The Chicago theater scene is alive and well with exciting productions on the playbill throughout the year. From spectacular blockbuster musicals downtown to fresh exciting works coming out of the Belmont Theater District, not to mention special events and insider backstage tours, the city is bursting with show-stopping performances and experiences. This season is certainly no exception, and here’s what’s happening around town.
Dazzling Productions in The Theatre District
Look no further than the Loop to find an incredible lineup of shows in the Theater District. Broadway in Chicago, offers some of the best seats in the house, bringing entertaining musicals and riveting plays to several of the fine venues in the area. This summer, step inside the gorgeous James M. Nederlander Theatre on W. Randolph Street when the Tony Award-winning Andrew Lloyd Weber musical Cats keeps the “Memory” alive July 16-August 4, 2019. Nearby, the grand Cadillac Palace Theatre presents another classic with the epic French revolutionary saga Les Misérables July 9-27, 2019 and also welcomes the new touring production of The Band’s Visit September 3-15, 2019. Over at the CIBC Theatre, the insanely popular Hamilton will delight audiences through January 5, 2020, while the acclaimed Goodman Theatre brings the laughs with the musical comedy The Music Man June 29-August 11, 2019.
For theatergoers who are interested in getting a behind the scenes look of one of the city’s most famous landmarks, The Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the history, architecture and memorable moments that have taken place here. Just look for the hard-not-to-miss CHICAGO sign that adorns the front of the building on N. State Street.
Entertaining Engagements
Theater fans have a lot to look forward in other parts of the city. Along with the North American premiere of Six, an energetic pop-style concert inspired by the doomed wives of King Henry VIII at its main performance space on Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is expanding its reach with The Comedy of Errors July 18-August 18 as part of the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program.
Not too far from downtown, the Belmont Theater District, which spans the Lakeview and Lakeview East neighborhoods, is a vibrant area with theaters, restaurants, and shops that also happens to hold the distinction of being Chicago’s largest theater district presenting more than 100 shows weekly. From the Alfred Hitchcock-inspired, full length improvised thriller Hitch*Cocktails to the Blue Man Group and everything in between, there is certainly a show worth seeing.
One event you won’t want to miss is the free Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert at Millennium Park on Monday, August 12, 2019. For one night only, theater’s brightest stars will take to the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to sing new and classic show tunes under the beautiful Chicago sky.