Curtains are Rising in the Belmont Theater District
After being closed for more than a year, numerous theaters in the Belmont Theater District have reopened. More than a dozen shows, including long-running musicals, new plays, and several productions that began previews before the pandemic, but had not yet made it to opening night, have announced their plans. Below is a preview of announced performances with links to purchase tickets. For a full list of events and shows, visit www.btdchicago.com.
Mr. Burns - A Post-Electric Play
Venue: Theater Wit
Theater Wit presents Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play by Anne Washburn, music by Michael Friedman, and directed by Jeremy Wechsler. Afterlife, as we know it, has ended, small bands of survivors band together to keep the pilot light of civilization burning. Their path to redemption is as unexpected as it is inevitable.
This unique and prescient theatrical experience is one of the most popular shows in Theater Wit’s history. Don’t miss it! Playing now through October 31st!
Blue Man Group
Venue: Briar Street Theatre
Theatrical phenomenon Blue Man Group is back in its Chicago Residency at Lakeview’s Briar Street Theatre. Blue Man Group is a dynamic combination of art, music, comedy, and technology, known for its award-winning theatrical productions, iconic characters, and multiple creative explorations.
35 million people of all ages, languages, and cultures know what Blue Man Group is really about. Now it’s your turn.
This Wide Night
Venue: Shattered Globe Theatre
Shattered Globe Theatre, in association with Interrobang Theatre Project, is pleased to welcome back audiences this fall with the Chicago premiere of Chloë Moss’s drama This Wide Night, directed by ITP Artistic Director Georgette Verdin, playing October 8 – November 13, 2021, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. This Wide Night will feature Aila Ayilam Peck+ and Linda Reiter*.
Lorraine, released from prison after twelve years inside, treks to her former cellmate Marie’s new flat. Marie, dodgy and ashamed of their shared past, hesitate to welcome Lorraine back into her life. But no one makes Marie laugh like Lorraine. Can two friends, uniquely bonded by their former circumstances, find belonging in each other once more?
This gutsy story of female friendship and winner of the 2009 Susan Smith Blackburn prize is inspired by real accounts of women in a UK prison. This Wide Night holds and humanizes two formerly incarcerated women in an isolated studio that may or may not be equipped for real freedom.
12 Angry Pigs
Venue: Athenaeum Theater
Moon Jumpers Ensemble presents 12 Angry Pigs: The Trial of The Big Bad Wolf! The pigs of the jury have heard the closing arguments, and now have to decide whether the Big Bad Wolf toppled two of the pigs’ houses by accident, or did he huff and puff and blow them down intentionally, committing destruction of property?
Join them in this hilarious one-act parody of “12 Angry Men” written by Wade Bradford. Now playing in the Athenaeum Studio! All Ages show. The performance lasts 40 minutes without intermission.
Hot Clown Sex: The Second Coming
Venue: Newport Theater
Fun! Laughter! Cream pies!? The Hot Clowns are back, and whether it’s because you’re turned on, laughing too hard, or sitting in our splash zone, you’re probably going to get wet.
A variety show created entirely by clowns, Hot Clown Sex explores the awkward, messy, and hilarious parts of sex and love in one of the liveliest shows Chicago has to offer.
Sister Act
Venue: Mercury Theater
Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.
Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is a reason to REJOICE!