Chicago Theater News: Last Chance to Catch ‘Going Bacharach’ and More Updates

Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon closes this Sunday at the Apollo Theater in Chicago. Initially strong ticket sales for the show did not continue, leading to the cancellation of its extension. The production is exploring performances in other interested cities. Chicago audiences have the remaining days of this week to catch this sophisticated off-Broadway revue dedicated to the music of Burt Bacharach.

During the recent Tony Awards, Laurie Metcalf notably thanked individual actors from Steppenwolf’s early years but did not mention the theater company itself. This omission comes amidst ongoing controversy related to Steppenwolf’s decision not to work with producer Scott Rudin on “Little Bear Ridge Road,” despite Rudin’s success with “Death of a Salesman.” Steppenwolf released the production rights at Metcalf’s request, and Chicagoans anticipate her return to Halsted Street.

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play “Purpose,” which began at Steppenwolf Theatre, has successfully recouped its $5.25 million Broadway investment. The recoupment was aided by the New York State Tax Credit and proceeds from the show’s strong Broadway run, resulting in full payback for investors. Steppenwolf is recognized as a producer for the play.

Carrie Coon, acclaimed for her work in “Bug” from Steppenwolf, didn’t receive a Tony, but she announced the Regional Theatre Tony Award for American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin’s fans in Chicago, including the author.

Changes are underway at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, where the board is being reshaped. Aurora Mayor John Laesch’s new appointees aim to diversify programming and enhance financial stability. Appointees such as Juan Sifuentes, Diane Lantz, Natasha Prunty, and Christopher Childress may influence fundraising efforts. Paramount CEO Tim Rater was unavailable for comment, indicating an intensified mayoral role in theater operations.

The League of Chicago Theatres has reinstated its “Thank You 5” summer promotion, offering $5 off show tickets at Hot Tix with promo code THANKYOU5, valid between June 18 and July 3.

Writers Theatre has released additional tickets for “Leopoldstadt,” set to debut this Friday in Glencoe, with performances scheduled through August 9. TUTA Theatre has extended “Crime and Punishment,” performing at its intimate 25-seat venue until August 23.

The weekend brings openings of “Untitled Vampire Play” at Lookingglass Theatre and “Catch As Catch Can,” featuring Gary Cole at Steppenwolf. Chris Jones from the Tribune recommends several productions: “Theater of the Mind” at Goodman Theatre, “Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon” at the Apollo Theater, “Job” at Writers Theatre, “Octet” at Raven Theatre, “Pandemonium, Please Hold” at Second City Mainstage, “An Enemy of the People” at TimeLine Theatre, “South Pacific” at Paramount Theatre, and “Damn Yankees” at Theo Ubique Theatre.

For inquiries, contact Tribune critic Chris Jones at [email protected].