Theater Takes a Summer Holiday
By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 14, 2006 7:48PM
As its name suggests, Theater on the Lake combines two of our favorite Chicago attractions. There’s nothing quite like seeing a fantastic show after an evening lakefront stroll. But there’s also nothing quite like wondering what the hell you just saw while darting through puddles and thunderstorms to get back to the bus. Thankfully, most of our memories attached to the shed at Fullerton and LSD belong to that first category. And this year’s lineup looks particularly strong. The season kicks off tonight with Porchlight Musical Theatre’s The Secret Garden, a musical that’s actually, no lie, great for the whole family. A new show runs each week for the next nine weeks. Highlights include:
No Danger of the Spiritual Thing: Short Works of Samuel Beckett
The Curious Theatre Branch
June 28-July 2
This program of Beckett’s mind-bending shorts is a rather, um, curious choice for a leisurely lakefront venue, but the show was a hit at the MCA last winter and a subsequent favorite at Prop Thtr.
World Saved: 5 Years of That’s Weird Grandma
Barrel of Monkeys
July 5-9
One of the most charming companies we’ve ever seen, Barrel of Monkeys teaches elementary school kids how to write short works of theater, which they perform as if they were on par with Sondheim and Shakespeare. What’s funnier: a 3rd grader’s tale of Brittney Spears the astronaut or a grown actor portraying said third grader portraying said celebrity astronaut?
Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake)
Dog & Pony Theatre Company
July 12–16
“This is the worst Christmas ever!!” That is, until Mr. Timberlake and Harrison Ford attempt to save the day. Sounds bizarre and hilarious.
Blaxploitation:The Remix
MPAACT
August 2-6
The irreverent forces behind KevINda present sketch comedy set to a hip hop beat.
Theater on the Lake is at Fullerton Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. Performances are Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 6:30 p.m. through August 13, single tickets are $17.50, a 9-show subscription costs $110. More information at (312) 742-7994.