The Guide — Theater Listings 01.20.12

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Updated: January 23, 2012 4:59PM

OPENING

AMERIVILLE. Victory Gardens Theater presents performance ensemble Universes’ exploration of the American experience featuring hip-hop, song, poetry and dance. Directed by Chay Yew. Previews Jan. 26-Feb. 5. $20-$40. Opens Feb. 6, 7:30 pm. Tue, Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 4, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additional performance Feb. 1, 8, 22, 7:30 pm; Feb. 15, 2 pm. No matinee performance Feb. 4; no performance Feb. 7. $20-$50. To Feb. 26. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. (773)871-3000.

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. 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 Feb. 7, 7:30 pm. 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.

A CHORUS LINE. Paramount Theatre presents the classic musical. Directed by Mitzi Hamilton. 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. 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.

DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI. The House Theatre of Chicago presents Dennis Watkins’ play with magic about history’s greatest magician. Previews Jan. 20-28. Opens Jan. 29, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $25. To March 11. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 769-3832.

THE DRAWER BOY. Filament Theatre and The Den Ensemble present Michael Healey’s play about two World War II veterans whose lives are turned upside down when a young actor visits their farm to gather research for a play. Preview Jan. 20. Opens Jan. 22, 3 pm. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $22. To Feb. 25. The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee. (773) 270-1660.

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. 20-22. 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. 20-22. 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.

GYPSY. Drury Lane Theatre presents the classic musical based on the memoirs of burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee. Directed by Wiliam Osetek. Previews Jan. 20-25. 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.

HESPERIA. Writers’ Theatre presents Randall Colburn’s drama about a woman who leaves a life in adult entertainment to return to her hometown for a new start. Directed by Stuart Carden. Previews Jan. 24-Feb.1. Opens Feb. 2, 7:30 pm. Tue-Wed, 7:30 pm; Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. Additional performance Feb. 8, March 14, 2 pm. No evening performance Feb. 8, March 18. $45-$65. To March 18. Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor, Glencoe. (847) 242-6000.

HOME/LAND. Albany Park Theater Project presents a work featuring the true stories of immigrant families who try to stay together and make a better life in the land they now call home. Directed by David Feiner. Previews Jan. 20-26. Opens Jan. 27, 8 pm. Fri-Sat, 8 pm. Additional performance Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 7:30 pm. Performance on Feb. 11, 25 is at 2 pm. $6-$22. To Feb. 25. Laura Wiley Theater, Eugene Field Park, 5100 N. Ridgeway. (773) 866-0875.

THE HOUDINI BOX. Chicago Children’s Theatre presents Blair Thomas, Hannah Kohl and Mark Messing’s adaptation of Brian Selznick’s book about a boy who receives a special box that just might contain the secrets of magician Harry Houdini’s success. Directed by Thomas. Previews Jan. 24-26. Opens Jan. 27, 7 pm. Tue-Thu, 10:15 am; Fri, times vary; Sat-Sun, 11 am, 2 pm. $26, $36. To March 4. Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport. (773) 325-1700.

THE HUNCHBACK VARIATIONS OPERA. Theater Oobleck presents Mark Messing’s musical adaptation of Mickle Maher’s play about a discussion between hunchback Quasimodo and composer Ludwig van Beethoven as they attempt to create a sound effect called for in Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” Opens Jan. 25, 8 pm. Wed-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 4 pm. $10, $20; free if you’re broke. To Feb. 19. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. (773) 871-3000.

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. Preview Jan. 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. 20-26. 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.

MAMA MIA! Broadway in Chicago presents Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus’ musical featuring the music of Abba. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Opens Jan. 24, 7:30 pm. Wed-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 7:30 pm. $18-$85. To Jan. 29. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. (800) 775-2000.

MOON OVER BUFFALO. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents Ken Ludwig’s comedy about a dysfunctional theater family on tour. Directed by Connie Canaday Howard. Opens Jan. 20, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $25-$33. To Feb. 12. College of DuPage, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000.

MOTION. Signal Ensemble Theatre presents Ronan Marra’s drama about a sports agent determined to make his client the number one pick in the professional football draft. Directed by Aaron Snook. Previews Jan. 26-27. $10. Opens Jan. 28, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. No performance Jan. 29. Additional performance Feb. 13, 7:30 pm. $20. To March 3. Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice. (773) 698-7389.

