| I'm off for my annual trip to the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, this weekend, where it is Chicago Tribune weekend. With help from my colleagues, I'll be talking about the history of the
"Annie" cartoon in our newspaper and also catching up on five shows. Court Theatre is expected to announce its new artistic director this week. So look out for that. I was sad to hear of the death of Ron Wells, longtime chief of operations at the Den Theatre. The Wicker Park theater described Ron as a
"monumental and irreplaceable loss to The Den Family." Lookingglass Theatre Company has announced the return of its fifth annual "Sunset 1919: A Ritual," set for 7 p.m. July 27 at the Eugene Williams Memorial Marker, 125 Fort Dearborn Drive, just north of the 31st Street Beach. The
"community ritual" commemorating a sad chapter of Chicago's history is co-curated by ensemble members Kareem Bandealy and J. Nicole Brooks. Idle Muse Theatre Company's first production in its 2025-26 season is the world premiere of "The Blood Countess," running Sept. 11 to Oct. 11 at The Edge Off-Broadway Theater, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave. It's penned by Idle Muse resident
playwright and literary director Michael Dalberg and directed by Tristan Brandon. "Billie Jean," the new Lauren Gunderson play about the tennis great, opens Thursday night at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Exciting! Finally, if you want to see the national tour of
"Parade" in Chicago, here's a promotional code for you: MUSIC. That should get you $69 tickets at broadwayinchicago.com. Director Michael Arden's touring Broadway production is well worth seeing. See you at the theater. — Chris Jones, chief theater critic Aerie Williams (center) with Brittney Mack, Eric A. Lewis, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Shantel Renee Cribbs, Aalon Daeja Smith, Michael Earvin Martin, Jos N. Banks,
Sharriese Hamilton and Ariya Hawkins in “The Color Purple” at the Goodman Theatre. (Brett Beiner) Our current list of Chris Jones Recommended shows:
"Always ... Patsy Cline" through Aug. 3 at Drury Lane Theatre; “Always Something There ...” through Aug. 10 at Marriott Theatre; “Dhaba on Devon Avenue” through July 27 at Writers Theatre;
"The Color Purple" through Aug. 3 at Goodman Theatre. Sign up for the Theater Loop newsletter: Our weekly newsletter has the latest news and reviews from America’s hottest theater city. Theater critic Chris Jones will share a behind-the-curtain look at what you need to know. | 
