This spring, Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents an exciting array of productions, including 'Sunny Afternoon,' a musical celebrating The Kinks' rise to fame, 'Frankenstein,' a unique retelling by A.B.L.E., 'Hymn,' a play delving into male friendship, and '42 Balloons,' a musical inspired by an unbelievable true story. Each event offers engaging narratives and stellar performances, inviting audiences to explore themes of ambition, camaraderie, and the human spirit.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Diverse Spring Lineup: Rock, Dreams, and Friendship

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is set to dazzle audiences with a diverse lineup of performances in the upcoming months. From a musical tribute to rock legends The Kinks in 'Sunny Afternoon,' to the international stage with 'Kyoto' in London, and a punk-infused take on 'Frankenstein,' the theater promises a range of captivating shows. Additionally, the emotional narrative of 'Hymn' and the whimsical adventure of '42 Balloons' ensure there is something for everyone. Each production showcases unique storytelling, talented performers, and creative visions that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater: From Rock Legends to Punk Frankenstein

This spring, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is setting the stage for a season filled with inspiring narratives and captivating performances. From the rock 'n' roll journey of The Kinks in 'Sunny Afternoon' to a heartfelt exploration of male friendship in 'Hymn,' the theater promises a diverse lineup. Other highlights include Shakespearean drama across the pond in 'Kyoto,' a punk twist on 'Frankenstein,' and a whimsical flight in '42 Balloons.' Get ready for a theatrical experience that celebrates the timeless art of storytelling.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater: A Season of Iconic Stories and Performances

Join the Chicago Shakespeare Theater as they cross the pond for a special performance at Soho Place in London on March 24, 2025. Known for their captivating renditions of the Bard's classics, this esteemed US theater company is sure to delight with a night of high-caliber performance. The curtain rises at 7:30 PM, promising an evening filled with dramatic tension, poetic language, and the timeless themes that have made Shakespeare's works enduringly popular. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see one of Chicago's finest theater companies on the international stage. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster. For more information, visit chicagoshakes.com.

Kyoto

@sohoplace

From working-class London lads to rock ‘n’ roll icons, The Kinks exploded onto the ‘60s music scene with a raw, energetic new sound that rocked a nation and changed the industry forever. The story of the band’s atmospheric rise to fame is told through their own prolific catalog of hit songs, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night”—all performed live onstage by the actors. You’ll be rocking out in your seat with a live concert experience of the irresistible music that inspired generations. With an original story, music, and lyrics by The Kinks’ legendary Ray Davies and a script by Joe Penhall, this award-winning new musical makes its North American Premiere directed by Artistic Director Edward Hall, whose UK debut production took the West End by storm.

EPSG:4326

Sunny Afternoon

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

From Peru, a joyful celebration of self-expression. Blending Shakespeare’s text with personal anecdotes from their lives, a group of young performers with Down syndrome take the stage in a lively and profound theatrical experience. Presented in partnership with the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), CST welcomes Teatro La Plaza from Lima, Peru with its bold and energetic reimagining of Hamlet. Offering a provocative look at questions of inclusion and discrimination, the performers explore the central question “To be or not to be?” through their own experiences, and a mix of pop music, dance, and wry humor.

Teatro La Plaza's Hamlet

How far would you go to chase a dream?

A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is thrilled to return to Chicago Shakespeare Theater with a punk-inspired re-telling of Frankenstein.

Frankenstein

A deeply resonant tribute to male friendship

In the spring, Olivier Award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti returns to Chicago with Hymn. Originally set in London in its premiere at the Almeida Theatre, Chakrabarti will reframe the play for CST to be set in Chicago. This soul-affirming story charts the lives of two middle-aged Black men as they form a deep bond in an intimate exploration of the loyalties and betrayals of brothers, fathers, and sons. Chakrabarti’s Red Velvet enjoyed an acclaimed run at CST in 2017; other notable credits include Life of Pi, now on tour across North America, and Hamnet, a stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel that premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company last year.

Hymn

A new musical from the award‑winning producers of SIX. July 2, 1982. With a lawn chair and approximately 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters defied all odds (and FAA airspace regulations) to achieve his lifelong dream: soaring 16,000 feet above Los Angeles. No, seriously—in a chair. Inspired by the unbelievable true story of how Larry and his partner Carol Van Deusen rallied their friends and family to help them reach new heights, this heartwarming and hilarious new musical makes its North American Premiere following a celebrated UK run. Featuring an irresistible 80s-inspired pop score, 42 Balloons asks: How far would you go to make your dreams take flight? Is the sky really the limit… and what happens when things don’t go as planned?

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Mar 21 - Apr 27, 2025

Sunny Afternoon

Mar 24 - May 3, 2025

Kyoto

25 - 27 Apr, 2025

Frankenstein

Apr 29 - May 25, 2025

Hymn

May 24 - Jun 29, 2025

42 Balloons

Mar 24 - May 3, 2025

Kyoto

Mar 21 - Apr 27, 2025

Sunny Afternoon

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