
Chicago continues to produce some of the most exciting work in the country this Summer, offering a wide variety of plays and musicals, as well as comedy, dance, music, and more. To highlight these productions, The League of Chicago Theatres is publishing its Summer Theatre Guide, which showcases more than 100 productions; not just in Chicago's iconic theatre districts, but also across vibrant suburban communities. From Oak Park to Naperville, Glenview to Des Plaines, theatres across the region offer top-tier performances that make it easier than ever to experience the magic of live theatre close to home.
For additional details about this summer's performances and the Summer Theatre Guide visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com. Many summer shows will also be available at HotTix.org, Chicago's local, discounted ticketing service.
The following is a selection of notable work playing in Chicago this Summer, organized by location.
A selection of productions playing in theatres located Downtown are:
Brokeback Mountain
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
May 28 – June 28, 2026
When Ennis and Jack take jobs on the isolated Brokeback Mountain, all their certainties of life change forever as they flounder in unexpected emotional waters. This intense tale of a hidden love spans 20 years and is interwoven with soulful, original Country Western songs, performed live onstage.
Eugene Onegin
The Joffrey Ballet at Lyric Opera House
June 4 – 14, 2026
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russian society, this cautionary tale follows the enigmatic and aloof aristocrat after his fateful encounter with the earnest Tatiana. Richly layered and deeply human, Eugene Onegin explores the fragility of the human heart and how unspoken words can shape destinies.
Untitled Vampire Play
Lookingglass Theatre Company
June 4-July 12, 2026
This romantic-comedy-meets-horror-story world premiere by Kevin Douglas explores love, commitment, codependency...and, of course, vampires.
Champions of Magic
Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building
June 6 – July 5, 2026
The production that critics have described as 'the most spectacular show,' 'two hours of mind-twisting, logic-defying entertainment' and 'the summer blockbuster of magic shows.'
SUFFS
Broadway In Chicago at CIBC Theatre
June 7– 19, 2026
Direct from Broadway comes the acclaimed Tony Award®-winning musical Suffs about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote.
Kinky Boots
Broadway In Chicago at the James M. Nederlander Theatre
June 9 - 21, 2026
Kinky Boots follows the journey of two people with nothing in common—or so they think. As Charlie and Lola work together to turn a shoe factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they realized.
Iceboy!
Goodman Theatre
June 20 – July 26, 2026
Broadway's brightest star of 1938, Vera Vimm, is at the top of her game. But when she adopts a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal discovered frozen in the Arctic, the spotlight begins to shift. As Iceboy thaws, he unexpectedly becomes a theatrical sensation, inspiring Eugene O'Neill and challenging his legendary mother for center stage.
A Musical Tribute to John Williams & Steven Spielberg
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
June 23, 2026
Celebrate the legendary collaboration between composer John Williams and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. From Jurassic Park and Jaws to Indiana Jones and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the scores born of this 50-year creative partnership have captured imaginations around the world.
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
June 25 – 27, 2026
Embark on an epic adventure to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: A New Hope! Experience the iconic film like never before as CSO performs John Williams' legendary Oscar-winning score live.
& Juliet
Broadway in Chicago at Auditorium Theatre
July 22 - August 2, 2026
Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there's life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
Theatres are located in almost every neighborhood in Chicago. A selection of productions playing throughout Chicago are:
Always...Patsy Cline
American Blues Theater
Playing through June 13, 2026
This musical play, complete with down home country humor and big-heart ed emotion, includes hits "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams," "Walkin' After Midnight" and more!
LOKI-The End of the World Tour
Lifeline Theatre
Playing through June 13, 2026
In this World Premiere musical, Loki arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?
The Targeted
A Red Orchid Theatre at Chopin Theatre
Playing through June 14, 2026
Welcome to the Solidarity and Truth Summit. A gathering of the most persecuted, tortured, and misunderstood people in the entire world. They call themselves Targeted Individuals, and they are victims of a vast and covert program of systematic torture, surveillance, and harassment by global intergovernmental powers.
