OPENINGS
Tuesday
“Mirror of the Invisible World” — through July 29 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; $20-$68; call 312-443-3800. When Mary Zimmerman’s conceptual show (inspired by the 12th Century Persian classic “Haft Paykar” and written by the poet Nizami) first appeared at the Goodman Theatre’s old digs, it was produced on a low budget in the tiny studio theater. It’s now getting an expanded mainstage outing. In the play, seven princesses from around the globe tell stories of love.
Thursday
“Cats” — through Aug. 19 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, Ind.; $36-$39 at 219-836-3255 or 800-511-1552. The talented choreographer Stacey Flaster directs a Munster incarnation of the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber kitty musical. Katherine Condit will be the one warbling “Memory.” Larry Adams is also in the cast — playing Old Deuteronomy.
“How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back? An Aesop’s Fables Musical” — through Aug. 12 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, $16-$20, 312-595-5600. A return engagement for Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler’s derivative but pleasing little Broadway-style riff on Aesop’s Fables, by a duo who clearly have seen and learned from the likes of “Spelling Bee” and other entries in the quirky-little-musical genre. The score contains no formative radicalism, but the songs are bouncy, cheery, witty, melodic affairs. Under Peter Flynn’s sure-footed direction, it’s a promising, likable introduction to the musical genre for the elementary and middle-school crowd.
CLOSINGS, last chance
Sunday
“The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow” — Jennifer Shin must’ve waited for this part her entire life. Or so this young Chicago actor’s blistering, career-making stint atop a fabulous little Collaboraction show suggests. Penned by Rolin Jones, this hip, smart, insightful play has been a huge hit in Chicago, but is calling it quits this weekend. “Jenny Chow” deals with a tricky, under-explored topic-the life of a woman adopted from China as a baby and raised in the United States. At the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St.; $20-$30, 312-733-6000.
Sketchbook Festival 2007 — Part multimedia installation, part fusion of music, theater and lounge, but mostly a festival of 10-minute plays, Sketchbook is an artistic refuge for those who can’t stand to sit still for long periods. This year, Collaboraction premieres 16 scripts, many penned by nationally prominent writers like Barbara Blumenthal Ehrlich, Michael John Garces and Quiara Alegria Hudes. The early Sketchbooks were rough-hewn endeavors. Not anymore. The move to Steppenwolf changes the vibe. And the inclusion of top Equity performers such as Steve Pickering, Danny Goldring and Peggy Roeder in the ensemble ratchets up the acting stakes. At Steppenwolf Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted St.; $15-$50, 312-335-1650.
