The Chicago Street Theatre rang in the new year with a calendar full of upcoming shows. There’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup, and the variety of themes are sure to entertain anyone that attends.
The end of the school year is a fitting time to enjoy "Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook." This adaptation of the popular children's book series follows Junie B. Jones as she navigates her way through kindergarten. Throughout the show, Junie B. Jones must decide if stealing is okay, and if a rainbow pen will make the cute boy in her class pick her over the other girls. The production will run from May 6 through May 15.
The end of May sparks the final production of the seventh annual teen workshop, "Teen Festival." The program offers students the chance to learn in an environment that goes deeper than a high school theatre setting. The shows chosen to give age-appropriate roles and include topics like fitting in, social media, mental health issues, and other relevant topics. Performances run May 20 through May 22, and there will be a senior celebration following the final performance on May 22.
"Stop Kiss" will run from June 16 through June 26. The play tells the story of Sara and Callie, who get assaulted on the streets of New York City after they share their first kiss. Sara is seriously injured after the attack, and lands in a coma. The girls’ injuries lead ex-boyfriends and old friends back into their lives, and the play explores these relationships as the girls navigate the chaos that ensues after their kiss. "Stop Kiss" was a monumental story when it was originally performed in 1998 and is still well-loved today for its charming storytelling of a familiar tale for members of the LGBTQ community.
The current production calendar finishes strong with Shakespeare in the Park on July 8-9. In the past, these productions have been performed at the Northwest Health Amphitheatre in Central Park Plaza. The event usually entails a sold-out play, food trucks, and a night under the stars. Keep up with the Chicago Street Theatre on social media and at https://chicagostreet.org/ for more information.