The Guide — Theater Listings 01.06.12

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Updated: January 5, 2012 11:09AM

OPENING

BLIZZARD ‘67. Chicago Dramatists present Jon Steinhagen’s homage to the infamous Chicago blizzard of 1967. Directed by Russ Tutterow. Preview Jan. 12. Opens Jan. 13, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $32. To Feb. 12. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago. (312) 633-0630.

COME FLY AWAY. Broadway in Chicago presents Twyla Tharp’s musical that pairs dance with the music of Frank Sinatra. Preview Jan. 10, 7:30 pm. Opens Jan. 11, 7:30 pm. Tue-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance Jan. 18, 2 pm; Jan. 15, 7:30 pm. $32-$95. To Jan. 22. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe. (800) 775-2000.

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED). Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents 500 years of American history. Previews Jan. 12-14. $27-$35. Opens Jan. 15, 3 pm. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat 7 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additional performance Jan. 14, 3 pm; Jan. 25, 1 pm. $39.$43. To Feb. 12. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121.

A CHORUS LINE. Paramount Theatre presents the classic musical. Directed by Mitzi Hamilton. Previews Jan. 18-19. Opens Jan. 20, 8 pm. Wed, 1:30, 7:30 pm; Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 1, 5 pm. $34.90-$46.90. To Feb. 5. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena. (630) 896-6666.

DARK PLAY OR STORIES FOR BOYS. Collaboraction presents Carlo Murillo’s drama about a teenage boy’s foray into the digital world. Directed by Anthony Moseley. Previews Jan. 12-15. Opens Jan. 16, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. Additional performance Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 8 pm. Performance on Feb. 26 is at 3 pm. $15-$25. To Feb. 26. Collaboraction, Flat Iron Fine Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee. (312) 226-9633.

THE GHOST IS HERE. Vitalist Theatre presents Japanese playwright Kobo Abe’s play about a con-artist who promotes a grim scheme: selling the dead. Directed by Jaclynn Jutting. Preview Jan. 12. $15. Opens Jan. 13, 7:30 pm. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. No performance Feb. 10. Additional performance Feb. 11, 3 pm. $25. To Feb. 19. Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph. (312) 742-8497.

IN THE HEIGHTS. Broadway in Chicago presents Lin-Manuel Miranda’s and Quiara Alegria Hudes’ musical about a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. Opens Jan. 10, 7:30 pm. Tue-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 1 pm. $25-$75. To Jan. 15. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. (800) 775-2000.

INVISIBLE MAN. Court Theatre presents Oren Jacoby’s adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s novel about a young African-American man’s search for his identity. Directed by Christopher McElroen. Previews Jan. 12-20. $35-$45. Opens Jan. 21, 8 pm. Wed-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; Sun, 2:30, 7:30 pm. $45-$65. To Feb. 19. Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis. (773) 753-4472.

LITTLE TRIGGERS. The Ruckus presents Daniel Caffrey’s play about a man who battles an office full of malevolent puppets as he navigates the terrors of his office job and his creative writing. Directed by Allison Showmaker. Previews Jan. 12-13. $10. Opens Jan. 14, 8 pm. Fri-Sun, 8 pm. $15. To Feb. 12. Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis. (773) 769-7257.

MEGACOSM. A Red Orchid Theatre presents Brett Neveu’s drama about an industrialist who uses every means possible to get an inventor to sign over his revolutionary creation. Directed by Dado. Previews Jan. 12-14. $15. Opens Jan. 15, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25, $30. To Feb. 26. A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells. (312) 943-8722.

MR. RICKEY CALLS A MEETING. Lookingglass Theatre presents Ed Schmidt’s drama about Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn, Dodgers, who plans on calling up Jackie Robinson to break baseball’s color-barrier and faces oppostion from owners, managers and players. Directed by J. Nicole Brooks. Previews Jan. 12-13. $20-$34. Opens Jan. 14, 7:30 pm. Wed, 7:30 pm; Thu, 3, 7:30 pm; Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 3, 7:30 pm. $27.50-$68. To Feb. 19. Lookingglass Theatre, Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan. (312) 337-0665.

TO TREE. Brown Paper Box Co. presents Aaron Golden’s play about friendship, metamorphosis and the human experience. Directed by M. William Panek. Preview Jan. 12, 8 pm. Opens Jan. 13, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $15, $20. To Jan 29. Heartland Studio, 7016 N. Glenwood. (800) 838-3006.

