The newly established Obama Presidential Center invites you to a free sing-along screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway sensation ‘Hamilton.’ This screening is part of its ‘You Are America’ series, which honors the 250th anniversary of America. This marks the first outdoor ‘Movies on the Plaza’ event, with reservations available at obama.org. Disney’s ‘Encanto,’ featuring music by Miranda, will follow on August 11.
Recent layoffs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater have affected positions within the casting office and other areas. A spokesperson mentioned these changes were necessary to align for the next season. While some roles were eliminated, new ones were added in development, indicating only a slight reduction in total employee count. Negotiations regarding rent with its Navy Pier landlord are currently underway.
Construction on the new studio space at Black Ensemble Theater is progressing. Located on the second floor of its current building at 4450 N. Clark St., the project includes a black-box theater and a rehearsal room. Founder Jackie Taylor expects the space to open in October and will feature new plays and musicals.
Former Steppenwolf Theatre artistic director Anna D. Shapiro will direct Richard Greenberg’s ‘Three Days of Rain’ featuring François Arnaud, David Corenswet, and Yvonne Strahovski on Broadway in February. The Shubert-owned theater venue is yet to be announced. The play was previously directed by Shapiro at Steppenwolf in 1999 with a well-known cast.
The Hand & The Eye, a newly opened magic club and theater in the former Lowry’s the Prime Rib building, offers an affordable off-peak option. This includes a performance featuring three magicians and a walkthrough of the venue. This happy hour event is available on Friday afternoons through Labor Day for $65, excluding cocktails.
‘Paranormal Activity,’ a Broadway show by Levi Holloway that premiered at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is set to officially open on Broadway on August 25. Previews will start on August 14 at the August Wilson Theatre.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater has welcomed eight new trustees, including former TCG president Ben Cameron.
Lyric Opera of Chicago has appointed Kate Brueggemann as its new chief development officer, transitioning from her previous role at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
The Paramount Theatre in Aurora begins its season in September with ‘Mean Girls.’ Directed by Devon Hayakawa, the cast includes Elizabeth Stenholt as Cady Heron among others. The opening night is set for September 4.
Filming is underway this summer for ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.’ The Hallmark Channel features Chicago actors in Bears gear in the production, possibly filming at Soldier Field or other locations in the area.
Upcoming shows recommended by critic Chris Jones include ‘Theater of the Mind’ at the Goodman, ‘Job’ at Writers Theatre, ‘Octet’ by Raven Theatre, ‘Pandemonium, Please Hold’ at Second City Mainstage, ‘Damn Yankees’ at Theo Ubique Theatre, ‘Leopoldstadt’ at Writers Theatre, ‘Untitled Vampire Play’ at Lookingglass Theatre, ‘Champions of Magic’ at the Studebaker Theater, ‘A Little Night Music’ at the Marriott Theatre, and ‘Iceboy!’ at the Goodman Theatre. For inquiries, reach out to Chris Jones at [email protected].