FRIDAY
Much Ado About Nothing: Nick Sandys and Melissa Carlson star in Michael Goldberg’s new outdoor production of the much-loved Shakespearean comedy. Through Aug. 17 at First Folio Shakespeare Festival at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook; $26, 630-986-8067 and www.firstfolio.org.
Aiming for Sainthood: This solo piece by the writer-performer Arlene Malinowski explores the experience of being a hearing child in a deaf family. Through July 20 by 16th Street Theater at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St., Berwyn; $16, 708-795-6704 and www.16thstreettheater.org.
Co-Ed Prison Sluts: Under the guidance of Mick Napier, Annoyance Theatre brings back one of Chicago’s most outrageous and longest-running musicals. Through Aug. 29 at Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway; $15, 773-561-4665, theannoyance.com.
SATURDAY
Second City Improv All-Stars: Second City presents a new, weekend-only, all-improv comedy show at the Apollo Theater, featuring a rotating cast of company alumnae. Through Aug. 30 at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave.; $25, 773-935-6100, apollochicago.com
Lookingglass Alice: Replete with Mad Hatter, Lauren Hirte’s warmhearted, trapeze-loving, family-friendly “Lookingglass Alice” is back on the Magnificent Mile and as curious as ever. Through Aug. 31 by Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave.; $30-$60, 312-337-0665 and www.lookingglasstheatre.org.
Willy Wonka: In one of the major openings of the summer, Chicago Shakespeare presents a new 65-minute musical version of Roald Dahl’s classic story of greed and golden tickets. The show includes songs featured in the 1971 movie version — “The Candyman” and “Pure Imagination” — and is aimed at family audiences. Through Aug. 17 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier; $18-$23, 312-595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com.
WEDNESDAY
Songs for a New World: A welcome reprise for director Elizabeth Margolius’ appealing Bohemian Theatre Company staging of Jason Robert Brown’s song suite. Through July 20 at Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive; $17.50, 312-742-7994 and www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
THURSDAY
Esperanza Rising: Based on the book by Pam Munoz Ryan, this is a 1930s-era story of a young Mexican girl who finds herself in a California camp for migrant workers. Henry Godinez directs an adaptation by Lynne Alvarez, aimed at ages 8 and up. Through Aug. 10 by Chicago Children’s Theatre at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., $15-$38, 312-443-3800, chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
