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"The White City" Musical Celebrates 1893 Columbian Exposition

Several historical events are scheduled to commemorate the seminal 1893 Columbian Exposition this month. Prior to his work on the Chicago Plan, city planner and architect Daniel Burnham led the development of Chicago’s first world’s fair, and residents will have an opportunity to be transported back to the early 1890s via a new musical, The White City, to witness the energy and emotional highs and lows that were part of producing Chicago’s crowning achievement in its first century.

Local playwright June Finfer and composer Elizabeth Doyle were inspired by the 2009 Burnham Plan Centennial celebration to create the new work. Four performances are scheduled. At 7 p.m. September 28, Glessner House, an H.H. Richardson mansion at 1800 South Prairie Avenue, in Chicago, sponsors the musical, along with the Society of Architectural Historians, Chicago Chapter (312-326-1480 for tickets).

At 7 p.m., September 30, John Farson's Pleasant Home, an 1897 George Maher Prairie School mansion located at 217 Home Ave, in Oak Park, will host (BrownPaperTickets.com/event/270199 for tickets).

At 6:30 p.m., October 1, Athenaeum Theatre Studio 3, circa 1911, located at 2936 North Southport Avenue, in Chicago, the oldest continuously operating off-Loop theatre in Chicago, is the venue (BrownPaperTickets.com/event/270199 for tickets).

At 6:30 p.m., October 4, the Chicago Temple Building, circa 1923, 77 West Washington Street, in Chicago, with a performance sponsored by the Swedenborg Library. (312-346-7003 or [email protected] for tickets).


Cost is $15 reserved seating, $10 general admission.