Best 2015 Spring Theater Productions In Chicago
After a long winter of shoveling snow and griping about the cold, you're probably ready to head outdoors and see a live performance in Chicago's famed theatre scene. But what should you see? There's a lot more than "The Book of Mormon" playing in the Chicago area. From an adaptation of a classic novel to musicals, there are numerous productions scheduled to open in the Windy City and surrounding suburbs in the next few months. Purchase your tickets in advance and plan to catch a production of the following shows. For an additional list of plays staged in Chicago, check out this article.
'Billy Elliot: The Musical'
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 530-0111
www.drurylaneoakbrook.com
Date: April 1 - June 7, 2015
The Tony Award-winning musical "Billy Elliot" is coming to the Chicago area this spring. The production, which runs April 10 through June 7, 2015, is based on the award-winning film and features music by Elton John. This inspirational story about a young boy determined to dance kicks off the Drury Lane Theatre's 2015-2016 season, which also includes productions of "Beaches," "Peter and the Star Catcher," "White Christmas: The Musical" and "Bye Bye Birdie." It's worth noting the play is recommended for ages 13 and up, as noted on the theatre's website.
'Carousel'
Lyric Opera of Chicago
20 N. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 827-5600
www.lyricopera.org
Date: April 10 - May 3, 2015
If your favorite songs from a musical include "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "If I Loved You," then listen up because this spring you can add "See a musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein" to your list by catching "Carousel." The cast includes Steven Pasquale, Laura Osnes, Denyce Graves and Jenn Gambatese. The production runs from April 10 through May 3, 2015, at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Keep in mind Lyric Opera is right in the Loop, so allow extra travel time.
'Disney's Beauty And The Beast'
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 977-1700
www.broadwayinchicago.com
Date: March 25-29, 2015
If you know every word to "Be Our Guest," then consider picking up tickets to "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" at Cadillac Palace Theatre. The Broadway musical runs in Chicago from March 25 through 29, 2015. Heads up: The play has a run time of just over two hours and includes an intermission. Keep in mind the theatre is near plenty of restaurants and bars for a pre- or post-show snack or drink. You can also opt to take public transportation right to the show.
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'The Herd'
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 335-1650
www.steppenwolf.org
Date: April 2 - June 7, 2015
If family-centric plays are your thing, then consider getting tickets to "The Herd" at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The play runs April 2 through June 7, 2015, and is directed by the Tony Award-winner Frank Galati. The cast includes Cliff Chamberlain, Audrey Francis and John Mahoney. Steppenwolf Theatre Company also offers special performances during the play's run, with American Sign Language interpretation available during the performance on May 10, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., and open captioning available during the performance on May 23, 2015, at 3 p.m. An audio description and touch tour is also available on May 24, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
'Sense And Sensibility'
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier
800 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-5600
www.chicagoshakes.com
Date: April 18 - June 7, 2015
Calling all Jane Austen fans. If you're looking for a play that's most likely up your alley, then consider getting tickets to the world premiere musical of "Sense and Sensibility." Based on Austen's classic novel, the play tells the story of sisters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood as they look for love. Directed by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Creative Director Barbara Gaines, the play runs April 18 through June 7, 2015. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre also offers pre-ambles with scholarly discussions of the play prior to select performances.
Related: 2013 Chicago Spring Theatre Preview
Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
