Where does Margaret Atwood meet Jimmy Buffett and Tracy Letts cast glances at “Five Guys Named Moe”? The fall season of Chicago theater, of course. With a nod also to director Ivo van Hove and his stunning “A View from the Bridge” at the Goodman and excitement for Gary Griffin’s Victory Gardens staging of the fabulous “Fun Home,” here are 10 especially exciting prospects for your autumnal theatergoing. Enjoy. And know that this list could have been three times as long.
“Alias Grace”
Margaret Atwood fans are snapping up tickets to this world premiere adaptation of an upstairs-downstairs murder mystery by the beloved Canadian writer of historical fiction. Jennifer Blackmer’s new stage adaptation of this 19th-century story, now in previews, represents a coup for Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, a tiny theater on Chicago’s North Side. A televised version of this story by the author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” also is on the way. But first, you can see it live. Through Oct. 15 at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble?, 5779 N. Ridge Ave.; 773-334-7728 and www.rivendelltheatre.org
“Escape to Margaritaville”
Parrotheads from across the Midwest have November on their calendars — not for some post-hurricane Floridia escape but for a Jimmy Buffett jukebox musical in Chicago. This new show, staggering its way toward a Broadway production in 2018, weaves the great party man’s plethora of timeless classics into a fresh and typically bacchanal narrative, a la “Mamma Mia!” Christopher Ashley directs. Shakers of salt no doubt will be available in the day-glow lobby, and anyone who underestimates Buffett or the enthusiasm of his fans is a fool. Nov. 9 to Dec. 2 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.; 800-775-2000 and www.broadwayinchicago.com
“Five Guys Named Moe”
This musical celebration of the work of the songwriter, saxophonist and all-round innovator Louis Jordan originated in Britain in 1990 and was a solid hit in the years that followed before mostly disappearing from view. Ron OJ Parson, a director known for his exuberance and style, revives the title at Court Theatre. Huzzah. The show contains such hits as “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Caldonia” and “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t Ma’ Baby” and celebrates an artist who paved the way for rock ‘n’ roll. Through Oct. 8 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.; 773-753-4472 and www.courttheatre.org
“42nd Street”
The ultimate hoofer musical — far too huge and tap-heavy for most — will be the centerpiece of the season at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, where the plucky artistic staff will wrangle the ambitions of Peggy Sawyer of Allentown and the rest of the kids under the charge of Julian Marsh. Casting has yet to be announced, but expect the biggest company in the history of this venerable suburban venue, all tapping toward their dreams under the direction of director Michael Heitzman and choreographer Jared Grimes. Oct. 26 to Jan. 7 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; 630-530-0111 and www.drurylane.com
“Hard Times”
Lookingglass returns to one of the most seminal shows in its auspicious early history: Heidi Stillman’s unforgettably rich 2001 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Hard Times,” a novel famous for, among many other things, the depiction of how circus artists can cut through the drudgery of the everyday. This all-new production will be directed by Stillman herself and feature many of the ensemble members from the original staging, including Raymond Fox, yet more qualified now to play the terrifyingly Dickensian Thomas Gradgrind. Oct. 4 to Jan. 14 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, 821 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-337-0665 and www.lookingglasstheatre.org
“The Legend of Georgia McBride”
This sassy 2015 play by Matthew Lopez is all about life in and around a drag show on the Florida panhandle. Expect laughs, poignancy, a struggling Elvis impersonator, and lots of campy music. Sean Blake will be donning the wigs and sequins and Lauren Shouse is directing the Chicago premiere of a work by a playwright long supported by Northlight. Sept. 14 to Oct. 22 at Northlight Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; 847-673-6300 and www.northlight.org
“The Minutes”
Those who have read Tracy Letts’ latest play, which is already teed up for Broadway and the object of all kinds of New York and Hollywood buzz, say that it is a searing indictment of the Trumpian political landscape as seen through the filter of a small-town council meeting. The piece is stocked with ensemble members such as Kevin Anderson, Sally Murphy and William Petersen, all under the direction of Anna D. Shapiro, the Steppenwolf artistic director and the woman who staged “August: Osage County.” This is likely to be the toughest ticket of the fall, so buy now or don’t say you were not warned. Nov. 9 to Dec. 31 at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St.; 312-335-1650 and www.steppenwolf.org
“The Rembrandt”
If you’ve ever imagined a museum guard going rogue and touching the works of art, you’ll likely be on board with this new play by Jessica Dickey, creator of “The Amish Project.” Along with Francis Guinan, it heralds the return to Steppenwolf of the veteran and much-loved ensemble member, John Mahoney. Sept 7 to Nov. 5 at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St.; 312-335-1650 and www.steppenwolf.org
“School of Rock”
Andrew Lloyd Webber surrounded himself with kids for his latest musical, an adaptation of the 2003 Richard Linklater movie starring Jack Black, and the decision seemed to energize and renew him. On Broadway, “School of Rock” was a blast for the whole family and a celebration of the power and possibility of arts education. This is the first national tour — no doubt replete with a new set of massively talented kiddos, all rockin’ out for fun and revolution. Nov. 1-19 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.; 800-775-2000 and www.broadwayinchicago.com
“The Toad Knew”
The new venue known as The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare opens with an international artist, James Thierree, known for his theatrical prowess, emotional storytelling and his pedigreed history as the grandson of Charlie Chaplin. This latest piece, in town for five nights only and, given the possibility of the venue, a marquee event of the fall, is a surreal collage filled with acrobats, quirky machines, clowning, visual trickery and bizarre original music. Thierree arrives from Europe with his own troupe, Compagnie du Hanneton. Sept. 19-23 at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier.; 312-595-5600 and www.chicagoshakes.com
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.
cjones5@chicagotribune.com
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