photo: courtesy of Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
"The Life," a seldom-produced show about pimps and hookers in pre-Disney Times Square, offers fun, sleazy tunes and a sort-of embarrassing book. Bohemian Theatre Ensemble has a knack for America's freakier musicals, and critics have responded well to the company's take on this Cy Coleman ("Sweet Charity") also-ran. The best reviews have gone to Boho's female performers, who strut, belt and make audiences drool as '70s-era working girls.
Lunatic(a)s
Through July 15 at Chicago Dramatists; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; $10-$15
It's more than just that time of the month. This devised show, which brings together the true stories of Latina women under the symbol of moon-madness, has been hailed as bold, funny, touching and a little uneven. Combining laughter and tears, "Lunatic(a)s" could be the perfect bonding night for girls who like their theatre a little more substantial than "Barenaked Lads."
August: Osage County
Through August 26 at Steppenwolf Theatre; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 3 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; some variation, check website for specific dates; $20-$65
Fresh off a movie adaptation of his hit play "Bug," Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts premieres his latest work on the sweet home stage. "August," fittingly, is an intense-looking family drama about a massive homecoming. This guy has more grit than the bottom of the Chicago river, so expect a traditional Steppenwolf firestorm.
Barack and a Hard Place
Open run at Second City. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. & 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday. $19-$24
Second City's latest revue doesn't break any new ground, but this six-person cast unfailingly delivers funny bits. The show, which uses hometown hopeful/inevitable backlash-victim Barack Obama as a framing device, has plenty to say about identity politics…and identity politics. However, in a maneuver worthy of its namesake, "Barack" remains tactful enough with its jokes that you could go see it with anybody, except a Republican.
The Magic Cabaret
Through July 10 at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater; 8 p.m. Tuesday; $15-$20
No glitz, just wonder. The Magic Cabaret draws on a century-old tradition of "parlor magic," an intimate style of prestidigitation that keeps the audience directly involved. Instead of watching tigers become showgirls across a massive auditorium, the lucky viewers at this show will watch the simply impossible happen in front of their noses. Appropriate for ages 13 and up.
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