“Hamilton” closed in Chicago in January 2020. (Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago and ‘Hamilton.’)
A tweet from Lin-Manuel Miranda recently showed up in my email box. The famed composer/actor of the Broadway hit musical “Hamilton” tweeted that he’s “excited” because the show will be streaming on Disney Plus on July 3.
The move to the Fourth of July weekend from its originally scheduled release in movie theaters, October 2021, was a Disney decision prompted by stay-at-home orders to keep people safe from the coronavirus and a chance to direct home viewers to Disney Plus offerings.
The film features footage from a June 2016 Broadway “Hamilton” performance that stars Miranda as Alexander Hamilton with the original cast.
In a recently released statement, Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger said, “In light of the extraordinary challenges facing our world, this story about leadership, tenacity, hope, love and the power of people to unite against the forces of adversity is both relevant and impactful.”
Iger and Miranda had also announced and talked about the timing on “Good Morning America” on May 12.
The North American touring company of Dear Evan Hanson. (Photos byh Matthew Murphy)
Chicago theater audiences will have to wait until 2022 for the Tony Award winning “Dear Evan Hansen” to return to the Broadway in Chicago schedule. Originally planned for the CIBC Theatre on July 7 through Sept. 27, 2020, it has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns and state and city orders. A new date will be announced.
Several Broadway in Chicago touring productions have been rescheduled so new information continues to be announced.
Regarding “Dear Evan” Broadway in Chicago has said that ticketholders and individual ticket buyers will be refunded via their point of purchase. Their announcement included the following directions: If you purchased through Ticketmaster, click here for more information and if you purchased through the box office, email Broadway In Chicago at CustomerService/.
Mlima’s Tale at Raven Theatre. (Photo by Michael Brosilow)
Even though Chicago’s theater companies, arguably the most in the U.S. at 250, are now shuttered except for virtual experiences, their 2019-20 productions are still being recognized by the Jeff Awards.
Founded in 1968 to note outstanding achievement in categories somewhat similar to the Academy Awards, the Jeff Awards started with recognizing equity productions (operating under union contracts) but added non-equity in 1973.
The Non-Equity Award Nominations were just announced. Each year the plays under consideration are performed from April 1 through the season to March 1.
To be Jeff recommended, Jeff committee members have to see one element of excellence on opening night, then the production can be considered for category nominations. Committee members range from producers, theater educators and scenic designers to playwrights, musicians and theater critics and other professional theater positions. For more information visit JeffAwards/Judging.
The Non-Equity Nominations just announced are for 21 categories that among other segments include new works, musical and play productions, musical and play directors, musical and play lead performers, musical and play supporting performers, solo performers. Nominations also go to such important complementary work as costume and scenic design, choreography and sound and lighting design.
Cast of ‘Head Over Heels,’ a Kokandy Productions show at Theater Wit. (Photo by Michael Brosilow)
You may not be familiar with all the Chicago area’s non-equity theater production companies but hopefully when the COVID-19 threat is over all will reopen and you can experience their stage work.
As an example in the Production – Musical category are Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Black Button Eyes Productions for Ghost Quartet, Underscore Theatre Company for The Ballad of Lefty & Crabbe, BoHo Theatre for Big Fish and Kokandy Productions for Head Over Heels.
In the Production-Play category Raven Theatre has The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, Steep Theatre Company has First love is the Revolution, Lifeline Theatre has Middle Passage, Jackalope theatre Company has PYG or the Mis-Edumacation of Dorian Belle and Griffin theatre company has Mlima’s Tale.
Several production companies are also noted in multiple categories for other shows. Please visit JeffAwards/Non-Equity Nominees to see the entire list.
Cast of ‘Six” at Chicago Shakespeare. (Liz Lauren photo)
As a Chicago theater critic I often receive videos that could be embedded in a review. So I’m going to go back to see if I can retrieve some because they remind us of wonderful moments on stage. But while I’m going through my archives, please take a few minutes to see these clips recently sent to me from Chicago Shakespeare Theater to share with all of you.
