The Top 5 Broadway Musicals To See In Chicago

Every year, Chicago receives national tours of famous Broadway shows. Some, like Wicked and Jersey Boys, become so popular that they stay for an extended engagement. This season, 14 productions are coming to the city, each of which presents a completely different story and cast for audiences to enjoy. If you can afford to see all 14, definitely do so, but realistically speaking, here are five of the best musicals to check out in the upcoming months…

1) Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner - Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story On Stage is currently playing in Chicago for the United States pre-Broadway premiere. In Australia and Britain, the show received incredible reviews by die-hard Dirty Dancing fans and theatre critics alike, thus allowing the show to eventually make its way to Broadway. Josef Brown, the original lead in Australia and Britain, stars as Johnny Castle, the dancer that steals young Baby’s heart when she goes on vacation with her family for the summer. After immediately becoming intrigued by the staff of Kellerman's, she becomes a part of their world of dance, love, and drama. The integrated technology makes the audience feel like they are taking a vacation at Kellerman’s while experiencing one of Broadway’s newest shows. The show is currently playing now through January 17, 2009 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Tickets are $27.50-$122.50.

2) All Shall Know the Wonder - Spring Awakening

Spring Awakening will debut in Chicago after winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2007. The story revolves around a group of teenagers coming of age and learning to face issues like sex, abortion and suicide. With racy numbers and explicit scenes, it has potential to cause controversy. However, this show will appeal to audiences of all ages, just take caution in bringing young children. “Seeing this show changed my entire view of theatre,” said 20-year-old theatre student Dylan McGill. “I absolutely cannot wait to see it again, and would suggest everyone else do the same.” Producers selected the most talented young actors from big cities all over the United States, including Broadway alums Kyle Riabko as Melchior and Blake Bashoff as Moritz. On August 4 – August 16, 2009, Spring Awakening will premiere, and tickets will be available soon.

3) No Day But Today - Rent

Most theatre lovers know the story of the late Jonathon Larson’s famous musical Rent. A group of people in New York City is experiencing the effects of drugs and poverty, while trying to survive in the big city. Many of the characters are living with AIDS, which forces them to deal with their difficult disease in an uncertain time. Rent has been a worldwide phenomenon since its debut in 1996, and just recently closed after 12 years on Broadway. Two original cast members, Adam Pascal as Roger and Anthony Rapp as Mark, will return for the tour as well. Rent is in Chicago March 31 – April 12, 2009 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. Tickets are $22.50-$122.50 and are available now.

4) One Singular Sensation - A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line is coming to Chicago this spring, after the revival recently closed on Broadway. The show has won nine Tony Awards in the past, including Best Musical. The plot revolving around 17 dancers auditioning for eight spots in the chorus line of a new (fictional) show makes the show simple and enjoyable. Each scene is set on just an empty stage in a Broadway theatre. Famous for the large dance numbers, the multi-talented cast will not disappoint. “We just learned the choreography in class,” musical theatre major Megan Pietrantonio said. “It’s one of the most original and fantastic shows in history.” A Chorus Line arrives April 14 – May 3, 2009 at the Oriental Theatre, featuring cast members from the 2008 Broadway production. Tickets will be available soon.

5) Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - Mary Poppins

Disney took the 1964 classic film Mary Poppins and created another spectacle Broadway show. Audiences everywhere know Disney takes their musicals to new heights, with innovative set designs and the best actors Broadway has to offer. Anyone that loved the movie will really enjoy the familar story and whimiscal characters that Disney directors have translated to the stage in Chicago. New songs and dances also appear to update the show, which begins March 11, 2009 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for $20.50-$120.50.

To order tickets for any show, call the Broadway in Chicago Ticketline at (312) 902-1400, go to the box office, or order online.

A Few Other Shows Worth Seeing:

• Xanadu
• Chicago
• Grease
• Legally Blonde
• Spamalot