The House Theatre of Chicago announced its 2015-16 season on Monday. The fanciful company continues in residence at the Chopin Theatre in Noble Square.
First is a new play by Damon Kiely called “The Revel” (Sept. 3-Oct. 25). It’s a gospel music adaptation of Euripides’ “The Bacchae” featuring a score by Jess McIntosh, with direction by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig.
In the winter, “The Nutcracker” (Nov. 5-Dec. 31), the company’s annual holiday show that premiered at Steppenwolf back in 2007, returns. While sharing the same basic E.T.A. Hoffmann plot as the Tchaikovsky ballet, the show features its own original score by Kevin O’Donnell and choreography by Tommy Rapley.
Another new play, “The Last Defender,” begins next January. It’s said to be an interactive show, set in 1960s Chicago, that combines puzzles, gaming, and comic book superheroes. Nathan Allen will collaborate with Chris Burnham and puzzle designer Sandor Weisz to create the piece, which is meant to be experienced by 16 audience members — called “players” — at a time.
In the spring, a new work by Vanessa Stalling, untitled as of now, will explore moments of crisis. Although not billed as a musical or a play, composer Mikhail Fiskel and lyricist Alex Balestrieri are involved with the production.
The season ends in the summer with “Death & Harry Houdini,” Nathan Allen’s popular biographical magic show, performed by Dennis Watkins.
The Chopin Theatre is located at 1543 W. Division St.