See what’s playing at Northwestern University’s Wirtz Centers this summer
Two full productions offer storytelling for children and adults
EVANSTON, Ill. --- A dark comedy and a fun, heartwarming tale headline this summer’s offerings at Northwestern University’s Wirtz Center on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses.
A production of Chicago playwright Ike Holter’s award-winning play “Exit Strategy” serves as the culminating show for the graduating class of MFA acting students and will also include undergraduate performers. DC Metro Theater Arts describes the play as “a call to arms, beautifully dangerous, and questions what’s worth fighting for and how to lead that fight.”
A new offering from the Wirtz Center’s popular Imagine U series for families, “Lyle the Crocodile,” is a musical adaptation of the classic children’s books “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” and “The House on East 88th Street.”
Tickets and more information are available on the Wirtz Center website. The Wirtz Center box office, located in the lobby of the Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive, is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon until 4 p.m. Email the audience service team at wirtz@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-7282.
Wirtz Summer 2023 Season
“Exit Strategy”
By Ike Holter
Directed by Malkia Stampley
July 21-23
Wirtz Center Chicago
Abbott Hall
710 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago
Five Chicago Public School teachers, their frazzled vice principal and a defiant but motivated student take on a failing school system. Fierce, funny and charged with anger, the sharply written play follows the motley crew as they band together to save the demolition of their school and regain the optimism and courage they thought they’d lost forever.
Performances:
Friday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 22, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 23, 2 p.m.
Imagine U: “Lyle the Crocodile”
Adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling
Based on the book by Bernard Waber
Directed by Halena Kays
July 28-30
Ethel M. Barber Theater
30 Arts Circle Drive
Evanston
The Primm family is moving into their first New York City apartment. Imagine their surprise when they find a crocodile asleep in the bathtub! Although things are a bit crazy at first, Lyle soon wins them over with his saxophone-playing, juggling and dancing ways. Lyle brings joy to everyone he meets. Even the neighbors, Ms. Nitpicker and Mr. Grumps can’t resist his charms. “Lyle the Crocodile” is a music-filled dancing treat for the whole family.