Then, to see more of what Chicago Shakespeare is providing everone at home go to ChicagoShakes/plays and events and then click on Shakes@Home in the top left of the banner.
Artistic Director Barbara Gaines said, “Our stages may be dark for now, but we are still here to connect you with the power (and magic) of Shakespeare. Introducing Shakes@Home —a new digital platform that will be updated each week with engaging, original content from our artists and staff. Whether you’re teaching remotely or looking for a fun activity for the family this weekend, we’ve got you covered. Explore education tools, centuries of critical thinking, artistic interpretation, and more. Together, let’s connect, learn something new, and bring the Bard home!”
Chicago Shakespeare Clips
“We’ve gathered some of our favorite Chicago Shakespeare moments in a video playlist to help lift your spirits during these uncertain times. Go ahead: take the stage, “speak the speech,” and sing along!,” said. Barbara Gaines
The Tempest, directed by Aaron Posner and Teller (from Penn & Teller) added magic and physicality to the production.
Six, gone for now to Broadway, will be back as a touring show in Broadway in Chicago.
Macbeth, Aaron Posner and Teller return to direct a remarkable “Macbeth” in 2018.
Madagascar, was a children’s musical that delighted the whole family with the antics of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and some sly Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and some sly, adventure seeking penguins.
Shakespeare in the Park, wouldn’t it be great if Shakespeare in the Park could return this summer.
Theater venues range from Chicago’s Lookingglass theatre in the historic Water Works (top left) and the lyric Opera House, bottom left to Goodman Theatre in a remodeled former movie theater building to the new Yard at Chicago Shakespeare on Navy Pier, bottom right. (J Jacobs photo)
With most Chicago theater productions postponed, audiences should start thinking of all the great entertainment that has been moved to later in the 2020-21 and over to the 21-22 season.
Here are just a few of the productions that audiences can put on their reminder calendar.
Lyric Opera of Chicago
According to Lyric General Director Anthony Freud, the rest of this spring’s offering have been canceled so “42nd Street,” a new-to-Chicago, Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, production conducted by Stephen Mear, will be on stage next spring.
The Midwest premiere of composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist Tazewell Thompson’s “Blue” has been moved to January 2021 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater from this coming May-June’s dates at that venue. A coproduction of Washington National Opera, The Gimmerglass Festival and the Lyric, it will be conducted by Lyric music director designate Enrique Mazzola.
The Lyric Opera House is downtown at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. For more information visit Lyric Opera of Chicago. To see and hear what’s on the Lyric’s blog including clips from operas, go to Lyric Lately.
Steppenwolf Theatre
“King James” by Steppenworlf ensemble member Rajiv Joseph, a coproduction with the Center theatre Group, has been moved to the 2021-22 season from May 7 2020 and will be directed by Artistic director Anna d. Shapiro. The first episode of the “Half Hour Ensemble Podcast begins on April 7 with co-founder Jeff Perry.
Steppenwolf Theatre is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at.1650 No. Halsted St. Chicago. For more information, to also see an interesting, historic video and hear a podcast, and to see free virtual sessions, visit Steppenwolf.
Broken Nose Theatre
A pay-what-you-can production group, Broken Nose Theatre has moved its world premiere of “This is Only a Test” to the 2020-21 season from May 2020. Broken Nose theatre is a resident group of The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.in chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. For more information visit Broken Nose Theatre.
Highly praised “Verbote” ended with the shutdown of Chicago theaters to contain the C-virus. (Photo courtesy of the House theatre)n
Because seeing shows and enjoying entertainment online has become the new norm, the House Theatre of Chicago whose last show before area theaters were closed due to the c-virus was the popular “Verboten,” is re-presenting its 2002 hit production of “The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan.”
The” repeat Pan” can be seen on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The show includes commentary from the original cast.
Artistic Director Nathan Allen characterized the show as “scrappy, and joyous, and crowing in the face of the impossible..”
Adapted by Philip Klapperich from J.M. Barrie’s story, the production was extended several times in 2002.
“We’re going to lean on some of that spirit right now and we hope you’ll join us. As we find ways to keep a light on at The House, we hope we can help you keep a light on too,” said Allen.
