Here’s what’s playing this summer at theaters within a stone’s throw of Springfield. If you like musicals, you’re in luck!
New Salem’s Theatre in the Park
Two Gentlemen of Verona May 29-31, June 4-6. A commedia dell’arte version of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved comedies.
Grease June 19-21, 25-27. You know it, you love it. Go Greased Lightning!
Children of Eden July 17-19, 23-25. A musical about parents, children and faith.
Jane Eyre Aug. 14-16, 20-22. This musical based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte, was nominated for five Tony awards. 632-5440, www.theatreinthepark.net
The Hoogland Center for the Arts
James and the Giant Peach June 25-28-This musical based on Roald Dahl’s book is presented by Hoogland Teen.
Genesis, the Musical July 24-26- a fast-paced show about the first book of the Bible.
The Addams Family Aug. 28- Sept. 6. A musical in which Wednesday, Morticia and Gomez Addams negotiate family dynamics. 523-2787, www.hcfta.org
Legacy Theatre
Mary Poppins July 10-26. The Legacy Theatre promises “dazzling special effects” in this Disney musical based on the classic film. Mary Poppins is the magical nanny we all wish lived in our basement. 800-838-3006, www.atthelegacy.com
The Muni
Spamalot June 12-13, 18-20, 25-27. If you like Monty Python movies, you’re going to love Spamalot. “Lovingly ripped off” from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, it features songs from the original film (“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”) and new ones such as “I Am Not Dead Yet.”
Seussical July 10-11, 16-18, 23-25. Seussical features Dr. Seuss characters such as The Cat in the Hat, Horton (who hears a “who”) and The Grinch.
West Side Story Aug. 7-8, 13-15, 20-22. Gangsters fight each other to the death whilst leaping like gazelles. Young women sing about immigration and body image while navigating the urban dating scene in 1950s New York.
Cabaret Sept. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19. At the Kit Kat Klub, The Emcee assures us that beyond the mounting political unrest that is about to spark World War II, still “Life is a Cabaret”… and all that jazz. 793-MUNI (6864), www.themuni.org
Eastlight Theatre, Peoria
Les Miserables June 19-21, 24- 27. Jean Valjean returns to central Illinois, pursued closely by the nefarious Javert. Cosette and Fantine will cheer them on in this epic about morality and a loaf of bread in 19th-century France.
Big Fish- July 31-Aug. 1, 5-8. A fantastical musical about a father’s tall tales and his son’s search for the story behind the stories. Presented by Youthlight, the theater’s student troupe. 309-699-7469, www.eastlighttheatre.com.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bloomington
Love’s Labour’s Lost June 30, July 3, 8, 11, 14, 18, 23, 26, 29, 31- Four friends swear to devote themselves to scholarship and avoid women for three years. Hilarity ensues.
Richard II –July 2, 5, 10, 15, 17, 21, 25, 30- One of Shakespeare’s rarely-produced (and best) history plays.
Q Gents – July 1, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 19, 22, 24, 28, Aug. 1, 4, 7- A two-person hip-hop version of Two Gentlemen of Verona written and performed by the prolific Q Brothers.
Love’s Labour’s Won- July 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, Aug. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7. An original studio production in which the four couples of Love’s Labours’s Lost reunite after World War I. 866-IL-SHAKE, www.thefestival.org.
Jacksonville Theatre Guild, Jacksonville
Robin Hood: The Musical July 30- Aug. 2, Aug. 6-9. Though “(Everything I Do) I Do it for You” is notably absent from the score, Robin, Maid Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham will all make appearances. 245-1402.
Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan
Mary Poppins June 3-14, the magical nanny we all wish lived in our basement.
Pinkalicious June 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13. A musical for children celebrating all things pink.
Hairspray-June 17-28. Based on John Watters’ film, Hairspray follows a teenage girl in 1960s Baltimore who achieves her dream of appearing on a live dance show.
Swing!- July 1-12. A celebration of the music and dance of jazz’s swing era. Includes songs by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman.
Jack and the Beanstalk- July 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11. A musical version of the children’s tale.
The Wizard of Oz- July 15-26. Follow the yellow brick road out of.
728-7375, www.thelittletheatre.org
The Muny, St. Louis
My Fair Lady June 15-21. Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins battle musically over class, love and pronunciation.
Hairspray June 23-30. Based on John Watters’ film, Hairspray follows a teenage girl in segregated 1960s Baltimore who achieves her dream of appearing on a dance show.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn July 6-12. A new musical based on the 1942 film.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story July 13-19. The story of Buddy Holly.
Into the Woods July 21-27. Familiar fairy tale characters rendezvous in the woods.
Beauty and the Beast July 29-Aug. 7. Based on the Disney film.
Oklahoma! Aug.10-16. The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.
314- 361-1900 x550, www.muny.org
