Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces 2021 productions

Starting in March, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will debut a series of virtual productions that will be filmed live in the theater's performance spaces and streamed on-demand for viewers at home through the new Chicago ShakesSTREAM website.

Among the virtual offerings are the "I, Shakespeare" series of solo shows, consisting of "I, Banquo" and "I, Cinna (the poet);" enhanced audio experience performances of "Measure for Measure" and "Twelfth Night" by a repertory ensemble cast; and "We Are Out There," a digital prologue to the musical "That Came from Outer Space." 

A newly edited film edition of the theater's 2017 production of "Love's Labor's Lost," which was filmed by multiple cameras at the Courtyard Theater in front of a live audience, will also be available for viewing on the platform.

In October, in-person performances are scheduled to kick off with a widely awaited production of "As You Like It" incorporating The Beatles' hit songs. This adaptation of the romantic comedy, set in the 1960s and adapted and directed by Daryl Cloran, pairs Shakespeare's verse with the classic tunes of the "Fab Four." Nearly 20 musical numbers, including “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Let It Be,” and “Here Comes the Sun,” will be performed live onstage during the production.

The ShakesSTREAM platform will also feature highlights from the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's collection and special streaming services. As part of their membership, existing season ticket holders get complete access.

“Shakespeare wrote that ‘joy’s soul lies in the doing’—and I can’t think of a better balm for our souls right now than to once again be doing creative work with this outstanding collective of artists and sharing in that joy with our audiences,” Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Barbara Gaines said in a theater news release. “Despite the many challenges, this past year has stretched our imaginations with innovative ways of collaborating and creating, and it’s been surprisingly magical to explore the new artistic possibilities of these times.”