This May, patrons of Theater Thursdays can participate in a variety of exciting events from downtown to Rogers Park to the lakefront at Theatre on the Lake. Enjoy a dinner/theater package with Tavern at the Park and Theatre Seven before seeing their newest show Boys and Girls, or go back in time with a 1940s themed event prior to the performance of The Comedy of Errors at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Audiences also get an in depth look into the world of Henry Darger at a special pre-show exhibition with Intuit:The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art and Dog and Pony Theatre at Theatre on the Lake.
Launched in January of 2005, Theater Thursdays provides a great opportunity to venture out after work, entertain clients, socialize with friends or make new ones. Explore foreign cultures, sample bites from the city’s best restaurants and take in Chicago’s exceptional theater scene with a new show every week.
Thursday, May 1
Chicago Shakespeare Theater hosts a 1940s themed Theater Thursdays event. Join CST Casting Director and Artistic Associate Bob Mason for an informal discussion about the challenges of casting twins and dual roles in Shakespeare's hysterical comedy. Patrons will enjoy light appetizers, desserts, and an open bar at CST's Pub before Artistic Director Barbara Gaines' production of The Comedy of Errors.
Thursday, May 8
Theater Thursday patrons will enjoy a special pre-show event in the Raven Theatre lobby that includes appetizers courtesy of Charlie's Ale House and drinks from Champion's Bar. Neil Simon's comedy introduces a room full of oddball writers, many based on actual personalities including Simon himself. This hilarious play chronicles the writing room's outrageous antics and increasing stress levels under the pressures of rising McCarthyism and television executives resistant to sophisticated humor. Stay after the show to discuss the play with the cast and director.
Thursday, May 15
Theatre on the Lake Fullerton & Lake Michigan, Chicago Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art and Dog & Pony Theatre Company collaborate for an exciting evening filled with insight into the art and life of Henry Darger. It starts with a viewing of the Darger Exhibition and Henry Darger Room Collection at Intuit and a light dinner provided by Swim Café, followed by a special performance at Theatre on the Lake. Show tickets, transportation and a light dinner is included in the cost. It's a great night not to be missed!
Thursday, May 22
Dine at one of Chicago's finest restaurants before enjoying a riveting night at the theater with one of the city's hottest young companies! One ticket earns you an entrée and non-alcoholic beverage from Tavern at the Park, where fine dining meets a modernly classic setting, just steps from the Chicago Cultural Center. Choose from two delicious entrees, order soda or coffee, then head to the theatre for the performance, where you'll see two plays for the price of one! First, two lifelong best friends play a deadly game of "Who's the bigger man?" in Daniel MacIvor's dazzling, riveting Never Swim Alone. After intermission, join us for Wendy MacLeod's The Shallow End, a touching and clever look at the friendships and rivalries of four teenage girls over one summer at the city pool. Immediately after the show, attend an informal reception with the cast and company.
Thursday, May 29
"What do you do with a B.A. in English?" Come find out at Theater Thursday! Avenue Q will host a pre-show reception with light appetizers and drinks plus a short Q&A with cast members. Avenue Q is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q; still, the neighbors seem nice. Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Capacity is limited so order now! Recommended for ages 13 and up. -- www.chicagoplays.com