OCTET
Raven Theatre Company
Playing through June 14, 2026
Hailed by the New York Times as "the most original and topical musical of the year" for its 2019 Off Broadway premiere, this inventive and acutely relevant piece reflects the perils of the digital age.
Antigone
Promethean Theatre Ensemble at The Den Theatre
May 31 - June 27, 2026
A timely production of the classic WW2 era adaptation made all the more relevant by recent local and national events.
Catch As Catch Can
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
June 4 - July 12, 2026
When a prodigal son returns to blue collar New England, his homecoming sets off a spiraling crisis for two families, threatening not only their relationships but their very identities. Spanning hilarity, stunning virtuosity and outright horror, this ferocious Chicago premiere—featuring an all-ensemble cast—must be witnessed to be believed.
As You Like It
Midsommer Flight
June 26 – August 2, 2026
Free outdoor performances of Shakespeare's As You Like It will be presented outdoors in six Chicago Parks District parks – Chicago Women's Park and Gardens, Gross Park, Nichols Park, Kelvyn Park, Winnemac Park, and Touhy Park. Banished from court by her uncle, Rosalind escapes to the Forest of Arden, where she disguises herself as man in order to win over her lover by trying to convince him he should forget her. Audiences are encouraged to come early and bring a picnic to enjoy this free programming.
Hair
Kokandy Productions at Chopin Theatre
July 2 - September 13, 2026
Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, Hair remains relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world.
Marble
Gift Theatre at Copernicus Center
August 2 – August 30, 2026
Marble follows two married couples, Ben and Catherine, and their friends Art and Anne, whose comfortable lives begin to splinter after a shared dream triggers suspicion and desire.
A surreal and haunting exploration of two couples whose lives collide through shared dreams, this production anchors the company's homecoming to the neighborhood where it was founded.
Productions playing in the suburbs of Chicago include:
Nunsense
Drury Lane Theatre
June 10 – August 2, 2026
Get ready to laugh the summer away with nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken. This beloved revue, directed by E. Faye Butler, will have you in stitches as the five sisters stage a variety show fundraiser filled with outrageous musical numbers and zany comedy.
A Little Night Music
Marriott Theatre
Playing June 17 – August 9, 2026
Set in 1900 Sweden, A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress Desirée Armfeldt, and the men who love her. Amid a flurry of jealousy and suspicion, infinite possibilities of new romances and second chances bring endless surprises. Stephen Sondheim's witty, brilliant masterpiece.
Leopoldstadt
Writers Theatre
June 4 - July 19, 2026
At the dawn of the 20th century, Vienna is the heart of European culture. While an extended family gathers in the elegant Merz home for the holidays, two brothers-in-law passionately debate their conflicting visions for the future of their family and the Jewish people–a tension that will echo through the generations that follow.
The Producers
BrightSide Theatre at Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall
June 12 – 28, 2026
Mel Brooks' outrageous musical comedy about two schemers trying to stage the biggest Broadway flop of all time—only to accidentally create a smash hit!
The Last Five Years
Oil Lamp Theater
June 6 - July 5, 2026
This widely beloved show takes audiences on the romantic rollercoaster of Jamie and Cathy as they fall in...and out of love over the last five years.
BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical
Highland Park Players at McGrath Family Performing Arts
July 17 – 26, 2026
Before she was hit-maker Carole King—she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.
For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com. Available discounted tickets will be listed at HotTix.org.
About Chicago theatre
Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 6 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago's theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. For more information, visit www.chicagoplays.com.
The League of Chicago Theatres' Mission Statement
Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago's theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.
