Chicago’s Live Performance Scene Heats Up the Winter

The residents of Chicago are no strangers to braving the cold for some entertainment. With several live performance companies having faced challenging times, support from the local community has become crucial. Attendees can look forward to an array of shows to brighten the chilly months ahead.

Comedy and Variety

In the realm of comedy and magic, Chicago offers many choices. Mentalist Kayla Drescher showcases her show 'In Your Head' at Rhapsody Theater, exploring the fascinating themes of expectation and coincidence. Alongside other magical venues like the Chicago Magic Lounge, the city provides a wonder-filled escape for those longing for a sprinkle of fantasy on dreary winter days.

At Corn Productions, 'DRINK! S.A.D.' combines sketch comedy and a drinking game, creating a space for the audience to reflect on mental health themes in a comedic light. And for those starting their Saturday night with flair, the Newport Peek-Easy offers burlesque, drag, and variety performances at the Newport Theater.

Dance Delights

Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater becomes a hub for dance with the LookOut Series, highlighting works from Chicago’s talented dancers and choreographers. The series, fulfilling a community need for rehearsal and performance spaces, enables a diverse array of artists to present established and new works to the public.

Project Bound Dance presents 'Buffering', a thoughtful blend of new and historic works, including pieces from Chicago’s modern dance heritage. Meanwhile, Nejla Yatkin’s 'Ouroboros' at Links Hall offers an intimate solo performance reflecting on the transformative power of dance.

Opera and Classical High Notes

Chicago Opera Theater participates in the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival with Huang Ruo’s puppet opera 'Book of Mountains and Seas'. Terence Blanchard's jazz opera 'Champion' recounts the story of boxing legend Emile Griffith at the Lyric Opera.

Meanwhile, in a futuristic twist, the Auditorium Theatre and Chicago Philharmonic present the film 'Blade Runner' accompanied by a live performance of its iconic score.

Theater Thrives

TimeLine Theatre hosts 'Notes From the Field', a piece on America’s school-to-prison pipeline, while Definition Theatre presents 'Judy’s Life’s Work', addressing themes of family and legacy. Steppenwolf for Young Adults tackles issues of displacement with 'a home what howls', and the Goodman Theatre offers a fresh take on 'Magic Flute'. Jackalope Theatre rounds out the scene with a one-man show, 'The Smuggler', exploring modern struggles.

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