Photo: Courtesy of Goodman Theatre
The Jungle Book is on stage at the Goodman Theatre through early August.
AIN’T NO CRYIN’ IN THE BLUES: IN MEMORY OF HOWLIN WOLF
Through 8/11 When Rick Stone first took the stage as the blues legend, it caused a sensation. This month, he returns to his famed role. $49–$65. Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N Clark. blackensembletheater.org.
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Through 10/6 Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s highly irreverent Tony-sweeping musical skewers Mormon missionaries. $42–$117. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W Monroe. broadwayinchicago.com.
A COLE PORTER SONGBOOK
Through 9/1 The director Fred Anzevino takes on the voluminous catalog of Cole Porter hits. Theo Ubique has a proven track record with revues, so Porter ought to be in good hands here. $20–$59. Theo Ubique at No Exit Cafe, 6970 N Glenwood. theo-u.com.
FRIDAY NIGHT JAMS–THE TRAMAINE EXPERIENCE: AN URBAN DRAMEDY
7/12 at 7, 9 With a showbiz career that ranges from dance performances with Lady Gaga and John Travolta, to classical theater roles, Tramaine Montell Ford has travelled a long way from his Cabrini-Green roots. That journey takes center stage in his solo show, which covers his ascent from one of the country’s most notorious public housing projects to the footlights of off-Broadway. $15. Presented by Mpaact at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln. greenhousetheater.org, mpaact.tix.com.
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE
Through 8/11 Joe DiPietro’s hetero ode to dating, marriage, babies, and funerals (in that order) isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but the tunes are innocuously catchy. Director-choreographer Matt Raftery helms a cast that includes musical theatre veterans Kelly Anne Clark, Alex Goodrich, and Bernie Yvon. $40–$55. Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, 10 Marriott, Lincolnshire. marriotttheatre.com.
THE JUNGLE BOOK
Through 8/11 Mary Zimmerman and music director Doug Peck fastidiously adapted Rudyard Kipling’s tale of the jungle, traveling to India twice and excising the more troubling (read: racist) components of the classic story. $41–$125. Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn. goodmantheatre.org.
SHREK THE MUSICAL
7/13–9/1 Rachel Rockwell directs a kid-friendly 75-minute musical version of the DreamWorks animated film. $18–$25. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand. chicagoshakes.com.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
7/11–8/18 The travails of six overachieving students are fodder for laughs and life lessons in this one-act musical conceived by Rebecca Feldman, William Finn (music and lyrics), and Rachel Sheinkin (book). $38–$42. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge, Munster, Ind. theatreatthecenter.reachlocal.com.
More events:
Museums | Art Galleries | Festivals | Gardens, Parks, and Zoos
Theatre: Musicals | Dance | Theatre: Dramas | Theatre: Comedies