Theater events: Metropolis goes for laughs with 2 new shows

Double the laughs

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre begins the year with a double dose of comedy courtesy of former polka band leader turned humorist Mary Mack, who brings her "Holiday Recovery Comedy Show" to the theater. Also, Metropolis revives Noel Coward's marital comedy "Private Lives" about a divorced couple who run into each other in France while on their honeymoons with their new spouses.

Mack performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $25. "Private Lives" begins previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, and opens Jan. 18. $30, $38. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

'Tattoo' revived

Marriott, Northlight, Writers and Goodman theater veteran Greg Vinkler directs Shattered Globe Theatre's revival of Tennessee Williams' "The Rose Tattoo." Ensemble member Eileen Niccolai stars as overprotective widow Serafina whose life and idealized memories of her late husband are upended by the arrival of a virile truck driver who takes an interest in the simple seamstress. Also appearing are Shattered Globe ensemble members Christina Gorman, Doug McDade, Kelsey Melvin, Drew Schad and Megan Skord.

Previews begin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Opens Jan. 18. $20-$33. (773) 975-8150 or shatteredglobe.org or theaterwit.org.

Theatre Week

Advance tickets for the third annual Chicago Theatre Week, running Feb. 12-22, are on sale at chicagotheatreweek.com. More than 100 productions are included in this year's expanded event, which spans two weekends and includes Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, Northlight Theatre in Skokie and First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook among other Chicago and suburban theaters. Most tickets are available for $15 or $30. See chicagotheatreweek.com.

- Barbara Vitello