Hollywood stars hit Chicago stages this summer
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Chicago theater is ramping up for a star-studded summer on stages across the city.
Why it matters: Local theatergoers don't have to travel to Broadway to watch major stars this season.
The big picture: From sitcom legends to drag stars and Chicago theater veterans, local audiences have an unusually deep bench of recognizable performers to choose from this summer.
Gary Cole in "Catch as Catch Can" at Steppenwolf through July 12
Celebrity sightings aren't unusual at Steppenwolf, whose ensemble includes several working film and television actors. This marks Gary Cole's first appearance on the theater's stage in more than 25 years.
- Tim Hopper ("Fargo" and "School of Rock") also stars.
Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally in "Iceboy!" at Goodman Theatre through Aug. 9
Offerman and Mullally star in this highly anticipated pre-Broadway run about a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal who, when thawed, becomes a theatrical sensation.
- The married couple returns to Chicago, where Offerman launched his acting career before his breakout role on "Parks & Recreation."
- Cedric Yarbrough ("Reno 911!") and Sarah Stiles ("Billions") also star.
Jason Alexander in "As Long As You're Asking: A Conversation with Jason Alexander" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, June 25-26
The weekday events are billed as an evening of comedy, musical performance, and conversation. The "Seinfeld" star will perform solo, taking questions from the audience about his life.
Jack Cameron Kay in "Brokeback Mountain" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through June 28
Kay has built a following through his role in Netflix's "Boots" and now leads the North American premiere of "Brokeback Mountain."
Omari Collins aka Scarlett D. Von'Du in "Kinky Boots" at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, through June 21
Collins is better known by his drag persona, Scarlett D. Von'Du, a familiar face to fans of New York's drag scene. He stars as Lola in the touring production of "Kinky Boots" for the seventh time.