Your Rest-of-Summer Chicago Theater Guide

While fall is officially “theater season” in Chicago, there are still plenty of plays worth checking out before the leaves turn.

Outdoor Theater

The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is putting on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at multiple parks till Aug. 17.

Meanwhile, “Love’s Labour's Lost” runs in Winnemac Park July 25-27 and in Touhy Park Aug. 1-3.

For the kids, “Book Up!” is running at multiple parks till Aug. 10 as well as the family friendly “Ice Cream Circus,” at multiple parks till Aug. 24.

There’s also a “Broadway in Chicago” concert in Millennium Park Aug. 11!

Big Theaters

“The Color Purple” at Goodman Theatre

You know the story. The musical version of this classic tale has been extended at the Goodman, and it’s full of Chicago talent. The show runs till Aug. 3.

Non-Shakespeare at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

There’s a lot on deck at the Shakespeare Theatre. And not all of it’s Shakespeare: “Billie Jean” is running till Aug. 10. “Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams,” an acrobatic show, is also running.

“Big White Fog” at Court Theatre

Often compared to “Raisin in the Sun,” Theodore Ward’s play predates it by 20 years. Ward was a central figure in the Chicago Black Renaissance, and his seminal work charts the tensions of a Black family in Chicago. The show runs from Sep. 12 to Oct. 12.

(Somewhat) Off the Beaten Path

“Amelie the Musical” at Chopin Theatre

“In a basement theater, the musical ‘Amelie’ builds a Parisian wonderland full of whimsy and kindness,” said Bob Chiarito for the Sun-Times. The show runs till Sept. 28.

“Infinite Wrench” at The Neo-Futurist Theater

Thirty original plays in just 60 minutes. For those who loved “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.” Shows are every weekend with tickets available through Aug. 31.

The Pivot Arts Festival at Wirtz Center Chicago

The Pivot Arts Festival showcases experimental work by artists of color. “Sunset 60 Minutes” is a multidisciplinary performance influenced by the diaries of Jan Fabre. “Paradise Aliens” tackles border politics. Both shows are July 27.

“Next Door” at Raven Theatre

The poster for “Next Door” is intriguing: simply, lasagna. And as neighbors check in, bringing food after a tragedy, the story promises lasagna-like layers. The show runs Aug. 11-13.

“How To Transcend a Happy Marriage” at Redtwist Theatre

Part of Redtwist’s Defiant Femme series, this play by Chicagoland native Sarah Ruhl sees a dinner party plunge into polyamorous exploration. The show runs Aug. 17 to Sept. 21.

Even More Shows