Opening This Week: April 3-9, 2017

Sean O’Callaghan, Ery Nzaramba, Carole Karemera in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “Battlefield” at MCA Chicago/Photo: Pascal Victor/ArtComArt

Monday

“Smokey and the Bandit: The Musical” at MCL Chicago. Take a musical journey back to the seventies, when mustaches were big, high-speed chases were just around every corner and Burt Reynolds was king. Fridays and Saturdays through April 29. For tickets and more information visit mclchicago.com

“Babe-alon” at Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s LookOut Series. A comedic vocal trio bringing back the tunes of the baby boomer and silent generations. For tickets and more information visit steppenwolf.org

Wednesday

“Battlefield” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Haunted by the voice of a single instrumentalist, a new king seeks justice after a bloody civil war of his own making, struggling with how to rule a violent world filled with murderers and victims. Directed by the inimitable Peter Brook. Through April 8. For tickets and more information visit chicagoshakes.com

Thursday

“Chicago” at Drury Lane Theatre. Recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations across the globe, this razzle-dazzle musical is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Through June 18. For tickets and more information visit drurylanetheatre.com

“Bomb A$$ $et” at Under The Gun Theater. Under the Gun invites some of their favorite stand up comedians in Chicago to repeat some bad, bomb sets. Thursdays through April 27. For tickets and more information visit underthegun.theater

Friday

“Mary Poppins” at Mercury Theater. A supercalifragilistic musical combining the best of the original stories by P. L. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film. Through May 28. For tickets and more information visit mercurytheaterchicago.com

“Six Characters in Search of an Author” at Ghostlight Ensemble. This production of Pirandello’s classic strips away the masks–literally and figuratively–and uses the relationships between characters, actors, authors, directors and audience to expose the institutional racism and biases found in modern theater. Through May 7. For tickets and more information visit ghostlightensemble.com

“Vote Brainoid” at The Public House Theatre. Making people afraid is what Brainoid does best. Getting them to vote for him isn’t. Fridays through April 28. For tickets and more information visit thepubtheatre.com

“Positively Present: An Uplifting Cabaret” at Brown Paper Box Co. How do we keep ourselves positive when it feels like everything is falling apart? This cathartic cabaret explores how we’re experiencing the present moment through storytelling and songs. Through April 8. For tickets and more information visit brownpaperbox.org

Ian Barford and Kahyun Kim in rehearsal for “Linda Vista” at Steppenwolf Theatre Company/Photo: Joel Moorman

Saturday

“Linda Vista” at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The world premiere of Tracy Letts’ new coming-of-middle-age comedy. Through May 21. For tickets and more information visit steppenwolf.org

“Stop Kiss” at The Cuckoo’s Theater Project. After Callie meets Sara, the two unexpectedly fall in love. Their first kiss provokes a violent attack that transforms their lives in a way they could never anticipate. Through May 6. For tickets and more information visit thecuckoostheaterproject.com

“Stop Kiss” at The Cuckoo’s Theater Project. This show features the hottest, steamiest burlesque and cabaret acts that only a city like Chicago can offer! Saturdays through April 29. For tickets and more information visit vaudezilla.com

Sunday

“King of the Yees” at Goodman Theatre. Lauren Yee’s offbeat joy ride is all about living in the contemporary world while honoring one’s rich ancestral heritage—and the conflict that ensues. Through April 30. For tickets and more information visit goodmantheatre.org

“Lawrence Brownlee and Eric Owens” at Lyric Opera of Chicago. This one night only performance will feature these outstanding singers in collaboration with the brilliant pianist Craig Terry. For tickets and more information visit lyricopera.org