Monday
“Passing Strange”: The Chicago premiere of the 2008 rock musical created by Stew and Heidi Rodewald and following the progression through life of a young black man from Los Angeles. Lili-Anne Brown directs JC Brooks in the lead role of the narrator. Through May 29 at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St.; $25 to $35 at 312-733-6000 or bailiwickchicago.com
Tuesday
“Cirque Eloize”: Another nouveau cirque comes to town. “iD,” the work of the Montreal-based Cirque Eloize, is a blend of circus arts and urban dance. Through May 8 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.; $20 to $75 at 800-775-2000 and broadwayinchicago.com
Wednesday
“Next to Normal”: This contemporary Broadway musical about a mother and wife struggling with her mental health features its original, Tony-winning Broadway star, Alice Ripley. Through May 8 at Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.; $32 to $95 at 800-775-2000 and broadwayinchicago.com
Thursday
“Heartbreak House”: Writers’ Theatre has a new production of the classic Shavian cautionary tale about the dangers of European complacency, as written in 1919. William Brown directs a cast of leading Chicago actors. Through June 26 at Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; $55 to $65 at 847-242-6000 and writerstheatre.org
