Steadstyle Chicago
	Theatre Feature by Joe Stead June 24, 2010
	Summer Stages: Theatre Goes Outdoors Rock Valley College's Starlight Theatre celebrates "La vie Boheme" in the rock musical "Rent" (Above Left) while Oak Park's Festival Theatre launches its summer outdoor program with John Steinbeck's classic drama "Of Mice and Men" (Above Right). Summer is here and for some of us that will include theatre under the stars.  Far more than any indoor theatre experience you will have, theatre al fresco is a unique and unpredictable event.  There are pleasures to be had in a natural environment, however there are also distractions and deterrents that can spoil the magic.  I learned the downside of outdoor theatre with my first live play, "Fiddler on the Roof," which was rained out midway through the first act wedding celebration.  Now some three decades later the sad truth remains that the show doesn't always go on. I have been present for the past three opening nights at Rock Valley College's Starlight Theatre, but severe storms and tornado warnings prevented me from attending the fourth and final summer performance of "Rent".  For those who haven't had the chance yet, the Starlight magic continues through July as all four of their one-word title musicals are brought back for a second round of one-week runs.  All Starlight shows feature large casts, lavish production values and in some cases a full live orchestra.  One big plus for Rockford audiences is a terrific domed roof that at least prevents the raindrops from falling on your head.  In addition to Jonathan Larson's rock update of "La Boheme," "Rent," the season also includes "Chicago," "Aida" and "Annie". Inclement weather also prevented me on two different days from seeing the Oak Park Festival Theatre's current production of John Steinbeck's classic drama "Of Mice and Men".  The tranquil setting of Austin Gardens unfortunately provides no barrier to Mother Nature's wrath, and I can only wish Festival better luck with their Shakepearean offering "Loves Labours Lost" later this summer.  My critical colleague Kerry Reid did highly praise the Steinbeck play, which features the distinguished Chicago veteran actor William Norris among the cast.  For some of us, the aroma of citronella candles flickering under the stars is invariably linked to William Shakespeare.  And First Folio Theatre continues that tradition with this year's uniquely Middle-Eastern flavored production of "Twelfth Night". Those willing to take the drive to Spring Green, Wisconsin have an extremely ambitious and bountiful buffet of classical theatre to choose from at the highly acclaimed American Players Theatre.  2010 marks the second year audiences can choose from the traditional outdoor hiking experience "Up the Hill" and the more traditional and more intimate fare at APT's appealing new indoor space.  This year's selections range from the Shakespearean staples "As You Like It" and "All's Well that Ends Well" to Lillian Hellman's "Another Part of the Forest," George Bernard Shaw's "Major Barbara," Somerset Maugham's "The Circle," Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," Pamela Glen's "The Syringa Tree" and Athol Fugard's "Exits and Entrances".  A word to the wise: check the weather forecast in advance if you're planning an afternoon or evening "Up the Hill," and be prepared for some pricey accommodations and limited eating choices in the quaint, rural Spring Green area.  Bring the sunglasses, insect repellent and appropriate outdoor apparel too. For many, summertime in Illinois would just not be complete without a pilgrimage to Highland Park's legendary Ravinia Festival, and this year's schedule, which is previewed on this web site, truly promises something for everyone.  Musical theatre lovers will remember that Ravinia was where Patti LuPone first introduced her Tony Award winning performance as Mama Rose, not to mention a slew of Stephen Sondheim's most famous leading ladies.  LuPone is back this year with Broadway royalty Brian Stokes Mitchell and George Hearn in the concert version of Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun," reminding us once again "There's No Business Like Show Business".  A plethora of big name classical, pop, country and jazz singers, musicians and dancers will take the Ravinia stage this year.  If it's a must-see performance you can't live without, consider splurging for the pricier Pavilion seats or you're at the mercy of Mother Nature.  The Ravinia lawn is a nice place for picnicking, but the sightlines are lousy and that sudden downpour could leave you singing the blues.       This year audiences at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin can choose between outdoor shows up on the Hill, such as "As You Like It" (Left) or intimate indoor dramas like "Waiting for Godot" (Right).