Chow’s Chinese: A Tragic Comedy in Two Acts
Local playwright Jeffrey R. Jones’ humorous relationship drama is set in a storefront restaurant, where a couple’s crisis results in unwieldy consequences for everyone, including the lone Jamaican waiter. Preview Thursday. Opens Friday. Through Oct. 29. $15-$20. KevinFlecton Co. Theatre at Mary-Arrchie Theatre, 735 W. Sheridan Rd. 773-871-0442.
Desire Caught By the Tail
A modern adaptation of Pablo Picasso’s 1942 surrealist drama explores the lives of a group of struggling artists. Previews Thursday through Saturday. Opens Sunday. Through Nov. 12. $12-$16. Theatre O Th Absurd and Dreadful Engines at the Side Studio, 1520 W. Jarvis Ave. 773-419-5001.
The Shape of Things
Neil LaBute’s drama about a grad school artist who attempts to manipulate her new, introverted boyfriend into excessive levels of self-improvement. Preview on Thursday. Opens Friday. Through Nov. 5. $12-$20. Letting Go Theatre at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. 312-902-1500.
This Is Our Youth
Kenneth Lonergan’s quirky tale of two male friends whose plans for a small-time drug deal with “borrowed” money go awry with the introduction of a female love interest. Preview on Saturday. Opens Sunday. Through Dec. 2. $20-$30. Pine Box Theatre Company in association with AJ Not Alan Productions at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. 312-902-1500.
OPENING
Eulogy for a Small Time Thief
Experience the day-to-day life of small-time criminals in late ’70s Philadelphia, as written by Obie Award-winner Miguel Pinero (“Short Eyes”). Opens Friday. Through Nov. 12. $10-$20. UrbanTheater Company at Batey Urbano, 2647 W. Division St. 773-347-1203.
Vigils
A firefighter dies while saving a baby, and his widow traps his soul in a box. Can the widow move on with a handsome stranger or must she cling to the past? Opens Saturday. Through Nov. 12. $10-$35. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. 312-443-3800.
DANCE
Wild Cursive/Final Chapter of Cursive: A Trilogy
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan performs a contemporary work inspired by kuang chao, a calligraphy style that frees characters from set forms. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $18-$48. The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive. 312-344-8300.
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