Theater in Chicago June 21 to 27: ‘Darling Grenadine’ and more

From comedy and drama to musicals and dance, Chicago’s stages are alive with vibrant productions.

Katherine Thomas and Heath Saunders star in “Darling Grenadine” at the Marriott Theatre.

SHOW OF THE WEEK

“Darling Grenadine”: Daniel Zaitchik’s new musical, now in its Midwest premiere, blends an offbeat, whimsical humor with themes of denial and loss. A songwriter with a fanciful view of the world lives a perfectly orchestrated life in Manhattan with his actress girlfriend. But will everything be upended when reality comes calling and his fantasy begins to unravel? Heath Saunders, Katherine Thomas and Nick Cosgrove star; Aaron Thielen directs with musical direction by Ryan T. Nelson. Previews begin June 26, opens July 7; to Aug. 18. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, $50-$60; marriotttheatre.com

MORE PREVIEWS AND OPENINGS

“Grindr the Opera (An Unauthorized Parody)”: Erik Ransom’s satirical musical about the gay hookup app that changed the landscape of gay relationships; co-directed by John Cardone and Shawn Quinlan. Previews begin June 23, opens June 25; to July 28. Pride Arts Center, The Buena, 4147 N. Broadway, $30, $40; pridefilmsandplays.com

“That’s Weird, Grandma”: Adaptations of stories written during creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools and performed in area parks. Barrel of Monkeys at Gladstone Park, 5421 N. Menard (June 27); Oriole Park, 5430 N. Olcott (June 28); McKiernan Park, 10714 S. Sawyer (July 9); Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana (July 15); Mann Park, 3035 E. 139^th (July 23), Free; barrelofmonkeys.org

“That’s Weird, Grandma — Fantastic Beasts and the Stories About Them”: Beasts ranging from talking animals to intergalactic life forms are brought to life through song, dance and ridiculous costumes. Previews begin June 24, opens July 1; to Aug. 12. Barrel of Monkeys at Neo-Futurists Theater, 5153 N. Ashland, $5-$20; barrelofmonkeys.org

Barrel of Monkeys company members Rachel Wilson and Bryan Bosque perform “Tilly, Thunder, and Bob,” a segment of “That’s Weird, Grandma — Fantastic Beasts and the Stories About Them.”

“Wiesenthal”: Tom Dugan’s solo play about Simon Wiesenthal, the Holocaust survivor who was responsible for bringing more than 1,000 Nazi war criminals to justice; directed by Jenny Sullivan. Opens June 26; closes June 30. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; $40-$50; northshorecenter.org

“50 in 50: A City-Wide Theatrical Flash Mob”: Free Street Theater celebrates its 50^th anniversary by performing short works in each of Chicago’s 50 wards. June 23, Free. For a list of locations, visit freestreet.org