March is a tempestuous month and, much like the music and theater of Chicago, brings both bluster and folly. Make the most of March with a look forward and back to some of the best in Chicago music and theater.
ONE TO REMEMBER
Visiting orchestras are always at their very best when they visit Chicago and that certainly applied to the Chicago debut of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Spanish conductor Gustavo Gimeno was impressive beginning the program with Canadian composer Sami Moussa’s arresting soundscape Symphony No. 2. Then the dazzling violinist, Maria Duenas, brought out the fervor and languor of Lalo’s “Symphonie espagnole for Violin and Orchestra.”
A superb rendering of Prokofiev’s “Suite from Romeo and Juliet” brought forth two encores, a waltz by Shostakovich and Bernstein’s spellbinding “There’s a Place for Us.” The Toronto proved themselves one of North America’s outstanding orchestras.
MARCH THEATER HIGHLIGHTS
March highlights include the astounding 95-year-old Swedish-American conductor, Herbert Blomstedt, leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in an all-Dvorak program March 9 at 7:30 p.m., March 11 at 8 p.m. and 12 at 3 p.m. For more information: (312) 294-3000, cso.org.
LYRIC OPERA
One of the most popular operas of all time, “Carmen” has it all, with a passionate love story surrounding a gypsy girl in Spain and the irresistible music of Georges Bizet. The cast includes J’Nai Bridges as Carmen, Carlos Castronovo as Don Jose, Golda Schutlz as Michaela and the exciting young Hungarian-born conductor, Henrik Nanasi. “Carmen” plays March 15, 19, 26 and 30 at 2 p.m.; March 11 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and March 22, 24 and 29 at 7 p.m. For more information: (312) 827-5600, lyricopera.org.
ORION CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
The Orion Chamber Ensemble celebrates its 30th anniversary with Tchaikovsky’s Trio and music by the Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at PianoForte Studios. For more information: (630) 628-9591, orionensemble.org.
GOODMAN THEATER
The Goodman presents “Laylinda,” a new play about an immigrant family relocating to a Chicago suburb. Showtimes March 3 through April 2. For more information: (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org.
CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
CST welcomes a new musical, “A Comedy of Errors.” In her final season as CST’s artistic director, Barbara Gaines directs Shakespeare’s classic romp with music and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair and scenes by Second City’s Ron West. March 10 – April 16. For more information: (312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com.
BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER
Showing at the Black Ensemble Cultural Center in Chicago’s uptown community area, is “Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire” through April 16. For more information: (773) 769-4451, blackensembletheater.org.
BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
The Cadillac Palace Theatre, operated by Broadway In Chicago, presents the beloved “Annie” March 7 – 19. For more information: (312) 977-1700, broadwayinchicago.com.
STEPPENWOLF THEATER
The storied Steppenwolf Theater presents the thriller, “Describe the Night” by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph through April 9. For more information: (312) 335-1650, steppenwolf.org.
REMY-BUMPPO THEATER
The Remy-Bumppo Theater Company presents the hit, “Anna in the Tropics,” by Nilo Cruz, set in a Cuban-American cigar factory where a charismatic lector reads “Anna Karenina” to pass the hours. Catch it through March 19 at Theater Wit. For more information: (773) 975-8150, remybumppo.org.
TIMELINE THEATER
The world premiere of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” will hit the TimeLine Theater this month. The story of dreamers striving for recognition is set on the night in 1940 when Hattie McDaniel made history at the Oscars. Catch it through March 19 the TimeLine. For more information: (773) 281-8463, timelinetheatre.com.
MERCURY THEATER
Mercury Theater presents “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” set in a seedy bar in Philadelphia in 1959 when the audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s last performances. With more than a dozen musical numbers, starring Alexis Roston and performed in Mercury’s intimate Venus Cabaret Theater. For more information: (773) 325-1700, mercurytheaterchicago.com.
SAINT SEBASTIAN PLAYERS
With an emphasis on collaborative theater, Saint. Sebastian Players presents “The Book of Will,” about two actors, Henry Condell and John Heminges, who preserved Shakespeare’s plays after his death. Feb. 17 – March 12, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure. For more information: (773) 404-7922, saintsebastianplayers.org.
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