Theaterfanchicago

Theaterfanchicago Love all things theater! (Chicago and the suburbs)
Also a fan of pups

09/06/2026

What if you could step inside a painting?

Kokandy Productions’ Sunday in the Park with George brings Seurat’s masterpiece to life in a gorgeous, visually striking production at the Chopin Theatre.

With beautiful performances, stunning lighting, and creative use of the Chopin’s basement space, this production captures the musical’s exploration of art, love, and perspective in a way that feels completely its own.

And whether you see the principal cast or an understudy stepping into the role, there’s something special happening on this stage.

Sunday in the Park with George runs through November 1st at the Chopin Theatre.

Thank you for having me Kokandy Productions - Chicago

Production photo credit: Evan Hanover

08/31/2026

Joan Crawford Goes to Hell by Hell in a Handbag puts three versions of the Hollywood icon onstage.

The result is a deliciously theatrical way to revisit one of Hollywood’s most fascinating and complicated figures.

As part of Hell in a Handbag’s 25th anniversary, you can catch this production through September 27th at The Clutch.

Thank you for having me Hell in a Handbag Productions !

Production photos credit: Rick Aguilar Studios

08/28/2026

Finally checked Ragtime off my theater list — and I’m so glad I did.

This production at Beverly Arts Center brings together three very different stories against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, creating a powerful look at race, immigration, class, family, and the American Dream.

The large cast works beautifully together, the vocals are consistently strong, and Jana Anderson’s costumes were a standout for me.

Ragtime runs through Sunday, August 30th at Beverly Arts Center.

Thank you for having me Beverly Arts Center !

08/28/2026

Calling all rock ’n’ roll fans…

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story is bringing Buddy Holly’s biggest hits to the stage — and it’s a whole lot of fun!

Think live music, classic rock ’n’ roll, and the story behind one of music’s most iconic performers.

📍 Drury Lane Theatre | Oak Brook, IL
📅 Playing through October 18

Put this one on your theatre list!

Thank you for having me Drury Lane Theatre & Events

08/27/2026

That’s Weird, Grandma’s 25th Birthday is currently playing at the Neo-Futurist Theater in Chicago, IL.

This year marks the 25th year Playmakers Laboratory celebrates the students they work with by taking the students’ work and the PML ensemble of the brings it to life on stage. PML works with students in Chicago Public Schools and through Park District Programs with creative writing residencies.

It is currently playing Saturdays and Sundays through Sept 6th. You need to see these students’ creativity brought to life by PML for yourself!

Thank you for having me Playmakers Laboratory Theatre

Production photos credit: Evan Hanover

08/25/2026

Looking for something fun to do with your little ones? The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan is bringing theater for the very young to Chicago parks!

Presented by Kerfuffle and Rabbit Foot Puppetry, this show is created especially for ages 0–6 and is designed to be an engaging, welcoming theater experience for little ones.

Another amazing part? It’s FREE! You just need to reserve your spots online in advance.

📍 Remaining performances:

• 8/25, 5:30 PM — Humboldt Park
• 8/26, 5:30 PM — (George) Lane Beach Park
• 8/27, 5:30 PM — Sherman Park
• 8/28, 5:30 PM — Marquette Park
• 8/29, 10:30 AM — Ward (A. Montgomery) Park
• 9/1, 5:30 PM — Leone Beach Park

Thank you to Kerfuffle for letting me know about this production, and to Josh Bernaski for the production photos!

08/23/2026

Gus and Alice have spent years building a life together, complete with routines, inside jokes, game nights, “tea” dates with friends, plenty of opinions about cats and gluten, that scores tons of laughter from the audience.

But when Alice suggests they sell their house and move into a retirement community, their comfortable routine suddenly gets turned upside down.

Gus and Alice is a funny, heartfelt look at growing older, changing together, and figuring out what the next chapter of life might look like. At its heart, it’s a story about companionship, independence, and finding plenty of reasons to laugh along the way.

The final performance is today, Sunday August 23rd at 3p at Greenhouse Theater!

Thank you for the ticket Kris!

08/22/2026

Five plays inspired by current headlines in the newspaper come to life in unexpected ways at Jackalope Theatre Company’s 17th Annual Living Newspaper Festival.

The Festval runs through August 24th and tickets are nearly sold out!

Thank you for having me Jackalope Theatre and Shout Chicago

Production photos thanks to Joel Maisonet/Maisonet Photography

08/18/2026

If you love an early 2000s rom-com with a Pride and Prejudice twist, add I Love You Because to your theater list!

This modern musical follows four singles navigating dating, friendship, bad advice, misunderstandings, and the search for Mr. Right — with plenty of laughs and catchy music along the way.

I especially loved Maxwell J. DeTogne as Jeff Bennet and Kristin Brintnall as Diana Bingley. Their vocals, chemistry, and comedic timing were definite standouts for me!

And can we talk about that colorful set by Bob Knuth? The bright boxes, quirky knick-knacks, and seamless lighting transitions made it so much fun to look at. Also, that poodle lamp? LOVE!

I Love You Because runs at Oil Lamp Theatre, in Glenview, IL through September 13!

Thanks for having me, Oil Lamp Theater!

Production photos credit: Gosia Photography

08/15/2026

West Side Story is now playing thanks to Music Theater Works, bringing the classic Romeo and Juliet-inspired musical to life with Leonard Bernstein’s iconic score and Stephen Sondheim’s unforgettable lyrics.

Set in 1950s New York City, the story follows Tony and Maria, who fall in love despite being caught between two rival street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. As tensions between the groups escalate, their relationship is put to the ultimate test.

West Side Story runs through August 30th at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL.

Thank you to Music Theater Works for having me!

Production photo credit: Brett Beiner

Music Theater Works

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325 Tudor Court
Glencoe, IL
60022

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