Hershey Felder, whose show “George Gershwin Alone” has been playing the Royal George Theatre since early last fall, says he plans to remain in Chicago for the foreseeable future and to debut his next theatrical project at the theater.
In September, Felder plans to open “Monsieur Chopin,” a solo piece revolving around the life and work of the celebrated 19th Century composer. If it follows the same pattern as Felder’s Gershwin show, “Monsieur Chopin” will make its subsequent way to Broadway and London’s West End.
Felder’s “Gershwin” is the first long-running attraction at the Royal George, 1641 N. Halsted St., in several years. On July 1, WFMT-FM will broadcast the piece live.
Felder says he plans to run “Gershwin” throughout the summer months and then hold on to his lease for “Chopin,” which could be in Chicago for all of next season.
Goodman update: The Goodman Theatre has announced the rest of its 2005-06 season. Sarah Rule’s play “The Clean House” will be directed by Jessica Thebus in the Albert Theatre, from April 29 to June 4, 2006. Shortly thereafter, Regina Taylor will direct her play “The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove,” (June 17-July 23), a historical drama that premiered this year at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Lynn Nottage’s “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” will be produced in the Owen Theatre. Chuck Smith’s production runs from May 27 to June 25, 2006.
More Nottage: Playwright Nottage also figures in the Next Theatre’s 2005-06 season–the Evanston-based troupe’s 25th-anniversary year– which includes Nottage’s “Fabulation” (April 6 to May 7, 2006). Also on a Next slate: Sam Shepard’s “God of Hell” (Sept. 15 to Oct. 16); Paul Vogel’s “The Long Christmas Ride Home” (Nov. 10 to Dec. 18) and Caryl Churchill’s “A Number” (Jan. 26 to Feb. 26).