Local theater: 'Shining City' opens at the Mac

Another Irish tale

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble's Bryan Burke (who starred in BTE's recent production of Brian Friel's “Faith Healer”) directs another Irish drama for the West Suburban company. “Shining City,” by Conor McPherson, is a compelling tale about a therapist who tries to help a recently widowed man haunted by the memories of his late wife.

Opens Friday, Sept. 23, at the McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000 or cod.edu/atthemac.org.

A normal life

Jeff Award nominee Andrew Jessop and Jeff Award winner Peter Oyloe play two challenged young men navigating life on their own after their release from an institution in redtwist theatre's Chicago-area premiere of “Elling.” Goodman Theatre artistic associate Steve Scott directs Simon Bent's 2007 translation of Axel Hellstenius and Petter Naess' adaptation of Ingvar Ambjornsen's novel.

Previews continue through Friday, Sept. 23, at 1044 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago. The show opens Saturday, Sept. 24. (773) 728-7529 or redtwist.org.

‘Million' plays on

Now in its third year, “Million Dollar Quartet” — a fictionalized account of a 1956 jam session involving early rock 'n' roll greats at Sun Records in Memphis — has been extended again. The extension is marked by the addition of new cast members Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley), Heather Marie Marsden (Dyanne), Brad Ber (bass) and Dan Leali (drums). They join current cast members Gabe Bowling (Carl Perkins), Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), Sean Sullivan (Johnny Cash) and Tim Decker (Sam Phillips).

Runs through Dec. 31 at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100 or milliondollarquartetlive.com.