Drury Lane Theatre continues its 2026/2027 season with the divine extravaganza Nunsense, featuring book, music and lyrics by David Goggin, directed by E. Faye Butler. Enjoy some holy hilarity with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in Nunsense, running June 10 – August 2, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
Get ready to laugh the summer away with nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken. This beloved revue will have you in stitches as the five sisters stage a variety show fundraiser filled with outrageous musical numbers and zany comedy.
The cast of Nunsense includes Aurora Boe (Sister Mary Leo), Rachel Carreras (Sister Robert Anne), Kelly Felthous (Sister Mary Amnesia), Cory Goodrich (Reverend Mother), and Sharriese Hamilton (Sister Mary Hubert). Understudies include Marta Bady, Caron Buinis, and Kayla Shipman.
The creative team of Nunsense includes E. Faye Butler (Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Julia Schade (Music Director), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Anna Finerty (Costume Coordinator) Lee Fiskness (Lighting Design), Stephanie Farina (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager).
Single tickets, priced $85-$150, are on sale now and are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at www.drurylanetheatre.com. Groups of 10 or more can receive special group pricing.
About the Artists
Aurora Boe (Sister Mary Leo) is thrilled to be back on the Drury Lane Stage! On-stage Credits Include: Drury Lane's "Sister Act" (Tina, Waitress, Ensemble, Mary Robert US), The Beautiful City Project's "Designer Run" (Choreographer, Dancer) & "We Will Rock You" (Ensemble), or Columbia College's "Sunday In The Park With George" (Dot/Marie). Aurora graduated with a BA in musical theatre from Columbia College Chicago in 2025, and recently received Chicago Cabaret Professionals 2025 Emerging Artists scholarship & 2026 New Vocalist Award. She gives special thanks to Gray Talent Group and her Family & friends that have supported her on this journey.
Rachel Carreras (Sister Robert Anne) is thrilled to be back in the habit after playing Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act at Drury Lane last season! Other recent credits include: Amélie (Kokandy Productions), Brighter Futures (Paramount Theatre), Mary Poppins and Cinderella (Metropolis PAC), Honky Tonk Angels (LTOTS) and Into the Woods (Summer Lyric). Rachel is a Naperville native and proud Neuqua Valley alum! She is also a member of the professional Chicago/Macomb choir withonevoice. Special thanks to her family and friends for their unending love and support! Represented by Talent X Alexander. Psalm 28:7. I'm always singing for you, Grandma! www.rachelcarreras.com
Kelly Felthous (Sister Mary Amnesia) is thrilled to be back at Drury Lane having previously performed in Elf and Jeff nominated roles in Chicago and Little Shop of Horrors. Favorite credits include: Violet in Violet, Sally Bowles in Cabaret , Lauren in Kinky Boots, Judy in White Christmas, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda and Dawn in Waitress. She originated the roles of Caroline in Trip of Love, Ruby in Max and Ruby, Eva in Bring it On, and Gloria in Flashdance. National Tours: Marty in Grease and Galinda/Nessarose u/s in Wicked. Kelly has also appeared on Law and Order SVU, Night Sky, and numerous commercials. NYU/CAP21 grad and proud AEA/SAG member. Shout out to her agents at DDO, her mama and Jess! Couldn't do this without y'all. Follow @KellyFelthous for more!
Cory Goodrich (Reverend Mother) is a Jeff Award-winning actress, singer/songwriter, and author. She began her professional career at Drury Lane playing another Nun - Maria in The Sound of Music, and received Jeff awards for her roles as Mother in Ragtime (Drury Lane) and June Carter Cash in Ring of Fire (Mercury Theater Chicago). Most recently, she played Heidi in What the Constitution Means to Me at Paramount's Copley Theatre. Her many projects include five albums, Hush, Wiggly Toes, W.O.M.A.N, Wildwood Flower, and Long Way Around, and her memoir, Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA. Visit corygoodrich.com.
