Winter ushers in a wide menu of live performances right in the western suburbs
"Mary Poppins" at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace and "The Nerd" at Theatre of Western Springs are two of the entertainment options on area stages this winter season
With the debut of 2020 comes the opening - or continuation - of a number of entertaining and thought-provoking productions at the area's theater venues. From plays to musicals, Shakespeare to Shrek, here are upcoming offerings on local stages for all ages.
The Nerd'
Jan. 16-26
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
(708) 246-4043
https://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
Get ready to laugh when a nice guy from Terre Haute hosts the house guest from hell. Times: 8 p.m. Jan. 16-18 & 23-24; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 25, 2:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Tickets: $22-$24.
'Shrek The Musical'
Jan. 17-26
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
(630) 708-7332
https://www.stagedoorfinearts.com
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, an ogre becomes as unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and more than a dozen other fairy tale misfits and it makes for an irreverent, fun adventure for the whole family. Times: 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays and Saturday, Jan. 25; 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. Tickets: $20.
'Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins'
Through Jan. 19
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
https://www.drurylanetheatre.com
Based on the stories of P.I. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film, this "practically perfect" musical will delight the whole family this holiday season. Lunch- and dinner-theater packages are available at an additional cost. Show times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $60-$75, $55 for senior matinées.
'Jeeves Saves the Day'
Jan. 29-March 1
Mayslake Peabody Mansion
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 986-8067
Jeeves and Bertie are back in this world premiere production as Bertie, once again, finds himself suffering the slings and arrows of misfortune at the hands of his relatives. Caught between the magisterial machinations of his fierce Aunt Agatha and the plaintive pleadings of his cousin Egbert, not to mention the imperious Sir Roderick Glossup - who fully expects his daughter Honoria to save Bertie from his ill-advised bachelorhood - and it's another priceless predicament that only the redoubtable Jeeves can overcome. Times: 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays and Thursday, Jan. 30; 3 p.m. Thursdays & Sundays; 4 p.m. Saturdays, Feb 8-29. Tickets: $34-$44, $29-$39 for seniors and students, $25 for preview shows Jan. 29-31.
'The Cake'
Jan. 30-March 1
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The Buffalo Theatre Ensemble will perform this Bekah Brunstetter play set in Della's bakery in Winston, N.C. When Jen, the girl Della thinks of as her goddaughter asks Della to make her wedding cake, not for one bride but two, it's hard to follow one of her tried and true recipes as faith, family, food and love meet in the mix. The play, from a writer of NBC's hit "This is Us," contains adult themes and language. Time: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $42, $40 for seniors.
'Twelfth Night'
Jan. 31-Feb. 2
Madison Street Theatre
1010 Madison St, Oak Park
(630) 923-5226
https://www.bamtheatre.com
BAMTheatre's production is a rousing contemporary musical adaptation of Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy about mistaken identity and self-discovery. It tells the story of Viola, a young heroine who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is sent to court a countess and falls hard for a Duke. As she navigates this strange and wonderful new land, she finds her true self and true love in the process. Times: 7 p.m. Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2 p.m. Feb. 2. Tickets: $18-$22.
An American In Paris
Jan. 31-March 29
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
https://www.drurylanetheatre.com
Based on the Academy Award winner for best picture, "An American in Paris" brings to the stage breathtaking moments of dance set to the music of George and Ira Gershwin. Come away with Jerry Mulligan, an American GI doing his best to make it as a painter in the bustling city of Paris following the end of World War II. The storied streets of the City of Lights become the dance floor to a ravishing and passionate voyage into art, friendship, and love. Show times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. Tickets: $60-$75, $65-$70 for preview shows Jan. 31–Feb. 6.
'This Side of Heaven'
Feb. 6-8
Elmhurst College Theatre at the Mill
190 Prospect Ave.
(630) 617-3005
https://www.elmhurst.edu/about/special-events/theatre-mill
In a series of vignettes, follow two teenagers as they come to terms with their "new normal" in the face of their now permanent disabilities following a tragic accident. The story of Fever and Chase gives a real and honest impression of what so many face on a day-to-day basis. For tickets, call the number above or send an email to [email protected] Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $7, $6 for seniors.
