Looking to absorb some reside theater in Chicago within the week forward?
We’ve acquired some strategies to contemplate:
PICK OF THE WEEK:
“How a Boy Falls”: In the world premiere of Steven Dietz’s psychological thriller, a newly employed au pair (Cassidy Slaughter-Mason) finds herself thrown into the center of a thriller when her younger cost goes lacking, casting suspicion on his mother and father. Northlight Theatre inventive director BJ Jones and his inventive workforce have been searching for a thriller to stage when it occurred to Jones that maybe commissioning a brand new play was the best way to go. He reached out to Dietz, whose current Chicago performs embody the literary-minded “Bloomsday” (Remy Bumppo Theatre) and one other world premiere thriller, “On Clover Road” (American Blues Theater). “The partnership felt right,” Jones says, “and the opportunity to work with Steven, whose last play at Northlight was ‘Lonely Planet’ in 1993, felt long overdue.” The play is directed by Halena Kays, who additionally helmed “On Clover Road.” Previews start Jan. 23, opens Jan. 31; to Feb. 29. Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $30-$89; northlight.org
MORE PREVIEWS, OPENINGS:
“The Boys in the Band”: In Mart Crowley’s drama, eight males collect for a birthday celebration the place all goes effectively till the host proposes a sport of reality or dare; directed by Carl Menninger. Previews start Jan. 29, opens Feb. 13; to April 19. Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park, $75-$95; windycityplayhouse.com
“Bug”: Tracy Letts’ drama a few lonely waitress who begins an sudden love affair with a younger drifter; Carrie Coon stars, David Cromer directs. Previews start Jan. 23, opens Feb. 3; to March 8. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, $20-$122; steppenwolf.org
Lora Lee Gayer stars because the title character in “Emma” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Jeff Sciortin
“Emma”: Paul Gordon’s musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel a few privileged and pampered younger lady who engages in some misguided matchmaking; directed by Barbara Gaines. Previews start Jan. 28, opens Feb. 5; to March 15. Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, $49-$90; chicagoshakes.com
EPIC Showcase: Staged readings of quick performs by playwriting college students from Boone Elementary, Cantata Senior Living, Lutz Center for After School Matters and Turner-Drew Elementary. Jan. 25-26. Silk Road Rising, Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington, $13; silkroadrising.org
“Evil Dead the Musical”: Cult movies “The Evil Dead,” “Evil Dead 2” and “Army of Darkness” are mixed right into a loopy, humorous, bloody theatrical expertise. Opens Jan. 23; to Feb. 29. Roshi Entertainment at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, $30-$35; greenhousetheatercenter.org
“Family Reunion”: Nora Sharp and the Nor Performance Crew current a chunk that creates an area for queer and gender expansive individuals to activate their very own company and amplify one another’s. Jan. 24-25. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted, $20; steppenwolf.org
Ariana Mahallati (from left), Anna Crivelli, Netta Walker, Isa Arciniegas and Andrea San Miguel star in “How to Defend Yourself.” © Todd Rosenberg Photography
“How to Defend Yourself”: Liliana Padilla’s play facilities round seven school college students who collect for a DIY self-defense workshop after a sorority sister is raped; directed by Marti Lyons. Previews start Jan. 24, opens Jan. 31; to Feb. 23. Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln; $31-$65; victorygardens.org
“If/Then”: Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s musical paints a portrait of the lives we lead, in addition to the lives we’d have led. Previews start Jan. 23, opens Jan. 25; to Feb. 16. Brown Paper Box Co. at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, $29.50; brownpaperbox.org
“Jeeves Saves the Day”: Margaret Raether’s comedy, based mostly on the tales by…