Theatre Building Chicago hosts its 11th annual weekend-long showcase of new musicals, offered here in concert readings (with the actors at music stands) and staged readings (with the actors moving about while using scripts and scores). The eight works in progress assembled by artistic director John Sparks range in subject matter from the Wild West to ancient Egypt, from Al Jolson to Jack the Ripper, from the sentimental songs of Stephen Foster to the paranoid fables of Franz Kafka. The festival gives audiences and aspiring writers a chance to discuss the art, craft, and commerce of musical theater as they rub elbows between shows.
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Stages 2004: A Festival of New Musicals takes place Friday-Sunday, August 13-15, in the north and south theaters of Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Individual prices are shown below; a Stages Pass to all Saturday-Sunday shows costs $85. For reservations and more information, call 773-327-5252.
Sherman Yellen and Will Holt penned this biography of legendary singer Al Jolson. The show, which features Jolson classics as well as new tunes, stars Sam Harris under the direction of Steve Scott. North theater, 7:30 PM. $75 (includes preshow reception and postshow party; Stages Pass not applicable).
Members of the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band are featured in this tale of two sisters who come to the U.S. in 1910. Domenick Danza directs this collaboration between Joanne Koch, Sarah Blacher Cohen, Ilya Levinson, and Owen Kalt. South theater, 9 AM. $15.
The Arresting Dilemma of Mister K
Gregg Opelka, Todd Mueller, and Hank Boland’s romantic comedy, directed by Tina Salamone, pays tribute to the music and movies of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. North theater, 7:30 PM. $15.
See listing for Saturday. North theater, 9 AM. $15.
