket holders may call (773) 338-2177 to request a refund or credit to a future production.
Raven Theatre will suspend all performances of “A Doll’s House” and “Aesop’s Amazing Adventures in the Land of Fables.” Patrons can email info@raventheatre.com with questions.
In Oakbrook Terrace, Drury Lane Theatre and Lucille Restaurant will be closed until May 1. The remainder of “An American in Paris,” is canceled and all affected tickets for “Evita” and “Shrek the Musical” will be exchanged for later performances. Drury Lane will reach out to all ticket holders directly.
The Paramount Theatre in Aurora will reschedule its March performances for April. Ticket holders will be notified of the new dates. In Evanston, Northlight Theatre will suspend performances of “Intimate Apparel.” For details, call the box office at (847) 673-6300.
Theatre at the Center in Munster has cancelled all of its March and April performances, except “The Ultimate Doo-Wop Show,” which will be rescheduled for a later date. To learn more, call (219) 836-3255.