Sharriese Hamilton (Sister Mary Hubert) is excited to be back at Drury Lane. Tour credits include: Come from Away (Broadway National/Australian). Regional credits include: Ain't Misbehaving Rock of Ages, James and The Giant Peach (Drury Lane), The Color Purple, The Nacirema Society, Wonderful Town (Goodman Theatre), Falsettos, Big White Fog (Court Theatre) It Came from Outer Space, Pericles (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying , Pal Joey, Ain't Misbehavin, A Class Act, (Porchlight Music Theatre) Thaddeus and Slocum (Lookingglass Theatre) Rock of Ages (Mercury Theatre) Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas (Studebaker Theater) Passing Strange, See What I Wanna See, The Wild Party, (Bailiwick Chicago)The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Monty Python's Spamalot, Working (Timberlake Playhouse).
Season and Membership Information
The 2026/2027 season includes the wedding of the season in Father of the Bride (April 8 – May 31, 2026); holy hilarity with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in Nunsense (June 10 – August 2, 2026); the toe-tapping tribute to a rock'n'roll pioneer Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (August 19 - October 11, 2026); the heartwarming family classic Annie (November 4, 2026 – January 10, 2027); and the musical office rebellion in heels 9 to 5 (January 27 - March 21, 2027).
Drury Lane Theatre's performance schedule for the 2026/2027 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Lock in your seats for a season of spectacular theatre with Drury Lane's Membership Program! Members have exclusive access to uniquely tailored benefits designed to enrich their Drury Lane experience, all at a cost savings of up to 50% off single ticket prices. Membership includes Tier One seating for all five Drury Lane Theatre productions, free ticket exchanges, dedicated dining credits at Lucille Restaurant, one complimentary Champagne Brunch, exclusive event invitations, Member pre-sales and unlimited single ticket discounts. Membership prices range from $254 - $285. For more information, Call Memberships at 630-570-7280 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Group tickets start at $45 and Student group tickets start at just $35. On-site dining is available at Lucille Restaurant with convenient pre-show or post-show prix fixe menus. To book a group of 10 people or more, call Group Services at 630-570-7272 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gift certificates to Drury Lane can be purchased in any denomination, never expire, and can be used for performances, at Lucille Restaurant or for Drury Lane Events. Gift certificates can be purchased online at drurylanetheatre.com/gift-certificates or by calling the box office.
Dining and Special Events
Excellence isn't limited to the stage at Drury Lane! Before or after the show, theatergoers can indulge in delicious onsite dining at Lucille Restaurant featuring seasonal pre-fixe menus and an elevated atmosphere to complete their experience. Boasting over a century of collective expertise in hospitality, the dedicated team ensures that you will be cared for with freshly prepared meals, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional service. At Drury Lane, everything is in one place, so you will never be late for your performance.
Fact Sheet / Nunsense
Title: Nunsense
Book, Music and Lyrics by: David Goggin
Directed by: E Faye. Butler
Featuring: Aurora Boe (Sister Mary Leo), Rachel Carreras (Sister Robert Anne) Kelly Felthous (Sister Mary Amnesia), Cory Goodrich (Reverend Mother), Sharriese Hamilton (Sister Mary Hubert), understudies include Marta Bady, Caron Buinis, Kayla Shipman
Creatives: E. Faye Butler (Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Julia Schade (Music Director), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Design), Stephanie Farina (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager)
Dates: June 10 – August 2, 2026
Press Opening: Wednesday, June 17 at 7pm
Schedule: Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Fridays: 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
Tickets: Tickets range from $85-150
Group discounts available to groups of 10 or more
Dining and show packages available
Senior discounts available
Box Office: 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com
About Drury Lane Theatre
Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you.
Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 70 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation's leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form.
The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.
Music Theater Works presents WEST SIDE STORY, August 13 - 30
League of Chicago Theatres welcomes the summer theatre season
Lookingglass presents Ice Cream Circus, June 2-7, as part of Night Out in the Parks
YI Love Jewish and Arts Judaica Chicago Premiere of A PEOPLE at Theater Wit June 18 – July 5
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.