The Guide — Theater Listings 01.13.12

• Reprints

Updated: January 15, 2012 11:13PM

OPENING

BLACK PEARL SINGS. Northlight Theatre presents Frank Higgins drama about two women in Depression-era America who become dependent on one another to gain acceptance in a divided society. Directed by Steve Scott. Previews Jan. 13-19. $25-$40. Opens Jan. 20, 7:30 pm. Wed, 1, 7:30 pm; Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2:30, 8 pm; Sun, 2:30, 7 pm. Additional performance Jan. 17, Feb. 7, 7:30 pm. No matinee performance Jan. 14, Feb. 1; no evening performance Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 8, 19. $25-$60. To Feb. 19. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, Skokie. (847) 673-6300.

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

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED). Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents 500 years of American history. Previews Jan. 13-14. $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.

CLUTTER. MadKap Productions presents Mark Saltzman’s play based on the true story of the Collyer brothers who became hoarders in their Fifith Ave. mansion in 1920s Harlem. Directed by Wayne Mell. Previews Jan. 19. Opens Jan. 20, 7:30 pm. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $40. To March 11. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln. (773) 404-7336.

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. 13-15. 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.

DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI. The House Theatre of Chicago presents Dennis Watkins’ play with magic about history’s greatest magician. Previews Jan. 19-28. Opens Jan. 29, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $25. To March 11. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 769-3832.

DEVILS DON’T FORGET. The Mammals Theatre presents Bob Fisher’s play about an amnesiac who is convinced he was an accessory to some unspeakable crime. Directed by Fisher. Opens Jan. 14, 10 pm. Fri-Sat, 10 pm. No performance Jan. 13, 20, 27. $20. To Feb. 25. Zoo Studios, 4001 N. Ravenswood. (866) 593-4614.

THE FEAST: AN INTIMATE TEMPEST. Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Shakespeare’s magical tale adapted by Jessica Thebus and featuring puppets, animation and original music. Co-directed by Thebus and Frank Maugeri. Previews Jan. 18-22. Opens Jan. 25, 7 pm. Wed-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 3, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $35, $45. To March 11. Chicago Shakespeare Theater Navy Pier, Upstairs Theater, 800 E. Grand. (312) 595-5600.

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS. Next Theatre presents Craig Higginson’s drama which explores how class, race, identity and language continue to divide us. Directed by Joanie Schultz. Previews Jan. 19-22. Opens Jan. 23, 7 pm. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 4 pm. $25-$40. To Feb. 26. Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes, Evanston. (847) 475-1875, ext. 2.

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. 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.

GYPSY. Drury Lane Theatre presents the classic musical based on the memoirs of burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee. Directed by Wiliam Osetek. Previews Jan. 19-25. Opens Jan. 26, 8 pm. Wed, 1:30 pm; Thu, 1:30, 8 pm; Fri, 8:30 pm; Sat, 5, 8:30 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. $35-$45. To April 1. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111.

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. 13-20. $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.

LEGALLY BLONDE. Marriott Theatre presents the musical-comedy about a young woman, dumped by her boyfriend, who follows him from sunny California to the halls of Harvard Law School. Directed by Marc Robbin. Previews Jan. 18-26. Opens Jan. 27, 8 pm. Wed, 1, 8 pm; Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4:30, 8 pm; Sun, 1, 5 pm. $40-$48. Dinner packages available. To March 25. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200.

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. Preview Jan. 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. 13-14. $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. Preview Jan. 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.

PUNK ROCK. Griffin Theatre presents Simons Stephens’ drama exploring the underlying tensions and potential violence in a group of affluent 17-year-old students. Directed by Jonathan Berry. Previews Jan. 14-21. $24. Opens Jan. 22, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $24-$34. To March 4. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. (773) 975-8150.

RACE. Goodman Theatre presents David Mamet’s drama about two lawyers called to defend a wealthy white client accused of raping an African-American woman. Directed by Chuck Smith. Previews Jan. 14-22. Opens Jan. 23, 7 pm. Wed, 7:30 pm; Thu, 2, 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 7:30 pm. Addtional performance Feb. 7, 7:30 pm; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 2 pm. No matinee performance Jan. 19; no evening performance Feb. 12, 19. $25-$89. To Feb. 19. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. (312) 443-3800.

TARTUFFE. BoHo Theatre presents Ranjit Bolt’s steampunk adaptation of Moliere’s classic farce. Directed by Peter Robel. Preview Jan. 13. Opens Jan. 14, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $20-$25. To Feb. 12. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont (773) 975-8150.

TIME STANDS STILL. Steppenwolf Theatre presents Donald Margulies’ drama about a photojournalist who barely survives a bomb blast in Iraq and returns home where she is pressed to consider settling into a “normal” life by her longtime boyfriend. Directed by Austin Pendleton. Previews Jan. 19-28. $20-$55. Opens Jan. 29, 6 pm. Tue-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 3, 7:30 pm. Additional performance April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 2 pm. No performance Jan. 24, May 5. Sunday evening performances throught April 8 only. $20-$78. To May 13. Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. (312) 335-1650.

TO TREE. Brown Paper Box Co. presents Aaron Golden’s play about friendship, metamorphosis and the human experience. Directed by M. William Panek. 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.

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, Hedy 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.

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)

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.

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

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)

DRINKING & WRITING VOLUME III: TO CURE A HANGOVER. Drinking & Writing Theater presents Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda’s look at the hangover. Sat, 4 pm. $15. To Feb. 11. Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph. (312) 638-0700.

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)

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. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; closes Sun, 1 pm. $25-$75. To Jan. 15. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. (800) 775-2000.

IN THE WORKS THEATER LAB SERIES. TUTA Theatre’s staging of Josh Schmidt’s musical “Fulton Street Sessions.” Directed by Zeljko Djukic. Jan. 13-14, 7 pm. $15. Pritzker Pavillion, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph. (312) 742-8497.

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. $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. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; closes 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. Fri, 10 pm; closes Sat, 10 pm. $15. To Jan. 14. The Think Tank, 1770 W. Berteau. (800) 838-3006.

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.

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

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. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 4, 7:30 pm; closes Sun, 2:30 pm. Free. To Jan. 15. Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee. (773) 283-7071. (Recommended, Weiss)

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, 8 pm; closes Sat, 8 pm. $10. To Jan. 14. Chamically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 W. Irving Park. (800) 838-3006.

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; Sun, 7 pm. $20; $25. To Jan. 28. Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland. (773) 384-0494. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

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. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $10-$25. To Jan. 29. Pegasus Players, Uptown Hull House Center, 4520 N. Beacon. (773) 878-8864.

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.

NANCY DREW AND THE SIGN OF THE TWISTED CANDLES. Theatre School at DePaul University’s Chicago Playworks presents a play based on Carolyn Keene’s book. Directed by Damon Kiely. Tue-Thu, 10 am; Sat, 2 pm. No performance Jan. 21, 24, 26, 28. $8. To Feb. 28. Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo. (312) 922-0999.

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)