May 26, 2011|By Kerry Reid, special to the Tribune
Summertime, and the living is easy — especially after the Spring That Really Wasn't. And while we certainly understand the impulse to soak up as much sun as possible, there are plenty of great shows around when you need a culture break. (Or you could split the difference and enjoy theater al fresco.) Below are some tasty offerings, most locally grown.
Big deals and long runs
"Million Dollar Quartet"
A tribute to Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and the title foursome — Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley — who tear it up one memorable eve in the studio. Apollo Theater; open run
"South Side of Heaven"
Billy Bungeroth's mainstage directorial debut brings a darker edge of uncertainty to Wells Street — as the city and the Second City figure out how to navigate the post-Daley era. The Second City; open run
"Chicago"
A glitzier (and more sinister) view of the City That Works — as long as you can give 'em the old razzle-dazzle, with John O'Hurley ("J. Peterman" of "Seinfeld" fame) as slick defense attorney Billy Flynn. Oriental Theatre; June 7-12
"Peter Pan"
The awfully big adventure just got a whole lot larger in this spare-no-expense spectacular, complete with CGI effects, based on J.M. Barrie's beloved classic.
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center; through July 10
Just for Laughs Chicago
The highest-profile comedy festival in town returns with headliners Steve Martin, Martin Short and Seth Meyers, in addition to many other stand-up and sketch comedians. Various venues; June 14-19
"The All New Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers"
Comin' to ya, on a dusty road — well, there has been a lot of construction on Congress Parkway lately. This British-born production is coming to town with Brad Henshaw and Jim de Groot donning the shoes and shades of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Auditorium Theatre; July 6-24
Family fare
"Cirque Shanghai"
Navy Pier's newly repaired Skyline Stage again hosts the daring acrobatics of this extravaganza, which now features Imperial Thunder, a high-wire motorcycle troupe. Local choreographer Brenda Didier helps out director Miao Miao Chen. Navy Pier Skyline Stage; June 23-Sept. 5
"Beauty and the Beast"
The big Disney stage adaptation of the film musical returns, inviting a new generation to "Be Our Guest." Oriental Theatre; June 29-Aug. 7
"Pinkalicious"
After eating too many cupcakes, Pinkalicious turns bright pink. Emerald City Theatre Company's hit musical production of this kids show is based on the book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. Broadway Playhouse; July 8-Sept. 3
"The Adventures of Pinocchio"
If Pinkalicious thinks she has problems, she should talk to the Little Wooden Dude With the Great Big Nose. This musical version of Carlo Collodi's story of the puppet who wants to be a real boy, created by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill, features a cast of larger-than-life marionettes under Rachel Rockwell's direction. Chicago Shakespeare Theater; July 13-Aug. 28
Fresh air feasts
"The History of King Henry the Fourth"
Both parts of the Bard's history play have been adapted by Stanton Davis of Northern Illinois University into one epic evening, also directed by Davis for Oak Park Festival Theatre. Artistic director Jack Hickey stars as Falstaff (June 9-July 9). Followed by "Henry V" (July 14-Aug. 20). Austin Gardens in Oak Park
"The Hobbit"
Peter Jackson is hard at work on his film version, but you can enjoy J.R.R. Tolkien's story in this outdoor staging with Theatre-Hikes. Morton Arboretum, Lisle; July 2-31
"Romeo and Juliet"
Star-crossed lovers are anguished under the stars on the lush grounds of the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate. Nick Sandys directs. First Folio Theatre, Oak Brook; July 6-Aug. 7
"The Wizard of Oz"
The great outdoors stands in for Oz in this Theatre-Hikes staging of the L. Frank Baum classic, adapted by Elizabeth Fuller Chapman. Morton Arboretum, Lisle; Aug. 6-28
Savvy finds
"Northwest Highway"
William Nedved's set-in-Jefferson-Park play gets a world premiere in the 'hood with Nedved's home company. A man contemplating the sale of his father's house finds himself conflicted about staying put and moving on. Gift Theatre; through July 17
"Next Up"
Steppenwolf gives a helping hand to the next generation. Directors and designers from Northwestern's MFA program are mentored by Anna D. Shapiro, Todd Rosenthal and outgoing director of artistic development Polly Carl: Rajiv Joseph's "Animals Out of Paper," Lucy Thurber's "Where We're Born," and Suzan-Lori Parks' "Venus." Steppenwolf Theatre Garage; May 31-June 19
"The Last Act of Lilka Kadison"
Fresh off winning the regional Tony Award, Lookingglass premieres this piece about a woman and her memories of escaping Poland on the eve of World War II. The play was inspired by Johanna Cooper and her radio series, "One People, Many Stories." Lookingglass Theatre; June 1-July 24
"Sketchbook: Evolution"