Chicago theater-goers need not lament the closing of blockbuster Billy Elliot later this month since November also offers a number of interesting and interactive experiences on and backstage—proving that when angels close a door, they also open a window of theatrical options.
Put the live in Chicago Live! - November 4, 11, 18
Be part of the live audience of Chicago Live!—a weekly stage and radio show featuring top newsmakers in art, entertainment, sports and popular culture. Produced by the Chicago Tribune, in partnership with The Second City, each 60-minute program is taped on Thursday and airs Friday nights on WGN Radio. Comedy sketches about life in Chicago are also performed by The Second City. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast and crew of Chicago Live!, moderated by a guest Chicago Tribune personality. Tickets are $25 for the 6:30 p.m. taping at The Chicago Theatre Downstairs. For more information, call 312-462-6301.
Step in Steppenwolf’s Free Readings - November 5 to 7
Steppenwolf Theater’s First Look Festival of new work opens up the creative process and invites audiences to sit in on free readings of three developmental productions: The Kid Thing by Sarah Gubbins on Friday, November 5 at 3:00 p.m.; 4,000 Miles by Amy Herzog on Saturday, November 6 at 11:00 a.m. and Bethany by Laura Marks on Sunday, November 7 at 12:00 p.m. All performances are in the Upstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf Theater, 1650 N. Halsted Street. Visit www.steppenwolf.org for more information.
Don’t be an Idle Audience, be an Idle Actor - November 6
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at acting, auditions for Idle Muse Theatre Company's production of Dracula, adapted by Steven Dietz and directed by Lenny Wahlberg, take place from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at DePaul. Rehearsals start January 3, 2011; the show runs from February 3 through March 6, 2011. No monologues required, sides will be provided. Contact Lenny Wahlberg at lwahlberg@idlemuse.org for available slots and visit http://idlemuse.org/ for more information.
“Hey, Jude. I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” - November 10
No, The Greatest Band Debate isn’t about Blur vs Oasis. It’s a free event that presents arguments by preeminent music journalists Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis to help you decide whether you’re Team Beatles or Team Rolling Stones. This great debate begins at 7:00 p.m. (with a book signing after) at the Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division Street. RSVP is required by emailing revbookschi@yahoo.com. For additional information, write info@chopintheatre.com or visit www.chopintheatre.com.
Explore Artists of the Past and Purchase Art of Today - now until November 18
Nudes: Women in Art is the theme of Prologue Theatre’s current season featuring productions about women artists from the past as well as offering audiences a way to connect to visual artists of today via its art gallery intermission. Currently running is Dream of a Common Language by Heather McDonald, a drama focusing on fictional female artists of 1870s France who were barred from participating in the planning of the first Impressionist exhibition. The play runs until November 18 at the Oracle Theater, 3809 N. Broadway. Email info@prologuetheatreco.org for showtimes and tickets.
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