Viewers will be able to chat and post comments for the artists and other viewers.
Relive the shows or get to know the artists better in a video the company made for its 40th birthday. (So glad friends dragged us to their shows in a Highland Park church basement and then to their other venues when they moved to Chicago.)
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower. (Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago)
The following is current show information as of March 25, 2020.
“Keane- Cause and Effect Tour, Cadillac Palace Theatre, cancelled.
“My Fair Lady,” Cadillac Palace Theatre, moved to May 12-23, 2021
“What the Constitution Means to Me,” Broadway Playhouse, cancelled.
“Once Upon a One More Time,” James M. Nederlander Theatre, cancelled.
“The Choi of Man,” Broadway Playhouse, moved to Feb. 2-7, 2021.
“The Crown-Live,” Broadway Playhouse, moved to Feb. 23-28, 2021.
“The Office! A Musical Parody,” Broadway Playhouse, moved to Feb. 9-21, 2021.
“The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” CIBC Theatre, moved to Dec. 1-6, 2020.
“Waitress,” CIBC Theatre, moved to Feb. 16-21, 2021.
“Goshen,” Broadway Playhouse, cancelled.
Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards, Broadway Playhouse, cancelled but will take 2020 student submissions and will recognize students virtually and highlight their talent on a virtual stage in “Around Broadway in 80 Days.”
When you need a break from working at home, catching up with spring cleaning because you’re at home, or dashing to the grocery store for comfort food, go to a portal to one of Chicago’s arts organization.
The Art Institute of Chicago, Marriott Theatre and Second City are among those places reaching out with fascinating info, lively videos and home classes.
El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos). The Assumption of the Virgin, 1577–79. The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Nancy Atwood Sprague in memory of Albert Arnold Sprague. (Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago)
Whether you made it to the famed museum before its temporary c-virus closure or not, you still can see and get inside information on some special art works.
The cast of “Kiss Me, Kate, Marriott Theatre’s next show in Lincolnshire, has taped interviews and videos. Visit this youtube channel to see and hear from the artists but also go to the videos on the site that have segments from such recent shows as”Grease.”
Maybe you know that past students of The Second City Training Center include Tina Fey, Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. But even if you don’t aspire to the national comedy limelight, a Second City class would liven up the stay at home experience.
Starting today, March 23, 2020, the Training Center has online classes at different price points and lengths.
“As social distancing separates us physically, we’ve had to improvise the ways we hang out and remain connected. The Second City Training Center immediately rose to the challenge in pioneering new ways, andsays Second City Hollywood Artistic Director Joshua Funk.
Joshua Funk, Second City’s Hollywood Artistic Director, announced that the entire curriculum has been adapted for online compatibility. “Turns out, improv works online! If we all need to hunker down for a while, it’s essential that we are still able to spend time together and laugh,” Funk said.
The faculty in Chicago, Toronto, and Hollywood and over 100 students beta tested the new classes over the last week, according to Abby Wagner, Training Center Vice President. “They’ve proven to be both educational and a true lifeline of communication in these strange and isolating times,” Wagner said.
Classes require Internet and web camera access. Pajamas are optional. Classes ranges from one-time drop-in to 4 weeks and 8 weeks and are for all ages. For more information visit Second City From Your Couch.
Lookingglass Theatre, in Chicago’s Historic Water Works is among the production companies to suspend its current show (J Jacobs photo)
Most show goers know by now that many theaters in the Chicago area have suspended or postponed their current 2020 productions in accordance with state and local recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Ticket holders not sure if the show they were planning to see is currently on, should call the theater to check. Lookingglass Theatre (see photo) was among the latest to cancel its current production.
Given that so many shows have been cancelled or delayed and that going to a show even if it is still on has becomes health risk, the Jeff Awards, a group that usually sends judges to Chicago area’s opening nights, has suspended its judging of productions until May 1.
The organization will re-access the decision on that date if judging should resume.
Even though audiences may attend a show because they are season subscribers or because they are attracted by a production’s theme or title so don’t pay attention to whether the theater or the show receives an award from the Jeff Committee, the production companies, actors and associated directors and designers do care if they receive Jeff recognition.
