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Chicago Local Theater Spring Preview

When considering your next performing arts venue, the following list of Chicago theaters are sure to provide a most delightful experience this spring, with memorable performances that will linger in your imagination.
Joffrey Ballet - Spring Desire
(credit: The Joffrey Ballet/Facebook)

"Spring Desire"
Auditorium Theatre
50 E Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-2110
auditoriumtheatre.org

Date: April 25 through May 6th
Price: $25 - $149
Click here for a calendar of events.

A landmark theatre of spectacular architectural achievement, The Auditorium is aesthetically breathtaking and spans a history of over 100 years in the making. As part of Roosevelt University this spacious theatrical venue is well known for it's superb acoustics, and continues to host some of the most talented performers of our time, from legendary musicians to classic ballets and famous operas. In keeping with it's fine tradition of excellence, the Auditorium is committed to a high level of programming that audiences will continue to enjoy for years to come. Upcoming this season is Joffrey Ballet's exquisite World Premier of "Spring Desire," with beautifully choreographed performance variations of "Into the Night" and "Age of Innocence."

Goodman Theatre
(credit: Goodman Theatre/Facebook)

"The Iceman Cometh"
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 443-3800
goodmantheatre.org

Date: April 21 - June 10th
Price: $44 - $115
Click here for a calendar of events.

A pioneer in the industry, the Goodman Theater was established as an endowment to the Art Institute of Chicago. The gift was in remembrance of Kenneth Sawyer Goodman who died of the influenza by his parents who wished to memorialize their son's passion for the arts. An award-winning regional theater of international acclaim, The Goodman has since been renovated and continues to thrive at it's new location in the heart of downtown Chicago. A favorite among the great lineup of shows is Eugene O'Neill's dramatic masterpiece "The Iceman Cometh," directed by Robert Falls. The epic play is about a traveling salesman who undergoes a significant shift in perception, nearly unrecognizable to his old friends at the saloon where all the action takes place. The protagonist's attempt to impart a newfound wisdom on life fuels conflict and reveals the powerful effect of resistance to change.

Related: Best Chicago Neighborhood Theaters

Time Stands Still
(credit: steppenwolf.org)

"Time Stands Still"
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 335-1650
steppenwolf.org

Date: Now through May 13th
Price: $45 - $65
Click here for a calendar of events.

One of the most exciting theatre companies in Chicago, Steppenwolf is renowned for its highly imaginative ensemble work and unique interpretation of scripted material. Since its inception, the venue has catapulted to fame with professional actors who have learned to trust their creative instincts in portraying memorable characters who reflect the conflicted values of contemporary society. Currently showing in the Upstairs Theater through May 13 is the riveting performance of "Time Stands Still," the story of a war-zone photojournalist who returns home after surviving a bomb blast, and the inner turmoil she experiences in re-acclimating to normal life.

A Little Night Music
(credit: writerstheatre.org)

"A Little Night Music"
Writers Theatre
325 Tudor Ct
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 242-9730
writerstheatre.org

Date: May 1 through July 8
Price: $60 - $70
Click here for a calendar of events.

Celebrating it's 20th anniversary season on Chicago's north shore, Writer's Theatre specializes in evoking the power and beauty of language in an intimate setting to bring a story to life. The effect is to immerse the audience in the performance, to literally transport a viewer in the moment. The venue initially began producing shows in their bookstore and has garnered unprecedented success over the years, expanding to the elegant Tudor Court theatre formerly known as the Women's Library Club. A recommended upcoming show is Stephen Sondheim's Tony award-winning "A Little Night Music." A delightful turn of the century play set in Sweden, the musical is about the adventures of Desiree, a young woman who men find irresistible.

Sky's the Limit
(credit: secondcity.com)

"Sky's the Limit"
Second City
1616 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 789-5559
www.secondcity.com

Date: Now through May 5
Price: $23 - $28
Click here for a calendar of events.

The Second City is a multi-faceted, cabaret-style theatre in Chicago that developed through a series of experimental game exercises in the late 1950's. The improvisational technique was introduced by innovator Viola Spolin and was designed to encourage spontaneity in an effort to evoke real-life comedic responses. As the idea caught on, stars such as John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd emerged to establish and further expand Second City to Los Angeles and Toronto. Now in it's 50th year of hearty laughs, the venue is a popular destination for fun-seeking theatre patrons. A must-see show this season is the award-winning presentation of  "Sky's the Limit." Currently showing through May 5, this is a hilarious overview of political correctness in today's society based on our forecast of favorable or inclement weather conditions.

Related: Best Broadway Theaters in Chicago

Magdalene is from Chicago and very pleased to be a CBS Contributor. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and has written a few screenplays as well as a selection of short stories and poems.  Maggie recently edited a University student writing journal as part of her internship toward an online Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing.  She is currently working on her first fictional novel. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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