If taking in some of the shows in Chicago now, you know the theaters put on amazing productions. The problem is that with 250 theater companies it’s hard to keep track of who is doing what and when. So we’ll look at the 2019-2020 season according to location for you beginning with Broadway in Chicago because it has four main downtown venues. That will be followed by other theaters in what is loosely called downtown and includes the Mag Mile. Then, the series continues with theater companies in Chicago’s neighborhoods and suburbs.
New York’s Broadway shows appear as touring productions in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace, CIBC, Nederlander, Broadway Playhouse and sometimes the Auditorium Theatre, all presented by Broadway in Chicago. These are historic venues so are worth seeing no matter what is playing but here is the lineup known so far for the 2019-20 season starting this summer.
“Oslo” is coming to the Playhouse Sept. 10-Oct. 20, 2019. Then “An Evening With C S Lewis” is Oct. 22-Nov. 3, 2019 followed by “Potted Potter” Dec. 5, 2019-Feb. 2, 2020. The Playhouse is at 175 E. Chestnut St. next to Water Tower Place.
“Les Miserables” is at the Cadillac July 9-27, 2019 followed by “Come From Away” July 30-Aug. 18. Then “The Band’s Visit” is there Sept.3-15, followed by ” The Simon – Garfunkel Story,” Nov. 19-Dec. 1. For the holidays there’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” Dec. 10-15, 2019. Going into the new years is “The Phantom of the Opera,” Dec. 18,2019 –Jan. 5, 2020. Winter is brightened with “Once On This Island.” The blockbuster spring show is arguably “My Fair Lady” Mar. 24-April 2, 2020. The biggie for the following season is likely to be “Disney’s Frozen,” Oct. 21, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021. Cadillac Palace is at 151 W. Randolph St.
“Hamilton” stays through Jan. 5, 2020. Then “Dear Evan Hansen” returns to Chicago in this venue July 7-Sept. 27, 2020. CIBC is at 18 W. Monroe St.
James M. Nederlander Theatre (formerly Ford Oriental Theatre)
“Cats” is here July 16-Aug. 4. Located at 24 W. Randolph St., the theatre has Cats” July 16-Aug. 4. For fall is “Once Upon A One More Time,” Oct 29 – Dec 1, 2019. Next is “Mean Girls,” Dec. 25, 2019-Jan. 26, 2020 followed by “Summer the Donna Summer Musical,” Feb. 12-Feb. 23, 2020.
For subscriptions, tickets and other information visit Broadway in Chicago or call (800) 775-2000.
Jodie Jacobs