Catching “Theater Fever” used to involve hopping all over town. But thanks to new sponsorship by the City of Chicago, this year’s annual celebration of all things local and theatrical can be enjoyed in two adjoining downtown buildings – the Chicago Cultural Center, at 77 E. Randolph St. and the new Storefront Theatre, at 66 E. Randolph St.
Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, you can take part in a variety of events themed around current theatrical attractions. As always, there’s a long schedule of family-friendly participatory activities, but here’s a selective list of a few of our recommendations for how to spend the day:
11 a.m. Kenny Ingram, one of Chicago’s best choreographers, will get you up on your feet dancing. Since Ingram never stops working, you may get spotted here and propelled into stardom.
Noon The Auditorium Theatre is sponsoring a cabaret sing-along. It’ll be a chance to exercise the pipes on classic Broadway ditties.
1 p.m. In honor of “Late Night Catechism,” a tough-as-nails nun will be offering lessons in proper theater etiquette.
2 p.m. Learn Second-City style improv without paying tuition. The long-established local comedy troupe offers workshops in its signature style.
2:30 p.m. To celebrate the return of “Rent” to Chicago, the Windy City Gay Men’s Chorus is hosting a sing-a-long of “Seasons of Love” and other melodic ditties.
If none of that appeals, there are also behind-the-scenes tours of the major downtown theaters, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. And if you show up early at the Cultural Center, you may just snag a goodie bag filled with coupons and other memorabilia of the vibrant scene that is Chicago theater.
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