Theater Thu Aug 20 2015

Theatre Thursdays: A New Way to Get Involved in Chicago Theater

By Jen Kraakevik

As much as I love theater, I haven't ever really immersed myself in it. Theater can bring every art form together with actors, improv, music and dance, costumes, sound and set design. There is so much to notice with every step of the performance, so much to appreciate in every production. So much I feel I am missing out on.

Even if you aren't an experienced theatergoer, this is the best time (for both of us) to get involved. Starting Thursday, September 10, the League of Chicago Theatres will re-launch Theatre Thursdays. One Thursday a month, a world-premiere production will be featured to highlight the incredibly bold, rare work that takes place year-round in the Chicago area.

Theatre Thursdays will give Chicagoans and tourists a chance to experience Chicago theater. They will meet artists and learn about the process of creating and implementing a new play. Each event will not only be a never-seen-before opportunity, but there will also be pre-show receptions where theater-appreciators are able to meet artists, ask questions and make the connections to real-world theater.

Sponsored by the Chicago Reader and Sun-Times Splash, the League of Chicago Theatres will re-launch Theatre Thursdays with the premiere of The Revel. staged by the House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park. Here's the run-down of the next 12 months of Theatre Thursdays.

September 10, 2015: The Revel — The House Theatre of Chicago in Wicker Park
"Soul-quenchin' revival in music and spirits" written by Damon Kiely

October 8, 2015:, The Cheats — Steep Theatre in Edgewater
Actor Hamish Linklater's new script following his playwriting debut, The Vandal

November 5, 2015:, Pilgrim's Progress — A Red Orchid Theatre in Old Town
Hilarious, dark family comedy written by ensemble member Brett Neveu

December 10, 2015:, Bel Canto — Lyric Opera of Chicago in downtown Chicago
Powerful opera based on best-selling novel by Ann Patchett, a hostage crisis turned opera

January 28, 2016:, Another Word for Beauty — Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago
Haunting and soulful examination of women trapped within prison walls — think "Orange in the New Black" with music

February 11, 2016:, Interrogation — The Artistic Home in West Town
Scott Woldman produces a dark comedy of broken family life directed by Scott Westerman

March 3, 2016:, Midnight Cowboy — Lifeline Theatre in Rogers Park.
Needing real connections, the reality of the isolation of 20th century lifestyle, adapted from 1965 novel by James Leo Herlihy.

April 7, 2016:, Hillary and Clinton — Victory Gardens Theater in Lincoln Park
Political storm directed by Chay Yew, explores what sacrifices are needed to gain power in politics

May 12, 2016:, Death of a Streetcar named Virginia Woolf: A Parody — Writers Theatre and The Second City at Writers Theatre in Glencoe
Performed in Writers Theatre's new Gillian Theatre, a satire recognizing American drama icons

June 16, 2016:, Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure — Lookingglass Theatre on Michigan Avenue
Slapstick, song, dance, burlesque, and friendship written by ensemble member Kevin Douglas

July and August 2016: — TBD

Additional information about Theatre Thursdays is available on the LCT website. Please note that Theatre Thursday event information and dates are subject to change.

As soon as I read about it, I rearranged my schedule to make sure I can make it to the first production of Theatre Thursdays. Email sent to boss, ticket bought, commitment made. I hope you'll join me.