Give us the shaft
Before his success with “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “The Glass Menagerie” and others, Tennessee Williams mined the always dramatic subject of coal mining for his first full-length play, “Candles to the Sun.” Penned in 1936, Williams’ tale of Depression-era miners in Alabama and their attempts to unionize now makes its Chicago premiere in a staging by Eclipse Theatre Company. The work is part of Eclipse’s new Celebration Series, a two-year program honoring the first 10 playwrights the company featured.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
“Candles to the Sun”
When: Previews Wed-Fri. Opens Sat. Through May 4
Where: Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000
Tickets: $15-$30, eclipsetheatre.com
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ALSO SHOWING …
PREVIEWS
Bronte
The American premiere of Polly Teale’s drama explores the lives and works of Victorian-era writers Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte. Previews Thursday through Sunday. Opens Monday. Through May 4. $24-$40. Tickets: remybumppo.org. Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000.
In a Dark Dark House
The Midwest premiere of Neil LaBute’s drama about two adult brothers who must confront a shared traumatic past. Previews Friday through March 26. Opens March 27. Through May 11. $10-$30. Tickets: profiles theatre.org. Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. 773-549-1815.
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
In this farce by Stephen Adly Guirgis (“Our Lady of 121st Street”), the Bible’s most notorious sinner goes on trial and Satan takes the stand. Previews Wednesday through Sunday. Opens March 27. Through May 4. $15-$25. Tickets: thegifttheatre.org. The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-283-7071.
OPENINGS
Ceres
Local playwright Heather Tyler’s new drama set in Chicago’s Financial District explores the aftermath of a fictional investment insurance brokerage scandal. Opens Friday. Through April 26. $10-$20. Tickets: thefactorytheater.com. Factory Theater at Prop Thtr, 3504 N. Elston Ave. 866-811-4111.
Holding Court
Local actress Courtney Arnett performs her humorous solo show about a disheartened singleton who presents potential suitors with a custom questionnaire. Opens Friday. Through March 30. $10-$15. Tickets: lacostatheatre.com. La Costa Theatre, 3931 N. Elston Ave. 773-866-0200.
Three One-Acts by David Lindsay-Abaire: ‘Crazy Eights,’ ‘That Other Person’ and ‘Baby Food’
Comedies by the Pulitzer Prize winner explore ex-cons, romance and finding the perfect godparents. Opens Friday. Through March 30. $15. Tickets: gorillatango.com. Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549.
