## Must-See Chicago Performances: Spring 2025
Chicago’s 2025 arts calendar promises a vibrant season of performing arts. To help you navigate the exciting offerings, WBEZ presents a curated shortlist of shows predicted to sell out quickly. From acclaimed Broadway productions to intimate jazz concerts and world-premiere operas, this list caters to a diverse range of tastes.
Theater:
* _Fat Ham_ (Goodman Theatre, January 11 – February 23): This Pulitzer Prize-winning play, a modern reimagining of *Hamlet* set at a Black family barbecue, features Trumane Alston and Ronald L. Conner. Directed by Tyrone Phillips, this co-production with Definition Theatre offers a fresh and compelling perspective on Shakespeare’s classic. (*Tickets from $25*)
* _Betrayal_ (Goodman Theatre, February 8 – March 16): Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Helen Hunt leads a star-studded cast in Harold Pinter’s intricate love triangle, directed by Goodman artistic director Susan V. Booth. Ian Bradford and Robert Sean Leonard complete the ensemble. (*Tickets from $25*)
* _A Raisin in the Sun_ (Court Theatre, January 31 – March 2): Court Theatre brings Lorraine Hansberry’s seminal work, a landmark play for Black women in theater, home to the South Side. Directed by Gabrielle Randle-Bent, the production stars Brian Keys and Shanésia Davis. (*Tickets from $23.50*)
* _Circus Quixote_ (Lookingglass Theatre, January 30 – March 30): Marking a triumphant return for the Lookingglass Theatre Company, this world premiere blends acrobatics and the story of Don Quixote. Starring Michel Rodriguez Cintra, it promises a visually stunning and engaging theatrical experience. (*Tickets from $30*)
* _What We’re Left With_ (Raven Theatre, May 1 – June 7): Award-winning playwright Keiko Green delivers a powerful two-hander exploring grief, love, and loss after a sudden death. Expect a gripping and emotionally resonant performance. (*Tickets not yet available*)
* _Diana_ (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, May 23 – July 6): This Midwest premiere of the Broadway musical delves into the life of Princess Diana leading up to her royal wedding. Featuring music and lyrics by David Bryan of Bon Jovi, this intimate production promises a captivating story. (*Tickets from $25*)
Music & Dance:
* Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few (Harris Theater, March 11): Catch one of jazz’s most exciting young talents, Isaiah Collier, in what may be his final performance with The Chosen Few. This is a rare opportunity to experience this acclaimed group. (*Tickets from $23*)
* _The Listeners_ (Lyric Opera House, March 30 – April 11): This buzzworthy new opera by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek, featuring Chicago native Nicole Heaston, explores themes of madness and cult-like communities. (*Tickets from $42*)
* Shemekia Copeland (SPACE, March 30): Grammy-nominated blues queen Shemekia Copeland brings her powerful voice to Evanston’s intimate SPACE venue. (*Tickets from $28.50*)
* Twyla Tharp’s Diamond Jubilee (Harris Theater, April 10-12): Legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp celebrates 60 years of dance in collaboration with Third Coast Percussion. (*Tickets from $52.90*)
* Klaus Mäkelä conducts Mahler’s Third Symphony (Symphony Center, April 24-26): Experience a rare Chicago appearance by the upcoming Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director, Klaus Mäkelä, before his official tenure begins. (*Tickets from $75*)
* _She Who Dared_ (Chicago Opera Theater, June 3-8): The world premiere of this opera celebrates the lesser-known women who participated in the Montgomery bus boycott, highlighting their crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. (*Tickets from $59.50*)
* Christopher Wheeldon’s _Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland_ (Lyric Opera House, June 5-22): The Joffrey Ballet presents the Chicago premiere of this whimsical and visually stunning ballet. (*Tickets from $36*)
Broadway in Chicago:
* _Kimberly Akimbo_ (CIBC Theatre, June 10-22): This Tony Award-winning musical, starring Carolee Carmello, offers a poignant and moving portrayal of a teenager with a rare aging condition. (*Tickets not yet available*)
This list represents a selection of highly anticipated performances. For a complete calendar and to purchase tickets, check individual venue websites. If we’ve missed your favorite, let us know at arts@wbez.org.