“Arcadia” — through June 3 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Hyde Park; $28-54, 773-753-4472.Tom Stoppard’s oft-seen “Arcadia,” a prismatic period collision of math, aesthetics and sex, is one of those plays that takes several viewings to fully appreciate. Just as well. Court Theatre artistic director Charles Newell is the latest Chicago director to revive this intellectually vigorous British drama.
“Hope Springs Infernal” — through June 23 at the Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N. Western Ave.; $17-$22; 773-251-2195. Maverick wunderkind House Theatre bows its first show since “The Sparrow.” Director Tommy Rapley’s movement-centered show comes with a neo-classical bent, calling Ares, Athena and pals “the world’s original superheroes.”
Sunday
“Crossing California” — through June 24 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.; $14-$26, 773-761-4477. Adam Langer’s much-anticipated world premiere doesn’t deal with the Golden State but with the eponymous Chicago boulevard located at 2800 W. Langer, a one-time Chicago theater and book critic, sets his drama in West Rogers Park.
Monday
“Jerry Springer — The Opera” — through July 8 at Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; $20-$40, 773-883-1090. If the idea of an operatic rendition of lyrics like “I used to be a lap dancing, pre-operative transsexual” floats your boat, then Bailiwick’s American premiere of the London spoof of Chicago’s infamous talk show host is not to be missed. Tabloid-friendly numbers include “This is My Jerry Springer Moment,” “Foursome Guests” and “I’ve Been Seeing Someone Else.”
Extended, more shows added
“Equus” — through May 20 at Actors Workshop Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.; $25 at 773-728-7529. This revival of the Peter Schaffer drama doesn’t boast Harry Potter (you’ll have to go to London for that), but it has garnered enthusiastic reviews, along with a slew of nominations in the recently announced Jeff Citations.
Closings, last chance
Sunday
“Cynical Weathers” at Victory Gardens, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave.; $20-$45 at 773-871-3000. Doug Post’s latest drama is compromised by dull polemics at the end, but it’s mostly a watchable, timely new play about politics, marriage and the environment.
