The following is a look both forward and back to some of the best Chicago music and theater:
Grant Park Music Festival: One of Chicago’s most precious summer treasures, the festival has been an annual highlight for nearly 90 years. Every Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the outstanding professional Grant Park Symphony Orchestra plays at the Pritzker Pavilion in Lakefront Millennium Park at no charge. It is so lovely to see the dedicated listeners up front and all the picnickers stretched out on the lawn enjoying the music.
Carlos Kalmar led the opening program, beginning with “Symphonic Dialogues” by the Chicago-born composer Robert Muczynski, who got his start at DePaul University. The zesty 8-minute piece proved an ideal curtain-raiser.
With his customary finesse, the concertmaster Jeremy Black spun out the long, gorgeous melodies of the Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No. 3 to a refreshing effect. The closing Schumann Symphony No. 4 was sensibly paced and adroitly played.
Two nights later, the Grant Park Symphony Chorus excelled with the orchestra and four extraordinary soloists—soprano Olivia Boen, mezzo-soprano Siena Licht Miller, tenor John Matthew Myers, and bass-baritone Joseph Beutel—in Dvorak’s “Stabat Mater.” The composer’s faith and positive personality shone-through even the most somber texts.
Among the July highlights should be pianist Joyce Yang as soloist in the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, conducted by Gemma New on July 12. Visit GPMF.ORG
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra begins its 87th residency at the Ravinia Festival on July 14, with Marin Alsop conducting Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 on July 15. Other July CSO highlights will include Mei-Ann Chen leading Aaron Copland’s neglected masterpiece Symphony No. 3, with Jeremy Denk playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 on July 28. Visit Ravinia.org
Mercury Theater presents the madcap “Rock of Ages,” featuring the music of hit bands Bon Jovi, Styx, and Journey through September 17 at Mercury Theater. 3745 N. Southport. (773) 325-1700, mercurytheaterchicago.com
Goodman Theater is already extending its smash reinvention of “The Who’s Tommy,” inspired by The Who’s 1969 rock album. Peter Townsend and director Des McAnuf conceived the show, which is running through to July 30. Goodman Theater, 170 N. Dearborn. Visit goodmantheatre.org
The Who_s Tommy _ Photo via the Goodman Theater
Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” with lavish settings through August 20. Check out chicagoshakes.com
Steppenwolf Theater presents “Another Marriage,” Kate Arrington’s romantic comedy about a continuously evolving relationship through July 23. Next comes Harold Pinter’s mysterious “No Man’s Land” through August 20. Both are at Steppenwolf Theater, 1650 N. Halsted. Visit steppenwolf.org
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater presents “Passing Strange,” Stew and Heidi Rosenwald’s musical about a young bohemian seeking artistic authenticity. Through July 30 at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater, 721 Howard St. Evanston, theo-u.com
The Studebaker Theaterin the Fine Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan hosts the hit “Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical,” about the pathbreaking singer-songwriter who successfully merged New Orleans music, R&B, and rock. Through September 3. Visit personalitymusical.com
Norlight Theater presents “Marie and Rosetta,” a play with music spotlighting Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the “godmother of rock ‘n roll” and her young protégé. The prominent Chicago theatrical talent E. Faye Butler directs. Through August 6 at Northlight Theater, 9510 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, northlight.org
Musicians of Grant Park Symphony Orchestra _ Photo via Grant Park Music Festival
The Neo-Futurists present “Elements of Style,” a new musical taking off from Strunk and White’s famed grammar guide. The production is playing now through August 19 at The New-Futurists, 5153 N. Ashland, neofuturists.org
“The Second City 111th Review” is a laugh-filled sketch-and-improv show in an open run at Second City, 230 W. North Avenue, secondcity.com
Here’s to a great July!
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