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL. Pegasus Players presents professional productions of one-act plays by Chicago teenagers: “Paper Clouds” by Anna Castallanos, “The Purchase” by Meghan Irving, “Love” by Benjamin Sullivan-Knoff, “The Mural” by Trina Young, “A Business Affair” by Hunter Speese, “Karl & Joey” by Arthur Pascale. Preview Jan. 6-7. Opens Jan. 8, 3 pm. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $10-$25. To Jan. 29. Pegasus Players, Uptown Hull House Center, 4520 N. Beacon. (773) 878-8864.

A WOMAN’S PATH. Annoyance Theater presents a comedy about six middle-age women who go on a retreat deep in the Michigan wilderness. Previews to Jan. 15. Opens Jan. 22, 8 pm. Sun, 8 pm. $10. To Feb. 26. Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway. (773) 561-4665.

ONGOING

ASSISTED LIVING. Profiles Theatre presents Deirdre O’Connor’s play about a woman pushing 40 and still living with her mother who begins to see the upside of not always being the grown-up. Directed by Joe Jahraus. Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 8 pm; Sun, 5 pm. $35, $40. To Feb. 19. The Second Stage, 3408 N. Sheffield. (773) 549-1815. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

THE BAKER’S WIFE. Circle Theatre presents Stephen Schwartz’s musical highlighting the culture and customs of the Provence region of France. Directed by Kevin Bellie. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $24, $28. To Jan. 22. Circle Theatre, 1010 Madison, Oak Park. (708) 660-9540. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss)

THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY. The Second City’s stars of tomorrow perform work originally written by past alumni, including Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Steve Carell. Sat, 4 pm; Mon, 8 pm. $19. Open run. The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, 1608 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992.

THE BEST OF SECOND CITY. Jan. 6, 8 pm. $42. Fox Valley Repertory, Pheasant Run Resort, 4052 E. Main, St. Charles. (630) 584-6342. BLUE MAN GROUP.

The show’s creators have cleverly updated the production with new wizardry while retaining its essential mind-set. Days and times vary. $49-$69. Open run. Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted. (800) 982-2787. (Recommended, Weiss)

THE CARETAKER. Writers’ Theatre presents Harold Pinter’s drama about a tramp who becomes involved with two brothers and their grand plans. Directed by Ron OJ Parsons. Tue-Wed, 7:30 pm; Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. Additional matinee Feb. 29, March 21. No evening performance Jan. 29, March 4, 25. $35-$65. To March 25. Writers’ Theatre, 664 Vernon, Glencoe. (847) 242-6000. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

CHANGES OF HEART. Remy Bumppo Theatre presents Pierre de Marivaux’s classic farce reset against the clutural and class divides of 1960s Chicago. Directed by Timothy Douglas. Fri-Sat, 7:30 pm; closes Sun, 2:30 pm. $40-$50. To Jan. 8. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln. (773) 404-7336.

CO-ED PRISON SLUTS. Annoyance Theatre presents the musical about the inane residents of a prison. Directed by Mick Napier. Sat, 10:01 pm. $20. Open run. Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway. (773) 561-4665.

THE DOYLE & DEBBIE SHOW. Lonesome Road Productions, in association with Jim Jensen, present the story of an old-guard country star who tries to revive his career. Tue-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 5 pm. $43.50-$49.50. To March 18. Royal George Theatre Cabaret, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

ELIZABETH REX. Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Timothy Findley’s fictional drama set on the eve of the beheading of her court favorite, the Earl of Essex, as Queen Elizabeth is entertained by William Shakespeare and his company. Directed by Barbara Gaines. Tue, 7:30 pm; Wed, 1, 7:30 pm; Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. $44-$75. To Jan. 22. Chicago Shakespeare on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand. (312) 595-5600. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

THE JACKIE WILSON STORY. Black Ensemble Theater opens its new venue with a staging of the high-energy musical showcasing the rise and fall of legendary performer Jackie Wilson. Directed by Jackie Taylor. Wed-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $55, $65. Through March 18. Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark. (773) 769-4451. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

LATE NITE CATECHISM. The Royal George Theatre presents Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan’s comedy about a Catholic nun intent on teaching her own brand of catechism. Directed by Marc Silvia. Thu, Sat, 8 pm. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

THE MAGIC PARLOUR. The House Theatre of Chicago presents Dennis Watkins’ magic show. Fri, 10:30 pm. $25. Open run. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 251-2195.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Dee Gee Theatricals presents a new musical inspired by a 1956 recording session that brought together four legends — Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Co-directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux. Wed, 2, 7:30 pm; Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 8 pm; Sun, 3:30, 6:30 pm. $25-$77.50. To May 31. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln. (773) 935-6100. (Recommended, Weiss)

OPUS. Redtwist Theatre presents Michael Hollinger’s drama about a world-class string quartet in the midst of a bitter clash of wills. Directed by Jason W. Gerace. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25-$30. To Jan. 29. Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr. (773) 728-7529. (Recommended, Weiss)

PENELOPE. Steppenwolf Theatre presents Enda Walsh’s play about four suitors who plot to win Penelope’s love as she awaits the return of her husband from war. Directed by Amy Morton. Tue-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 3, 7:30 pm. No evening performance Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5. $20-$78. To Feb. 5. Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. (312) 335-1650. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss)

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. The Hypocrites present Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta. Directed by Sean Graney. Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 3, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additional performance Jan. 11, 18, 7:30 pm. $28. To Jan. 22. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 989-7352.

