Stage Top 5: February 2023

Will Liverman/Photo: Daniel Welch

1
Boulevard of Bold Dreams
(TimeLine Theatre)
LaDarrion Williams’ world premiere about “dreamers overcoming obstacles and fighting for recognition amidst the racism and inequity of Hollywood” set on the night that Hattle McDaniel won her historic Oscar in 1940.
Starts February 1

2
The Factotum
(Lyric Opera)
Rising opera star Will Liverman co-creates a reimagining of Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” as a “soul opera” in a Black barbershop on Chicago’s South Side.
Starts February 3

3
The Christians
(Citadel Theatre)
It should be fascinating to see how Lucas Hnath’s compelling exploration of morality at a megachurch plays in suburbia.
Starts February 10

4
Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire
(Black Ensemble Theater)
As we reel from the death of drummer Fred White early this year, we can revisit the band’s theatrical reincarnation and its Chicago youth.
Starts February 25

5
1776
(Broadway in Chicago)
The 1969 Tony Award-winning best musical gets revisited by director Diane Paulus with a cast whose members identify as female, non-binary and trans.
Starts February 28