Best Broadway Musicals Playing in Chicago

Jersey Boys plays at Chicago's Mercury Theater. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards and Olivier Awards, “Jersey Boys” takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Full of electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,”and more “Jersey Boys” will have you “Beggin” for more!

Jersey Boys plays at the Mercury Theatre through July 21, 2024.

Beehive: The 60’s Musical plays at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The ultimate celebration of 1960’s female empowerment! Featuring such timeless classics as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” BEEHIVE: THE 60’S MUSICAL nostalgically recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power. This summer audiences adored Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, now the women take the spotlight!

Beehive: The 60’s Musical plays at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois from June 19, 2024 to August 11, 2024.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, based on the novel of the same name by John Berendt, has its world premiere at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Southern charm is bountiful in Savannah, Georgia. But behind polite smiles, the eccentric residents are filled with secrets and motives. When wealthy antiques dealer Jim Williams is accused of murder, the sensational trial uncovers hidden truths and exposes the fine line between good and evil – which sparks Lady Chablis and other Savannahians to change the city forever. MacArthur “Genius” grantee Taylor Mac, Tony Award winners Jason Robert Brown and Rob Ashford, and choreographer Tanya Birl bring the true-crime blockbuster book and its beloved characters to life in a new musical adaptation.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil plays at the Goodman Theatre’s Albert Theatre from June 25 to August 4, 2024.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! plays at the Marriott Theatre’s Children’s Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Whatever you do, don't let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! Written by best-selling children’s author Mo Willems, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It's not easy being the Pigeon - you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Pigeon will have everyone's wings flapping. Great for kids!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! plays at the Marriott Theatre’s Children’s Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois from July 12 to August 11, 2024.

The Mad Ones, written by Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk based on an idea by Zach Altman and Bree Lowdermilk, plays at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture. The Mad Ones invites audiences on an introspective and rebellious exploration of youth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of authenticity, as a group of high school seniors grapple with the complexities of growing up in this poignant and energetic musical featuring songs like “Freedom” and “Run Away With Me”

The Mad Ones, presented by Blank Theatre Company, plays at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture from July 12 to August 11, 2024.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ plays at the Drury Lane Theatre. Stride along with the toe-tapping, finger-snapping revue that journeys through the Harlem Renaissance with the music of legend Fats Waller. Brimming with the energetic charm of jazz classics such as “Honeysuckle Rose” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” the crooners of Ain’t Misbehavin’ bring soulful melodies to life, capturing the essence of an era where the joint was always jumpin’.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ plays at the Drury Lane Theatre from June 26 to August 18, 2024.

Alice by Heart plays at the Chopin Theatre. From the Tony and Grammy Award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer's budding teen life is turned upside down as she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss and finding the courage to move forward. This Chicago premiere encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.

Alice By Heart plays at the Drury Lane Theatre from July 18 to September 29, 2024.

Back to the Future, based on the movie of the same name, comes to Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself… back to the future. When Back to the Future hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever. Come for the flying car, stay for the great performances and music!

Back to the Future plays at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from August 13 to September 1, 2024.

1776 plays at the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Summer, 1776 - The nation is ready to declare independence...if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! Witness the birth of the nation as the likes of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson struggle, through courage and conviction, to craft the Declaration of Independence. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the people behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, charming, and often petty, determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Musical, this funny, the seminal events in American history blazes to vivid life in this funny, insightful and compelling drama.

1776 plays at the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire, Illinois from August 21 to October 13, 2024.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas plays at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois. One of America’s most cherished silver screen classics comes to the stage in this holiday favorite, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas! Packed with dazzling hits like “Blue Skies,” “Count Your Blessings,” “I Love a Piano” and the title song “White Christmas,” your entire family will celebrate this magical time of year with this uplifting classic.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas plays at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois from October 30 to December 29, 2024.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella plays at the Marriott Theatre’s Children’s Theatre. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella celebrates the timeless enchantment of this magical fairy tale. Follow the classic story of Cinderella and her quest to attend the Prince’s Ball with a twist of originality, charm and elegance. Transport a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true. With great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, this enthralling fairy tale still warms the hearts of children and adults alike. Great for kids!

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella plays at the Marriott Theatre’s Children’s Theatre from November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025.