Even though dreary skies and chilling winds still prevail, spring is within view and coming closer. And the Chicago theater season for the coming spring promises a lot of dramatic, comedic, and musical heat. With several world premieres, exciting new adaptations, ambitious stagings of classics, brave new works by some of Chicago's boldest and best writers and directors, and a lot more, it wasn't easy to winnow down my top 10 picks for the upcoming few months. Here, in alphabetical order, are the shows you need to mark your 2006 calendars for.
1. Cradle of Man—David Eigenberg ( Sex and the City's Steve ) comes to town to star in this new dramatic comedy by Melanie Marnich, about two American couples who meet in Africa near Olduvai Gorge, the so-called 'birthplace of mankind'. Crises ensue. Victory Gardens, March 24-May 7.
2. Fabulation: or the re-education of Undine—Playwright Lynn Nottage penned a great script for Steppenwolf last season, Intimate Apparel, and I look forward to her satirical portrait of the African-American elite. Next, April 6-May 7.
3. Gaudy Night—Adapter Frances Limoncelli again turns to Brit mystery writer Dorothy L. Sayers for inspiration. Limoncelli has a knack for bringing the tone and vibrancy of Sayers' main characters, Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane to life. Lifeline, May 19-July 30.
4. The Glass Menagerie—It will be interesting to see this theater's take, with its emphasis on the classics, on Tennessee William's 'memory play,' one of his most stirring and lyrical works. A masterpiece of American theater comes to town, with some of Chicago's finest performers breathing life into Williams' tortured quartet. Court Theatre, March 9-April 9.
5. Hecuba—Frank McGuineness' new adaptation of Euripides' tragedy shows a lot of promise. It will be fascinating to see what one of Ireland greatest contemporary playwrights does with this Greek tragedy. Film star Marsha Mason makes her Chicago Shakespeare Theater debut. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, April 26-June 18.
6. Heritage—One of America's most promising young playwrights, Brett Neveu, has penned this world-premiere drama that shines a spotlight on race and class relations. The story brings together a combustible group of African-American and white prisoners to refurbish a slave plantation house as part of a work detail. American Theater Company, April 26-May 28.
7. Love Song—Company member Austin Pendleton wears the director's hat in this world premiere romantic comedy about the redemptive power of love. It stars company members Mariann Mayberry and Molly Regan. Steppenwolf, March 30-June 4.
8. Monsieur Proust—Mary Zimmerman wrote the script based on the writings of Proust and Celeste Albaret ( Proust's housekeeper who ended up writing the memoir Monsieur Proust ) . The creative team who brought us the astonishing and beautiful Eleven Rooms of Proust reteams. About Face at Steppenwolf, June 3-July 9.
9. Porno—The Side Project's Web site offers little detail on this upcoming play, but when you combine one of Chicago's hottest small theater companies with one of Chicago's hottest and most talented young directors, and you call it Porno, well, it sounds like something worth investigating. The Side Project, May 14-June 4.
10. Three Tall Women—Edward Albee comes to Highland Park ( figuratively ) in the new production of his Pulitzer prize-winning play, a gripping history of a 92-year-old woman and her life's ups and downs. Apple Tree, April 26-May 21.
