FRIDAY
Bloody Bess: A Tale of Piracy and Revenge: Backstage recounts the theatrical tale of Elizabeth Presberty and her transformation to the ruthless pirate captain known as Bloody Bess. Through July 20 by BackStage Theatre Company at Storefront Theater in the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St.; $15-$20, 312-742-8497 and www.dcatheater.org.
Much Ado About Nothing: One of many summer productions of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado,” this outdoor Oak Park Festival Theatre play is directed by Jack Hickey and features Kevin Theis as Benedick and Katie Jeep as Beatrice. Through July 19 by Oak Park Festival Theatre at Pleasant Home Mansion, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park; $22-$27, 708-445-4440 and www.oakparkfestival.com.
SATURDAY
Woody Guthrie’s American Song: Nicolas Dines directs the musical revue celebrating the words and music of folk singer Woody Guthrie. Through July 20 by Blindfaith Theatre at Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.; $18-$20, 773-871-3000 and www.blindfaiththeatre.org.
SUNDAY
John Herrera: Songs for Fathers, Sons and Daughters: The acclaimed Broadway performer comes home for this Village Players benefit show on Father’s Day. June 15 at Village Players Theatre, 1010 W. Madison St., Oak Park; $30, 866-764-1010 and www.village-players.org.
MONDAY
Relatively Close: The farceur James (“Beau Geste”) Sherman’s latest play is his most ambitious to date — Dennis Zacek directs a look at familiar dysfunction. Three sisters return with their respective spouses to a family vacation home on the shores of Lake Michigan, where they spent summers as kids. Through July 13 at Victory Gardens at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave.; $37-$45, 773-871-3000 and www.victorygardens.org.
True West: The newly renamed Redtwist takes on the classic Sam Shepard drama of fraternal rivalry. Through July 13 at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.; $22-$30, 773-728-7529 and www.actorsworkshop.org