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre presents the musical about four men who work in a gas station and their friendships with two waitresses at the diner next door. Directed by Fred Azevino. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $29-$34. To Jan. 15. No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood. (773) 347-1109.

PUT THE NUNS IN CHARGE. Vicki Quade’s spinoff of the hit comedy, “Late Nite Catechism.” Fri, 8 pm. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

RESERVOIR DOGS: A JUDAS IN OUR MIDST. Roundhouse Productions presents an all-female adaptation of Quentin Tarantino’s film. Thu-Sat, 10 pm. $15. To Jan. 14. The Think Tank, 1770 W. Berteau. (800) 838-3006.

ROUTE 66 THEATRE READING SERIES. Jan. 9, 7:30 pm: “Last Autumn” by Adam Simon. $5. Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln. (773) 248-3905.

SAINTS & SINNERS. Vicki Quade’s Mother Superior is called by the archdiocese to help with fund-raising. Sat, 5 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Drury Lane Theatre presents Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s classic musical. Directed by Rachel Rockwell. Fri, 8:30 pm; Sat, 5, 8:30 pm; closes Sun, 2 pm. $35-$45. To Jan. 8. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

SOUTH SIDE OF HEAVEN. The Second City’s 99th revue explores the fates that propel our world. Directed by Billy Bungeroth. Tue-Thu, 8 pm; Fri-Sat, 8, 11 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $22, $27. Open run. The Second City, 1616 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss

SPRING AWAKENING. Griffin Theatre presents Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s musical that celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood. Fri-Sat, 7:30 pm; closes Sun, 3 pm. $28-$38. To Jan. 8. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. (773) 975-8150. (Recommended, Weiss)

TEN: A CELEBRATORY FESTIVAL OF NEW WORK. Gift Theatre presents short works by Maggie Andersen, Jenny Connell, Andrew Hinderaker, William Nedved, Natural Gas, Eric Bogosian, Caitlin Montanye Parrish, David Rabe, JT Rogers and Craig Wright. Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 4, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. Free. To Jan. 15. Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee. (773) 283-7071.

TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND. The Neo-Futurists present 30 shows in 60 minutes, socially and politically based. Fri-Sat, 11:30 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $9 plus the roll of a six-sided die ($10-$15). Open run. Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.

A VERY SCI-FI CHRISTMAS. Chemically Imbalanced Comedy presents a show that combines Santa Claus and space ships. Fri-Sat, 8 pm. $10. To Jan. 14. Chamically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 W. Irving Park. (800) 838-3006.

WINTER PAGEANT. Redmoon Theater presents its annual spectacle celebrating winter. Sat, 10:30 am, 1, 3:30 pm; closes Sun, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 pm. $10-$20. To Jan. 8. Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard. (312) 850-8440, ext. 111.

THE WORD PROGRESS ON MY MOTHER’S LIPS DOESN’T RING TRUE. Trap Door Theatre presents Matei Visniec’s drama that delves into the refugee psyche. Directed by Istvan Szabo K. Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $20. To Jan. 21. Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland. (773) 384-0494. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

CHILDREN’S THEATER

HOW TO SURVIVE A FAIRY TALE. Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents James E. Grote’s play about a boy who finds himself thrust into a madcap adventure filled with bears, witches, trolls and lost children. For ages 5 and up. Sat, 1 pm; Sun, 11 am, 1 pm. $15. To Feb. 26. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. (773) 761-4477.

IF YOU GIVE A CAT A CUPCAKE. Emerald City Theatre presents an adaptation of Laura Numeroff’s children’s book. Days and times vary. $13, $16. To Jan. 7. Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln. (773) 935-6100.

PINKALICIOUS. Broadway in Chicago presents Emerald City Theatre’s staging of Elizabeth Kann, Victoria Kann and John Gregor’s musical about a young girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and catches a case of “pinkititis” and turns pink from head to toe. Directed by Ernie Nolan. Sat-Sun, 10 am. $16-$22. To May 27. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut. (800) 775-2000. (Recommended, Weiss)