“Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon” wraps up its run at the Apollo Theater on Sunday. Initially, ticket sales were strong, but the show will not continue its extended schedule. However, other cities have shown interest. This week marks the last opportunity for Chicago audiences to experience this well-regarded revue of Burt Bacharach’s songs.
Laurie Metcalf, who recently celebrated a win at the Tony Awards, drew attention by not acknowledging the Steppenwolf Theater Company in her speech, despite thanking her past co-actors. Tension arose from Steppenwolf’s choice not to work with producer Scott Rudin on “Little Bear Ridge Road.” Metcalf requested that Steppenwolf release the rights to the Tony-nominated show, and they complied. Chicago theatergoers hope Metcalf will soon return to Halsted Street.
The Broadway version of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Purpose”, which originated at Steppenwolf, has managed to recoup its $5.25 million investment. This achievement was assisted by the New York State Tax Credit and the show’s record-breaking Broadway run. Steppenwolf, listed as a producer, ensured all investors were reimbursed.
Carrie Coon didn’t win a Tony for her role in “Bug”, but she did present the Regional Theatre Tony Award to American Players Theatre in Wisconsin, which is popular with Chicago theater fans.
In Aurora, Paramount Theatre is restructuring its board, influenced by Mayor John Laesch’s desire to provide more diverse shows and financial stability. New board members include Juan Sifuentes, Diane Lantz, Natasha Prunty, and Christopher Childress. Their fundraising capabilities, a key board responsibility, remain unproven. Beyond these changes, mayoral influence on the Paramount is clearly increasing. The theater’s CEO, Tim Rater, was unavailable for comment.
The League of Chicago Theatres has revived its “Thank You 5” promotion. Through July 3, customers can save $5 at the Hot Tix box office using the promo code THANKYOU5.
Writers Theatre has extended “Leopoldstadt”, now running through August 9. TUTA Theatre also extended “Crime and Punishment” until August 23 due to continuous sellouts.
This weekend, Lookingglass Theatre debuts “Untitled Vampire Play”, and Steppenwolf opens “Catch As Catch Can” featuring Gary Cole.
Chris Jones Recommends:
- “Theater of the Mind” at Goodman, open run at Reid Murdoch Building
- “Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon” until Sunday at the Apollo Theater
- “Job” until July 5 at Writers Theatre
- “Octet” until June 28 at Raven Theatre
- “Pandemonium, Please Hold” open run at Second City Mainstage
- “An Enemy of the People” until June 27 at TimeLine Theatre
- “South Pacific” until June 14 at Paramount Theatre
- “Damn Yankees” until July 5 at Theo Ubique Theatre
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