Chicago Theater Openings this September

Can you believe it’s September already? September is a proverbial pu pu platter of amazing theater openings. Here is a list of  just a few of the shows we can’t wait to check out this month.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Drury Lane Oakbrook, September 1 – October 23

The longest running musical revue in history is finally making its way to Drury Lane. Relax in their swanky seats and hum the night away with musical theatre classics.

The Black Slot

Aston Rep at Raven Theatre, September 1 – October 2

A biting new comedy about the hypocrisy in American theatre. Every fall needs a dark comedy that incorporates meta-theatricality and this one is brand spankin’ new.

A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch

The House Theatre of Chicago, September 2 – October 23

A puppet-filled portrait of a prodigy in peril. (Try saying that 10 times fast!) Or, better yet, just get yourself to the newest House Theatre triumph of intimate spectacle.

Naperville

Theater Wit, September 6 – October 16

In Theater Wit’s signature style of smart, taut, productions of compelling new work, Naperville is a play not to miss this fall. Award-winning cast. Award-winning playwright. Award-winning theater. Need we say more?

Grizzly Mama

Rivendell Theatre, September 6 – October 15

This fall is getting political and it’s getting dark. Art mirrors life, eh? Well, Grizzly Mama is a dark comedy about motherhood, murder, and moose.

Julius Caesar

Writers’ Theatre, September 7 – October 23

If you haven’t seen Writers’ Theatre’s new building that’s reason enough to get up there. Here’s another reason: a new adaptation of Julius Caesar in the expert hands of Michael Halberstam and Scott Parkinson.

Mamma Mia!

Paramount Theatre, September 7 – October 30

Do you want to rock out to some ABBA? Yeah, we thought so. So do we.

Helldrivers of Daytona

Royal George Theatre, September 8 – October 30

If dark comedies or thoughtful dramas aren’t tickling your fancy this fall, treat yourself to some loud, big, sexy, hot-rod fun with the new musical Helldrivers of Daytona.

True West

Shattered Globe Theatre, September 8 –  October 22

Shattered Globe does Sam Shepard. This one is a no-brainer. Also, toast. (You’ll get that once you see the play, we swear!)

You On the Moors Now

The Hypocrites, September 9 – October 30

Feminist? Check. Loud and funny? Check. Mythical and surprising and inventive? Check. Check. Check. Our love of The Hypocrites is well-documented and we can’t wait to check out their first show of the season.

Life Sucks

Lookingglass Theatre, September 9 – November 6

Step inside Aaron Posner’s brilliant brainpan and see his brash reworking of Uncle Vanya at Lookingglass Theatre. As they put it, “never has unhappiness been so fun”.

In the Heights

Porchlight Music Theatre, September 9 – October 16

Can’t get tickets to Hamilton? Check out the other little musical Lin-Manuel Miranda won a Tony Award for.

Miss Holmes

Lifeline Theatre, September 9 – October 30

This thrilling world premiere draws characters and inspiration from the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle highlighting two unconventional women trapped in an era that refuses to accept them.

The City of Conversation

Northlight Theatre, September 15 – October 23

This midwest premiere about politics, power, and family struggle is in good hands with esteemed director Marti Lyons and esteemed Northlight Theatre.

Visiting Edna

Steppenwolf Theatre, September 15 – November 6

A Steppenwolf world premiere of a new David Rabe play? Sign us up. Oh, and it’s directed by Anna D. Shapiro? Enough said.

The Bardy Bunch

Mercury Theater, September 15 – November 27

Is this musical exactly what you think it is? Did you think it was a mash-up of a dozen Shakespeare plays, set in the 1970s, and featuring the warring Brady and Partridge families? Yeah, we’re psyched too.

Hand to God

Victory Gardens Theater, September 16 – October 16

According to The New Yorker, Hand to God is “Sesame Street meets The Exorcist”. TL/DR in this sidesplitting and lightning-paced comedy, a satanic sock puppet named Tyrone shows the children, minister, and school bully who’s really in charge.

Also, added bonus, every ticket to the first preview of Hand to God is free and available via the TodayTix mobile lottery.

Hamilton

Broadway in Chicago

Sept 27 – March 19

Oh, this little show. We’ve never heard of it, you? (Just kidding, of course.) The Chicago cast of this sensation is going to be mind blowing and we can’t wait.

Bobbie Clearly

Steep Theatre, September 29 – November 5

Steep Theatre doing a world premiere black comedy with dark subject matter and adult themes? Save us a seat.

Whew! There’s a lot of exciting theatre opening this September. This isn’t even all of it. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and jump into the abundance of fall theatre to experience.