Glencoe, June 17, 2025
Chicago Stage Heats Up
A vibrant array of plays and performances are set to grace Chicago stages, offering audiences a diverse range of experiences from family dramas to doo-wop revivals.
- Madhuri Shekar’s “Dhaba on Devon” premieres at Writers Theater.
- “Forever Plaid,” a jukebox tuner, is revived by MadKap Productions.
- About Face Theatre presents “OM Mission” for Pride Month.
Chicago’s theater scene is bursting with creativity, with something for everyone. This month, audiences can anticipate a series of premieres, revivals, and special performances. From family dramas to musical tributes,teh Windy City’s stages promise an engaging experience.
Writers Theatre, in collaboration with TimeLine Theatre, is set to premiere “Dhaba on Devon,” a play by Madhuri Shekar. The story focuses on a family-owned Indian restaurant on Chicago’s Devon Avenue and the challenges they face after 40 years of operation. Directed by Chay Yew, previews begin Thursday, June 19, and the show opens June 27 at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, June 19-21, and June 25-26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Tickets range from $35-$95.
Devon Avenue: known as “Little India,” Devon avenue is a vibrant cultural hub in Chicago, famous for its Indian and Pakistani restaurants, shops, and cultural experiences.
MadKap Productions revives “Forever Plaid,” a musical about a 1950s doo-wop group. Directed by Edward Lindem, the show features Nick Arceo, Sean M.G.Caron, elijah McTiernan, and Taelon Stonecipher. Performances will be at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday,June 20-21,and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, and through June 29. Tickets are $30.
“Forever Plaid”: this charming musical celebrates the close harmonies and clean-cut fun of 1950s doo-wop, promising a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
In honor of Pride Month, About Face Theatre presents “OM Mission,” examining the lives and legacies of Black lesbians through music and stories from the 1920s. Zahra baker and Shanta Nurullah created and perform the show. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 20-21, and Wednesday through Friday, June 25-27; 3 p.m.Sunday, June 22; and 3 and 8 p.m. june 28 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.Tickets range from $5-$35.
Comedy, Classics, and More
Stir Friday Night, Chicago’s Asian American and pacific Islander comedy team, will perform “Rice to the Occasion” as part of Steppenwolf theatre’s LookOut series at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 20-21, at 1700 N. Halsted St. Chicago. tickets are $28.
Goodman Theatre revives “The Color Purple,” starring Brittney Mack as Celie.Adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the musical tells a story of love and perseverance. Lili-Anne Brown directs, and Jermaine Hill serves as music director.Previews are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 22 and 28; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, June 25-27; and 2 p.m. June 29 at 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, opening June 30. Tickets are priced from $25-$130.
“The Color Purple”: A powerful musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel, exploring themes of resilience, sisterhood, and self-finding in the face of adversity.
TUTA Theatre will showcase “Tom & Eliza,” a two-hander by Celine Song. The play explores a man and woman on a date, with Seoyoung Park and Clifton Frei starring. Previews start at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, June 26-28, at 4670 N. Manor Ave., Chicago, with the show opening June 29. Tickets range from $20-$60.
A City of Contrasts: Exploring Chicago’s Cultural Tapestry
Chicago’s vibrant theater scene, as highlighted by the diverse productions gracing its stages this June, reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage. From “Dhaba on Devon,” which brings to life the experiences of a family-owned Indian restaurant, to the festivity of Black lesbian legacies in “OM Mission,” the plays mirror the various communities that make up Chicago. The shows are set in locations that offer audiences a deeper understanding of the city. Devon Avenue, featured in “Dhaba on Devon,” is just one example of the numerous cultural districts. Similarly, the choice of Chicago
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