OPENING
Friday
“ComedySportz” — through Dec. 29 by Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles; $27, 630-584-6342. The popular and accessible improv franchise begins a new fall residency.
“Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill” — through Nov. 11 by Light Opera Works, 1420 Maple Ave., Evanston; $24-$39, 847-869-6300 and www.light-opera-works.org. In its more intimate Evanston space in the McGaw Children’s Center Auditorium, Light Opera Works revives this sophisticated musical review showing the disparate music of the composer (and Bertolt Brecht collaborator), Kurt Weill.
“Hizzoner” — open run at Prop Thtr, 3502-04 N. Elston Ave.; $40, 773-539-7838 and www.propthtr.org.
Mayor Daley the First has been re-elected for another fall season at the Prop Thtr. Neil Giuntoli’s performance as Richard J. is a sight to behold. He clearly understands that the key to Daley is not about power but insecurity, not about egocentrism but about a peculiarly selfless love of a city
Saturday
“No Child” — through Nov. 11 at Lookingglass Theatre in Water Tower Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.; $25-$55, 312-337-0665 and www.lookingglasstheatre.org. The Lookingglass Theatre imports Nilaja Sun’s one-woman exploration into the myriad forces that shape the New York public-education system. The piece arrives directly from off-Broadway.
“The Birds” — through Nov. 17 by Hell in a Handbag Productions at Berger Park Coach House, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.; $15-$25, 800-838-3006 and www.handbagproductions.org. Hysterically funny in its original incarnation several years ago, Hell in a Handbag’s spoof of the iconic Alfred Hitchcock movie is a piece of spoofery that includes the flapping of ominous wings on Chicago’s lakefront.
Monday
“I Do! I Do!” — through Nov. 4 by American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St.; $30-$35, 773-929-1031 and www.atcweb.org. The American Theater Company updates this 1966 musical from composer Harvey Schmidt and writer Tom Jones. Heidi Kettenring stars opposite Stef Tovar in Michael Weber’s production, which got special permission from the authors to set the show in Chicago.
Tuesday
“Completely Hollywood (abridged)” and “The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)” — through Dec. 2 by the Reduced Shakespeare Company at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St.; $33-$48, 312-988-9000 and www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com. A frequent visitor to the area, the Reduced Shakespeare Company opens two of its signature cultural histories, performed at breakneck speed.
Wednesday
“Passion” — through Nov. 11 by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave.; $48-$64, 312-595-5600 and www.chicagoshakes.com. Big names are attached to Gary Griffin’s Chicago Shakespeare Theater revival of the difficult but potentially ravishing Stephen Sondheim musical. Ana Gasteyer stars. Eugene Lee and Paul Tazewell are among the design team. Expect a heavy demand for tickets.
CLOSING, last chance
Sunday
“War” — In this colorful Irish comedy from the author of “The Commitments,” bar-room trivia takes on life-and-death import. Director Karen Kessler’s production for the suddenly resurgent Seanachai Theatre deftly captures the comic traumas of hyper-competitive contestants. At Storefront Theatre, 66 E. Randolph St.; $20 at 312-742-8497.
