With more than 200 theater companies in Metropolitan Chicago there’s no lack of choices in all price ranges, genres and locations. Here is a small sampling of a half-dozen shows that will be in area theaters this fall. Of course you know that ‘Hamilton,’ the mega Tony-Award winning rap musical, opens Sept. 27. But it’s an open run so you might want to check availability later in the year or 2017.
‘Funny Girl’ is a MadKap Productions show at Skokie Theatre Sept. 9-Oct. 2. If you’ve been singing, listening to and loving “People” and “You Are Woman, I Am Man,” go hear the Jule Styne and Bob Merril songs in context in the musical about Fanny Brice. The show is also a chance to check out the Skokie Theatre, an intimate, north suburban space at 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie IL 60077. Tickets are $39 and are discounted to seniors and students. For times and other information call (847) 677-7761 and visit Skokie Theatre.
‘Life Sucks’ is at Lookingglass Theatre Sept. 9-Nov. 6. Think the tragic and comedic characters and situations in Chekhov’s ‘Uncle Vanya, but updated and revised. Playwright Aaron Posner has friends, enemies and ex’s looking at life with longing and lust. Recommended for ages 13+, it is at Lookingglass in the Chicago Water Works at 821 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. Preview tickets $40-$45, reg. run $50-$55.For other information call (312) 337-0665 and visit Lookingglass
‘Julius Caesar’ is at Writers Theatre Sept 7-Oct. 16. Combine politics with Shakespeare for the high charged, dramatic clash between an ideological vision and a ruling power. WT’s production is a new, shortened adaptation by Michael Halberstam and Scott Parkinson. The theater is on the North Shore at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, IL. Tickets are $35 but there are discounts and prices can rise when availability is scarce. For other information call (847) 242-6000 and visit Writers Theatre.
‘Wonderful Town’ is at Goodman Theatre Sept 10 – Oct 16. Two Ohio sisters seek success in New York’s publishing and entertainment industries. The action, which will have director Mary Zimmerman’s magic touch, moves along to the music of Leonard Bernstein and lyrics of Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Goodman is downtown at 170 N Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601. Tickets range from about $40-$79 depending on location and date. For other information call (312) 443-3800 and visit Goodman.
‘Man in the Ring” is at Court Theatre Sept.15-Oct.16. Written by Michael Cristofer, the play centers on world-champion boxer Emile Griffith’s controversial match against Benny “Kid” Paret and Griffth’s personal and public life following the match. Tickets are about $38 during previews and $68 during the regular run. Court Theatre is in the Hyde Park neighborhood at 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, IL. For other information call (773) 753-4472 and visit Court Theatre.
‘Visiting Edna’ is at Steppenwolf Theatre Sept. 25-Nov. 6. A world premiere by David Rabe, the play revolves around mother-son ties. Tickets range from $20 to $89. Steppenwolf is in in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL for other information call (312) 335-1650 and visit Steppenwolf.