Summer in Chicago is heating up, and the citys vibrant theatre scene is ready to thrill audiences with an exciting lineup of must-see shows. From Broadway hits to family-friendly fun, theres something for everyone to enjoy. Whether youre a musical theater aficionado or looking for a memorable date night out, our guide to the 10 hottest shows this summer will help you make the most of the season.

This is just a preview of performing arts events in Chicago. Don’t miss our full list of shows on our events calendar.  

Back To The Future: The Musical

Casey Likes (Marty McFly) in Back to the Future: The MusicalCadillac Palace Theater

Aug. 13 – Sept. 1, 2024

Marty McFly and Doc Brown are back. This 1980s cult-classic film has been adapted into a musical for the first time, with new original music plus rock n roll favorites like The Power Of Love and Johnny B. Goode from the film’s original soundtrack. The whole family is sure to have a blast.

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The SalonBlack Ensemble Theater

June 8 – July 28, 2024

In the Uptown neighborhood, the acclaimed Black Ensemble Theater is staging this heart-warming musical about love, legacy, and hair. The Salon, featuring an array of music from James Brown to Beyonce,  follows the trials and tribulations of a Chicago hair salon through music and dance.

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SIX

Nederlander Theatre

Through July 14, 2024

The six wives of King Henry VIII are taking back the microphone  — and their story. This Tony-Award winning musical, which had its original run in Chicago, remixes history and channels modern-day divas with bombastic female-led power anthems that will have you up on your feet. 

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Death Let Me Do My Show

Death Let Me Do My Show; photo by Emilio MadridSteppenwolf Theater

Aug. 14 – 24, 2024

Don’t miss this raunchy one-woman show from Rachel Bloom, the co-creator and star of Crazy-Ex Girlfriend. This dark comedy cleverly intertwines humor as the protagonist struggles with existential questions and the meaning of life under Death’s watchful eye.

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Midnight in the Garden of Good and EvilGoodman Theatre

June 25 – Aug. 4, 2024

The mysterious and beautiful Southern city of Savannah is filled with secrets. When eccentric antique dealer Jim Williams is accused of murder, salacious rumors and drama ensue. The best-selling, true-crime novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is transformed into a seductive musical set in charming Savannah, Georgia.

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Jersey BoysMercury Theater

Through July 21, 2024

Jersey Boys is the Tony Award-winning musical that takes you behind the scenes of the rise to fame of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Tthis captivating show tells the true story of the bands journey from the streets of New Jersey to international stardom. Experience the electrifying music, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable performances that have made Jersey Boys a beloved sensation.

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The Lord of the RingsChicago Shakespeare Theater

July 19 – Sept. 1, 2024

Frolic through The Shire with the Hobbits and embark on a treacherous quest through the depths of Mordor in this musical rendition of Tolkien’s classic. Whether you’re a passionate Lord of the Rings fan or a newcomer, the magical world of Middle-Earth will delight all audiences in this US world-premiere event.

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Alice by HeartChopin Theater

July 18 – Sept. 29, 2024

Chopin Theatre; photo by Cindy FandlSet against the backdrop of WWII, this family-friendly shows explore how Alice and her friend Alfred’s lives change dramatically when forced to seek shelter in an underground tube station. They seek refuge and comfort in Alice’s favorite story, Alice in Wonderland, and explore themes of first love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of imagination even in the darkest times.

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SAVOR After HoursBroadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place

July 9 – Aug. 18, 2024

A rotating cast of Dancing With The Stars alums take the stage as they dance through a celebration of all five senses. Sip and savor life’s beauty through this unique wine-tasting and theatrical performance, described by critics as sensory perfection.

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East Texas Hot LinksCourt Theatre

Sept. 6 – 29, 2024

While summer may be wrapping up in September, Chicagos theatre season is still heating up. As part of their landmark 70th season, the Tony Award-winning Court Theatre presented this gripping character study set in 1955 East Texas. This production brings the Pulitzer Prize-nominated story back to Chicago after it was first produced here thirty years ago.

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From timeless classics to exciting premieres, these summer shows promise to intrigue audiences of all ages. Don’t forget to check out the events calendar for a full list of events happening this summer in Chicago.