9-to-5 alive
If you think the mother of all four-letter words starts with “w” (as in “work”), Pub Theater Company has your ticket — and some advice. The irreverent creators of “Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play” roast the rat race with this new sketch show based on audience tales of office horror. Need some assistance to shake off your workday woes? Get buckets of domestic beer for $10 and cocktails for $3.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
“Quit Your Job!”
When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, open run
Where: Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St. 312-733-6000
Tickets: $15, pubtheaterco.com
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RKPALMORE@TRIBUNE.COM
ALSO SHOWING …
PREVIEWS
Carter’s Way
An African-American jazz saxophonist in 1930s Kansas City struggles between his commitment to live performance and the financial allure of radio. Written and directed by Eric Simonson. Previews Wednesday through Saturday. Opens Sunday. Through April 27. $20-$68. Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650.
The Misanthrope
Moliere’s humorous 17th Century critique of social corruption gets a modern reworking by Greasy Joan & Co. Previews Wednesday and Thursday. Opens Friday. Through April 5. $10-$20. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. 312-902-1500.
Pugilist Special
Adriano Shaplin’s political thriller follows four elite U.S. soldiers ordered to assassinate a troublesome Middle Eastern leader. Previews Wednesday. Opens Thursday. Through April 6. $5-$10. Red Tape Theatre Company at the Studio Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. 312-742-8497.
OPENINGS
By Obit
A new drama by local playwright Tim McCain explores the stress-coping mechanisms used by young soldiers returning home after tours of duty in Iraq. Opens Thursday. Through April 12. $15. EP Theater, 1820 S. Halsted St. 312-850-4299.
Girl in the Goldfish Bowl
A young girl bemoans her boring life until her beloved goldfish dies, which marks the beginning of the Cuban missile crisis and the collapse of her family. Opens Wednesday. Through April 5. $12-$15. New Leaf Theatre, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West. 773-516-3546.
The House of Yes
Tensions erupt in this dark comedy when a man brings his fiance home to meet his twin sister, who’s just been released from a psychiatric hospital. Opens Friday. Through April 13. $10-$18. Will Act for Food at The Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-327-9725.
The inSecurity Blanket: National Security vs. Individual Freedom
A rotating roster of theater companies and artists perform short dramatic works covering social, political and economic issues relating to Chicago residents. Part of Remy Bumppo’s thinkTank series. Opens Thursday. Through March 30. $15-$20. Tickets: remybumppo.org; Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000.
