The Bailiwick Arts Center says it is in negotiations to present the American premiere of “Jerry Springer — The Opera.” The show — an R-rated, operatic spoof of the controversial talk show taped here in Chicago — was a hit in London’s West End. But it never moved to Broadway as initially expected. Instead, there will now be several U.S. productions at resident theaters; Bailiwick is expected to be the first when it opens “Springer” in the spring. If all goes according to plan, the show likely will be the biggest production in Bailiwick’s history and attract a large, new audience to the Bailiwick’s long-time home on Belmont Avenue. … After 175 weeks, 1,281 performances and nearly 250,000 audience members, “Menopause The Musical” is closing at the Apollo Theater. The last performance of the Chicago run is slated for Nov. 19. The departure of “Menopause” will put the Apollo, one of Chicago’s best mid-size rental theaters, back into play as a commercial venue. (“Menopause” still is running in several cities including Las Vegas.) … Blue Man Group this week announced that its Toronto production is closing prematurely, although the show continues in Chicago. … The Local Infinities Visual Theater production of “Corpus Delicti: Just Desserts” has announced a full-blown tour, including stops in St. Louis and Sweden. … The eta Creative Arts Foundation is offering two-for-one tickets to its production of “Lifetimes on the Streets” through Nov. 5. … South African singer and Broadway’s “Lion King” actress Thuli Dumakude will perform with the Muntu Dance Theatre at the Harris Theater Friday night to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Women’s Day in South Africa.
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Compiled by Chris Jones
