You don’t have to travel all the way to New York to see remarkable theater productions. Chicago’s fall theater lineup—both the national tours and the local productions—is jam-packed with plays and musicals, from beloved classics to modern political satires. Check out our picks for must-see fall 2024 theater productions, and also see Broadway in Chicago’s 2025 lineup here.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Where: James M. Nederlander Theatre
Dates: Sept. 10 – Feb. 1, 2025
Experience the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, now playing in Chicago as part of its first-ever North American tour. This Tony Award-winning production takes audiences on an epic adventure as Harry Potter’s son, Albus, and Draco Malfoy’s son embark on a thrilling journey that could alter the past and future forever. Featuring jaw-dropping special effects and theatrical magic, this is a must-see for fans of the wizarding world.
Coronation
Where: Refracted Theatre Company
Dates: Oct. 11 – Nov. 16
In a political satire set in the near future, Coronation imagines a world where disillusioned women create a new branch of government—a monarchy led by the Queen of America. With its blend of humor and dystopian themes, this three-act play delivers a futuristically feminist view of politics.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Where: Babes With Blades Theatre Company
Dates: Oct. 16 – Nov. 23
Shakespeare’s timeless comedy comes to life with a twist, as Babes With Blades brings its signature style to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The whimsical story of love, magic and mischief unfolds as four Athenians and a group of amateur actors find themselves caught in the middle of a war between the king and queen of the fairies.
Commedia Divina: It’s Worse Than That (RETOOLED!)
Where: The Conspirators
Dates: Oct. 17 – Nov. 10
Returning after a COVID-shortened run, Commedia Divina takes audiences on a hilarious journey through Dante’s Nine Circles of Hell with a modern twist. Join a suburban business heiress as she navigates this updated version of Hell, with Washington D.C. as the ultimate destination. Outrageous humor and biting social commentary await.
Dear Elizabeth
Where: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company
Dates: Oct. 17 – Nov. 17
Based on the letters exchanged between poets Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell, Dear Elizabeth traces their 30-year friendship through written correspondence. This intimate drama explores the beauty of language, connection and the profound bond between two of the 20th century’s greatest literary figures.
Inheritance (Brothers from the Deep)
Where: The Factory Theater
Dates: Oct. 18 – Nov. 23
In this supernatural drama, two brothers face buried trauma and rough waters during their annual fishing trip. Inheritance tackles themes of change, family and dark forces that lie beneath the surface.
Bottle Fly
Where: Redtwist Theatre
Dates: Oct. 20 – Nov. 24
This world premiere by Jacqueline Goldfinger delves into queer survival in the Everglades, examining the dynamics of race, poverty and bigotry in South Florida. Bottle Fly captures love and complexity as it explores America’s ongoing struggle with gay rights, offering a timely conversation in today’s political climate.
Evil Perfect
Where: Bramble Theatre Company
Dates: Oct. 21 – Nov. 10
Set in a dystopian society obsessed with equity, Evil Perfect follows Lily and Puck as they hatch a plan to revolt against their city’s twisted ideals. This dark, seductive play examines how honorable intentions can lead to evil actions in the pursuit of perfection.
Some Like It Hot
Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre
Dates: Oct. 22 – Nov. 3
Get ready for the dazzling, Tony Award-winning musical Some Like It Hot, bringing a tap-dancing, song-and-dance extravaganza to the stage. Set in 1920s Chicago during Prohibition, this hilarious and heartwarming show follows two musicians on the run from the mob, catching a cross-country train for the adventure of a lifetime.
Little Shop of Horrors
Where: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Dates: Oct. 24 – Nov. 17
Just in time for Halloween, Little Shop of Horrors is ready to make audiences scream with laughter. This sci-fi horror musical comedy follows Seymour, a flower shop employee whose life is taken over by a carnivorous plant with a sinister appetite. Featuring music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, this favorite combines horror, comedy and rock music for a fun night out. Don’t miss post-show talks on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 to explore the history behind the musical.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Where: Drury Lane Theatre
Dates: Nov. 6 – Jan. 12, 2025
Dive into the magical world of Disney’s The Little Mermaid as beloved characters Ariel, Sebastian and Prince Eric come to life on stage. Featuring the iconic music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, this holiday production is ideal for a family outing.
Dog Man: The Musical
Where: Studebaker Theater
Dates: Nov. 8 – Dec. 1
Based on the bestselling books by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical brings the crime-fighting, furniture-chewing hero to life. Join George and Harold as they create a musical adventure starring Dog Man, the part-dog, part-man hero who takes on villains like Flippy the cyborg fish and Petey the evil cat. With humor and heart, this family-friendly show is perfect for kids and adults alike.
A Beautiful Noise
Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre
Dates: Nov. 12 – Nov. 24
A Beautiful Noise, created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, brings the uplifting true story of the American rock icon to life. This energy-filled musical tells the untold story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-topping legend, with hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “America” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” A Beautiful Noise is a must-see celebration of one of America’s greatest hitmakers, packed with the songs that defined his career and made him a global sensation.
& Juliet
Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre
Dates: Dec. 3 – Dec. 15
What if Juliet didn’t die over Romeo? That’s the hilarious and empowering twist in & Juliet, the new musical from the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek. This show flips Shakespeare’s classic on its head, following Juliet as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and second chances. Featuring a playlist of pop anthems like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar” and “Baby One More Time,” this vibrant musical is a celebration of life, love, and rewriting your own story.
