Chicago Music and Theater

OCTOBER BRINGS AWESOME MUSIC AND THEATER
By Joseph Cunniff

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Following is a look both forward and back to some of the best in Chicago music and theater.

 

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: The fabulous Finn Klaus Makela leads a program including Stravinsky’s “Petrouchka” and Walton’s thrilling oratorio “Belshazzar’s Feast” Oct. 8-9. (312) 294-3000.

 

LYRIC OPERA kicks off the new season with Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” conducted by Enrique Mazzola, directed by Robert Falls, and starring a cast including Christian Van Horn October 10, 13, 15, 24, and 30 at 7 with 2 p.m. matinees Oct. 18, 21, and Nov. 1. Kyle Ketleson sings the Don Oct. 30 and Nov. 1. Lyricopera.org. (312) 827-5600.

 

JOFFREY BALLET performed a fascinating “Liliom” with choreography and costumes by John Neumeier, a richly rewarding score by film great Michel Legrand, brilliant dancing, and fine playing by the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Led by Nicholas Koo, with theRob Parton Big Band. The scenes with the ballons seeming to lift dancers up were particularly striking.

 

Joffrey is now preparing for “The Nutcracker” starting December 4. patronservices @joffrey.org. (312) 386-8905. 

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER is presenting a hugely enjoyable show, “Play On,” which weds the irresistible music of Duke Ellington to a story based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” With a swinging six piece live band, dances including tap by Edgar Godineeaux, well-played comic characters including Alan H. Green and Krystal Joy Brown, with a witty book by Cheryl L. West conceived and directed by Sheldon Epps, this toe-tapping show is delightfulfrom beginning to end. Through Oct. 18 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800E. Grand. www.chicagoshakes.com (312) 595-5600.
   
KOKANDY PROUCTIONS’ hit production of Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece “Sunday in the Park with George” is playing through Nov. 1. Based on the making of Georges Seurat’s world famouspaining“A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” the show features powerful performances led by Kevin Webb and Missy Wise Vandersee. With direction by Derek Van Barrnham, music direction by Nick Sula, and a remarkable five-piece band led by Evelyn Ryan, the show is extraordinary.

 

Through Nov. 1 at the quaint Chopin Theater at 1543 W. Division at Ashland, in the old Polish neighborhood where Nelson Algren once lived. There are plentiful bottles of Polish beer, which I recommend, available in the cooler. Kokandyproductions.com (773) 278-1500.

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LOOKINGGLASS THEATER is presenting “Kowalski,” an ingeniously conceived play by Gregg Ostrin about the first meeting of Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando, who would thereafter influence American acting styles with his portrayal of Standly Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

 

Johnny Galecki is superb as Williams, with strong support by Jacob Moskovitz as Brando, Alllison Krimitas as agent Margo Jones, Elle Ricker as Jo, and Reece Dos Santos as Pancho. 
 
I loved the scenic designs of a mid-century seaside bungalow by David GalloWith top direction by Colin Hanlon,I enjoyed every minute of this play. Through Oct. 25 at Lookingglass Theater, in the historic Water Tower Water Works at 163 E. Pearson. Lookingglasstheeatre.org. (312) 337-0665.
   
VICTORY GARDENS THEATER is presenting “The Humanities,” a provocative ad thought-provoking play by Zayd Ayers Dohrn which explores  the issues of the day, protest, the world of academia, and more in a hard-hitting and exciting play featuring outstanding performances by Steve Pickering, Daniil Krimer, Derek Sanders III, Ernest Bentley, Naomi Evans, Sabine Wan, and more.

Directed by Edward Torres, through Oct. 4 at Victory Gardens Theater in the Biograph at 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue. boxoffice@victorygardens.org. (773) 871-0682.

 

STEPPENWOLF THEATER presents “Topdog/Underdog,” the Pulitzer-Prize winning play by Suzan-Lori Parks, a searing drama focusing on two poverty-stricken brothers, played by Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood. Directed by Kenny Leon, the play is sometimes funny, ultimately jolting, and offers plenty to think about.

 

Through Nov. 1 at the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted. steppenwolf.org. (312) 335-1650.