Through Goldstar, get half-price tickets for August performances of the Chicago regional premiere of The Color Purple.  Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg,The Color Purple is a celebratory story of hope and a testament to the healing power of love. This vibrant and touching family saga tells the story of Celie, who overcomes tremendous obstacles — including poverty, racism and sexism — to find her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, the show earned a whopping 11 Tony Award nominations during its Broadway run. Chicago’s Mercury Theater presents this regional premiere of the soul-stirring musical.

Tickets for Oak Brook Drury Lane’s production of Next to Normal start at $12 and are available for select performances in August and September.  I’ve seen snippets of this musical and yes, it is funny in parts; the songs aren’t depressing.

At first glance, a rock musical about the devastating toll of mental illness on a contemporary suburban family might seem odd, but Next to Normal turned out to be one of Broadway’s biggest hits. This riveting rock musical won three Tony Awards in 2009 and the Pulitzer Prize for its heartbreaking, humorous and unflinchingly authentic look at a modern family struggling with the effects of bipolar disorder. Each character’s journey is punctuated by powerful music scored by Tom Kitt (American Idiot). Featuring 30 original songs, including “Just Another Day,” “You Don’t Know” and “Superboy and the Invisible Girl,” Next to Normal is, in the words of The New York Times, “much more than a feel-good musical; it is a feel-everything musical.” Directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek, the show stars Jeff Award nominee Susie McMonagle as “Diana” (“Fantine” in Les Miserables on Broadway and the first National Tours of Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia) and Jeff Award winner Rod Thomas as “Dan” (Big at Drury Lane Theatre and Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre at the Center).