Chicago Music and Theater

MAY BLOSSOMS WITH EXTRAORDINARY THEATER, MUSIC
By Joseph Cunniff​

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CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER now has two outstanding productions: the highly enjoyable “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” directed by Philip Breen, is quite funny with a top-notch cast of twenty-two Shakespearians led by Jason Simon as the rotund, bibulous, and lecherousr knight Sir John Falstaff. Through May 3.
 

And CST is also presenting the wickedly dark new comedy “Fault” by Scooter Pietsch and directed by Jason Alexander, who played the character of “George” on “Seinfeld” to such fame. With Enrico Colatoni and Rebecca Spence as a battling couple after 30 years of marriage, “Fault” runs just 90 minutes and plays through May 24 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand. (312) 595-5600.
 

THEATER WIT: “The Ally” is extending through May 17. Called by many audience members a “must-see, “The Ally” spotlights a college teacher and his wife who find themselves in the middle of some fiercely argued controversies.
 

Strong opinions about what’s happening in Israel and Palestine are debated from several points of view, with academic politics and local town politics also in the mix. The play is written by Itamar Moses and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
 

It is skillfully directed by Jeremy Wechsler with an excellent cast including Evan Ozer, Shaon Culbertson and K. Chinthana Sotakoun, and now plays Thursdays and Fridays at 7, Saturdays at 2 and 7, and Sundays at 2 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Visit theaterwit.org. (773) 975-8150.
 

APOLLO THEATER: “Going Bacharach” is a joyful review with the original Ne York cast and a five-piece band celebrating the delightful and much-loved songs of Burt Bacharach. 
 

How many can you think of? “Alfie,” “Do You Know the Way to Santa Fe?” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head, “Close to You,” “Walk on By,” “What the World Needs Now,” and more. Through May 17 at Apollo Theater Chicago, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave. boxoffice@apollochicago.com. (773) 935-6100.
 

RIVENDELL THEATER, devoted to women’s stories, presents the world premiere of “Do Something Pretty” by Melissa Ross, directed by Jessica Fisch. Set in a small Massachusetts town on a hot August night, a few weeks before school starts, the play presents “three teens trying to navigate their way through the murky patch to adulthood.” Rivendell Theater, 5779 N. Ridge Avenue. (773) 334-7728.
 

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Many people love the thrilling music that Sir William Walton composed fortwo British coronations and for Lawrence Olivier’s film of “Richard III.” Walton isn’t played enough on concert programs, but the CSO will play his Symphony No. 1 at 7:30 May 7, 8, and 9. 
 

The unusual program includes Joyce DiDonato singing Lieberson’s “Neruda Songs” and Barber’s First Essay for Orchestra. Edward Gardner conducts. (312) 294-3000.
 

THE JAZZ SHOWCASE: This writer had been impressed hearing the saxophonist Vincent Herring on the jazz station WDCB, 90.9 FM or over wdcb.org. 

I had also read about Herring in Downbeat Magazine, to which I subscribe, but I had never seen him in person.
That’s why I especially welcomed seeing him at the Showcase with the also terrific saxophonist Eric Alexander and the terrific pianist Reginald Thompson the stalwart the drummer George Fludas. A memorable set.
 

May at the Showcase will bring the stellar quartet of saxophonist Donald Harrison Quartet May 7 through 10. 806 S. Plymouth Court. jazzshowcase.com (312) 360-0234.
 

Have a beautiful May!