The Jeff Awards have been recognizing excellent theater (also spelled theatre) productions and individuals since 1968. With approximately 250 theater production companies in the Chicago area, that means attending a lot of shows to nominate and award the ones deemed the best.
Since 1973, awards have not gone to just Equity (union) productions, but are also handed out to nonequity productions.
Anyone visiting the Review section of Theatre In Chicago can see if a show has received the note “Jeff Recommended.” What that means is that a Jeff judge thought that at the opening night performance at least one element was considered excellent. The production is then eligible for award nominations.
Jeff Awards Chairman John Glover explained the decision to temporarily suspend judges’ visits.
“Our social responsibility to the community also includes our own volunteer members. While many of the productions we had planned to attend have been cancelled or postponed, our members are such dedicated theater supporters that many plan, in an unofficial capacity, to evaluate each situation and where possible, pay for and attend local theater when productions are available, in an effort to continue to support the local theaters during this difficult time. I am proud to be part of an organization that is such a champion for theater excellence and the companies that bring it to life,” said Glover.
Cadillac Palace Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago)
Due to safety concerns about the COVID-19 virus, Chicago area production companies, and there are about 250 of them, are busy trying to reschedule shows while canceling some. They are also dealing with options that include taking ticket credits for future performances or donating tickets instead of asking for refunds.
The number of such announcements increases every hour. Here are some of the latest Chicago theater updates.
A Broadway in Chicago statement reads: “The safety and health of our patrons, staff and theatrical companies is our top priority. In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) we will be canceling or rescheduling the following performances:
“The Bachelor Live on Stage” at the Cadillac Palace Theatre is changed to Oct. 10, 2020 “Keane- Cause and Effect Tour” at the Cadillac Palace theatre is cancelled. “My Fair Lady” at the Cadillac Palace theatre has been changed to May 10-23, 2021. (Note different year). Performances of “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Broadway Playhouse are suspended through the end of March. The show may resume from March 31 through April 12, 2020 with reduced seating numbers.
To discuss refunds or exchanges contact point of purchase. So for Ticketmaster call (800) 775-2000, for Broadway in Chicago call Customer Service at 312=977-1702, if a Broadway in Chicago subscriber call (312) 977-1717 or if purchased through Broadway in Chicago Group sales, call (312) 977-1710.
The famed comedy company and venue, operating since 1959, is suspending Chicago performances through March 26 (or until further notice). The company’s statement reads: The Second City will get back to the business of making you laugh just as soon as we can. In the meantime, they will monitor the situation with the CDC and local government and provide updates as they become available.”
Ticket holders can call (312) 337-3992 or chat live at www.secondcity.com. Options will include refunds and also asking patrons to support actors, musicians, hosts, servers, and staff by rescheduling for future shows or putting the balance on a Second City gift card to use towards a future date. Second City Training Center classes remain in session.
Previews of “Hit Her with the Skates” at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., been rescheduled. A coming of age musical starring American Idol couple Diana De Garmo and Ace Young, the show will now premiere April 23, 2020 and previews will resume on April 21. Purchased tickets may be refunded or exchanged.
“Chicago, we are here for you and excited to continue our journey to bring “Hit Her with the Skates” home. Keeping our audience and company members safe is our top priority at this time. Forward Motion!” said Creative Producer Christine Rea. For more information visit www.HitHerWithTheSkates.com.
The venue, a small, historic building with a small seating capacity well under the 250 number mentioned by IL Governor J. B. Pritzker, will currently stay open.
“We know that our patrons are concerned about what the Skokie Theatre is going to be doing relative to the corona virus. It is our plan to remain open for all performances and events until our patrons no longer wish to attend. We are a small venue of only 140 seats and to date, only much larger venues have been cancelling programming,” read a statement from MadKap Production company.
The statement continues with: “We have significantly increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in all public and backstage areas beyond the standard daily schedule, and we have plenty of soap and paper towels, in addition to disinfectant wipes available for your use. We encourage patrons to make use of soap, paper towels, and tissues available in the restrooms. We are cleaning all chair backs and arms rests with disinfectant wipes. We will continue the same precautionary diligence in our bathrooms.”