NATIONAL SENSATION. Annoyance Theatre presents a political thriller about a man who thwarts a terrorist attack and is thrust into the national spotlight. Opens Jan. 26, 8 pm. Thu, 8 pm. $10. To March 1. Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway. (773) 561-4665.

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. 20-21. $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. 20-22. 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 evening performance Feb. 12, 19. $25-$89. To Feb. 19. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. (312) 443-3800.

STREETERVILLE. Annoyance Theatre presents Jeff Poindexter’s musical exploring the history of the downtown neighborhood. Opens Jan. 21, 10 pm. Sat, 10 pm. $20. Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway. (773) 561-4665.

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. 20-28. $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.

A WOMAN’S PATH. Annoyance Theater presents a comedy about six middle-age

women who go on a retreat deep in the Michigan wilderness. Opens Jan. 22, 8 pm. Sun, 8 pm. $10. To Feb. 26. Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway. (773) 561-4665.

ONGOING

ACCIDENTAL RAPTURE. 16th Street Theatre presents Eric Pfeffinger’s comedy about old friends and a religious awakening. Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 8:30 pm. $18. To Feb. 18. Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th, Berwyn. (708) 795-6704.

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; closes 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.

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

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. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; closes Sun, 2 pm. $32-$95. To Jan. 22. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe. (800) 775-2000. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss)

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

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. 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.

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. Fri-Sat, 10 pm. No performance Jan. 20, 27. $20. To Feb. 25. Zoo Studios, 4001 N. Ravenswood. (866) 593-4614.

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. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; closes Sun, 2, 6 pm. $44-$75. To Jan. 22. Chicago Shakespeare on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand. (312) 595-5600. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

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. 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.

I AM SAYING THIS RIGHT NOW. The Plagiarists present a piece exploring man’s desire to document our lives. Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $20. To Feb. 11. Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan. (800) 838-3006.

IRONMISTRESS. Oracle Theatre presents April De Angelis’ drama about a Victorian-era woman who inherits her husband’s iron foundry and must fight for recognition in a male-dominated world. Directed by Karen Yates. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. Free. To Feb. 11. Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway. (252) 220-0269.

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. To 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 LEGEND OF BUSTER NEAL. eta Theatre presents Jackie Alexander’s drama about a 1960s activist who attempts to keep his grandson from a live on the streets. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3, 7 pm. $20-$30. To March 4. eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago. (773) 752-3955.

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. Fri-Sun, 8 pm. $15. To Feb. 12. Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis. (773) 769-7257.

LOVE AND MONEY. Steep Theatre presents Dennis Kelly’s morality tale about debt, the high price of living and the stuff we buy to fill up our world. Directed by Robin Witt. Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $22-$25. To Feb. 25. Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn. (866) 811-4111.

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.

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. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25, $30. To Feb. 26. A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells. (312) 943-8722. (Recommended, Weiss)

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)

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. 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. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

A NUMBER. Backstage Theatre presents Caryl Churchill’s drama about a young man who is unsettled when he discovers his genetic makeup has been cloned. Directed by Karen Kessler. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25. To Feb. 11. Building Stage, 412 N. Carpenter. (312) 772-2782.

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. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 3, 7:30 pm; closes Sun, 3 pm. $28. To Jan. 22. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 989-7352.

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.

RHINOFEST 2012. Chicago’s longest-running fringe festival. Visit the website (rhinofest.com) for a complete schedule. $15 or pay-what-you-can. To Feb. 12. Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston. (773) 539-7838.

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)

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

TITANIC. Cock & Bull Theatre presents Christopher Durang’s play about a dysfunctional Edwardian family as they set sail on the doomed ship. Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $12-$17.50. To an. 28. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. (773) 935-6860.

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

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.

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. Additional performance Jan. 22, 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

THE COLOR OF JUSTICE. Theater at the Center presents a play inspired by the people and events surrounding the civil rights case Brown v. Board of Education. Jan. 23-27, 9:30, 11:15 am. $5.50-$8.50. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge, Munster. (219) 836-3258.

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)

SNOW WHITE. Emerald City Theatre presents the fairy tale performed by Professor TJ Banker’s Troupe of Theatricals. Days and times vary. For ages 3 and up. $13, $16. To May 20. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln. (773) 935-6100.