As curtains close on summer: Here's what's coming to Chicago theatres this fall

In Chicago, mid-October is always a contradictory time of both closing chapters and new beginnings. As another too-short summer in our beautiful city comes to an end, most of us cling to the final few nice days of the year as we try to sneak in a last outdoor activity or two of choice. But as the gentle summer breeze turns to a brisk autumn gust, we Chicagoans stare down the barrel of an all too familiar gun, hunkering down for the impending doom of winter and with it, 6 months (if we’re lucky) stuck indoors.

So, in an attempt to bring hope to the good people of the Windy City, we are here to spotlight one of the best activities Chicago has to offer this fall: an excellent slate of new shows coming to the city’s theatre scene.

Hell’s Kitchen

Written and produced by Grammy award-winning music star Alicia Keys, Hell’s Kitchen is another Broadway alumni making its way to Chicago. The production's website describes the show as a jukebox musical loosely inspired by Keys’ own life, telling the tale of a young girl growing up under trying conditions in Manhattan's Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Playing at the Nederlander beginning Tuesday, Nov. 11, the show's recognizable music and inspiring story should make it popular and accessible to both regular theatre goers and newcomers alike.

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A Christmas Carol

Showing at the Goodman Theatre from Saturday, Nov. 15 through the end of the year, this Dickens essential is perfect for a family outing with young ones or date night with the significant other. A seasonal favorite marking its 47th annual production at The Goodman, according to the showrunners website, the theatre's more intimate size makes it the perfect venue to catch this quaint classic. With a rotating cast and production team each year, the show is sure to offer something exciting and new for both those familiar with the timeless tale as well as first-timers to Scrooge's redemptive journey.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, this musical memoir follows the rock and roll hall of famer’s life from his humble Brooklyn roots through his rise to becoming one of music’s most recognizable acts. According to the show's press release, this well-received Broadway production hits the road for the first time and features a wide variety of classic songs from Diamond’s career. Running at the Cadillac Palace from Wednesday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 30, this show is only in town for a limited time, so be sure to check it out while “the good times never seemed so good.”