The venue will accommodate patrons who prefer an even smaller number by exchanging tickets to less attended performances.
Court Theatre in Hyde Park is at the western end of the University of Chicago campus. (J Jacobs photo)
Lights are dimming from the south side’s Court Theatre to the north side’s Raven Theatre, and even to the west suburban Aurora’s Paramount. Due to concerns about COVID-19, the closing announcements came after IL Governor J.B. Pritzker’s edict against gatherings of 1,000 and more people and urging stoppage of smaller gatherings of even 250 people or more.
The Court Theatre canceled the production of “The Lady from the Sea” and postponed performances of “An Iliad.”
“As leadership at the University of Chicago continues to monitor the evolving status of COVID-19 in Chicagoland and across the globe, we at Court Theatre are at a critical moment in our six-decade history,” said a joint statement from Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executvie director Angel Ysaguirre.
The statement continued to say, “Theatre can’t just be seen; it must be felt. It can’t just be watched; it must be experienced. At a time of division, bifurcated attention, and growing anxiety, theatre’s power to create community out of both artists and strangers has a powerful role to play. And yet, that same communal power represents a double-edged sword for any organization striving to prioritize the health, security, and safety of all those who touch its work.”
In addition, Newell and Ysaguirre explained why they made the difficult decision to cancel current shows and postpone decisions about “The Gospel at Colonus” slated for May.
.“According to the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control, many of our patrons and long-term supporters are most at risk of developing serious complications from contracting this virus, a fact we take quite seriously.”
Even though “Lady From the Sea” is cancelled, Court will pay the artists so are asking patrons with those tickets to consider them a donation or credit to a future show. Because “Iliad” is merely postponed, those tickets holders can see it another time. For more information call (773) 753-4472.
Raven Theatre at 6157 N. Clark St.is suspending all shows on its stages including Griffin Theatre Company’s Midwest premiere of Lynn Nottage’s “Mima’s Tale.
“We are, of course, saddened that we are unable to complete the run of Mlima’s Tale, but the health and safety of our artists and patrons are more important during this challenging time. It’s going to be tough few months for Chicago theatre, but we will all get through this together,” said Griffin Artist dDrector Bill Massolia. For Griffin refunds, credits or deductible donation information call (773) 338-2177. Griffin has also cancelled its touring youth production of The Stinky Cheese Man.
Raven’s performances of “A Doll’s House and the children’s production of “Aesop’s Amazing Adventures in the Land of Fables,” have also been suspended.
Raven’s staff explained the actions in the following statement: “The health and safety of our artists and community members is our highest priority. Based on recommendations from Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot, we have made the difficult decision to suspend performances of all productions currently running at Raven Theatre.
“As a small, non-profit arts organization, this hurts. It hurts our hearts to not be able to share our art with you. It also hurts us financially. This is why we are asking you to consider converting the value of your ticket purchases to a tax-deductible donation to our company. Your patience and generosity today will allow us to come back with the artistic vigor you have come to expect from Raven when we are able to return to the stage.”
As with other theatres, Raven has the following options: “If the option to donate is available to you, please contact our box office so we can issue you an acknowledgment letter. Otherwise, you may move your tickets to our upcoming production of Eden Prairie, 1971 (playing May 7 – June 21, 2020), request a refund, call (773) 338-2177 to discuss the options.
Paramount Theatre has canceled the remaining “The Secret of My Success” performances as mandated by Governor J. B. Pritzker, and has postponed but is working on rescheduling “Killer Queen,” “Stomp,” “Straight No” and other of the venue’s shows, according to Paramount President and CEO Tim Rater.
In his statement Rater said the move was “a cautionary measure to help combat the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus).” The statement said that ticket holders to “Success” would receive an account credit to use toward future performances at Paramount Theatre or RiverEdge Park. Ticket holders to postponed shows will be contacted with new dates. In addition, Classic Movie Monday screenings also will not be presented in March or April. For more information call (630) 896-6666.
