Spotlight: Janus Theatre concludes season with history-inspired dramedy ‘The Revolutionists’
Say you want a revolution?
Janus Theatre concludes its season with a revival of Lauren Gunderson’s historically inspired comedy “The Revolutionists.” Set in 1793 during France’s Reign of Terror, Gunderson’s examination of art, activism and agency unfolds as a fictionalized meeting between writer Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, deposed Queen Marie Antoinette and a fictional Haitian rebel named Marianne Angelle. Artistic director Sean Hargadon directs. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. $22. janusplays.com.
All hail the Queen
In 2044, after yet another female presidential candidate fails to win the presidency, three women come up with a new branch of government — a monarchy — to be run by the Queen of America in “Coronation” by Laura Winters. Described as a three-act “femme-futurist, political satire,” the play also features a walking, talking, plotting Siri. Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12, and Wednesday, Oct. 16, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. The show opens Thursday, Oct. 17. $14.25, $36.75. refractedco.com.
The Factory at 30
The Factory Theater commences its 30th season with “Inheritance — or — Brothers From the Deep,” ensemble member Michael Jones’ supernatural two-hander about two brothers who face rough waters on their annual fishing trip. Jamaque Newberry directs stars Jelani Julyus and Malachi Marrero. Previews at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at 1623 W. Howard St., Chicago. The show opens Oct. 18. $30. (312) 275-5757 or thefactorytheater.com.
Inside 1930s Hollywood
The Artistic Home revives “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” Lynn Nottage’s satire on racism in 1930s Hollywood. An aspiring African American starlet working for an aging actress, Vera is determined to play roles other than slaves and maids, but finds she must compromise her values in order to have a career. Ashayla Calvin plays Vera and Caitlin Jemison plays the aging actress, Gloria, in director Risha Tenae’s production. Previews at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, and Wednesday, Oct. 16, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. The show opens Thursday, Oct. 17. $20, $35. (773) 697-3830 or theartistichome.org.
Into the woods with Will Shakespeare
Babes With Blades returns with its biennial William Shakespeare production. This year it’s the comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” about four young people — some in love, some in unrequited love — who find themselves in the middle of a feud between the king and queen of the fairies. Meanwhile, a band of would-be actors rehearse a play for the monarch’s nuptials while the sprite Puck causes mischief. Previews at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 16-18, at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago. The show opens Oct. 19. $28-$35. babeswithblades.org.
A tale of friendship
Leah Karpel plays Elizabeth Bishop and Christopher Sheard plays Robert Lowell in “Dear Elizabeth,” Sarah Ruhl’s meditation on the 30-year friendship between the poets, which they nurtured mostly through letters and the occasional in-person meeting. “These are two people who see each other in a way no one else does, who understand each other’s artistry and personal struggles in ways no one else can. This play is moving, theatrical and is a story in which two people can build a world together through their letters and love,” says Christina Casano, director of Remy Bumppo Theatre’s revival. Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 17-19, and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. The show opens Oct. 21. $15-$55. (773) 975-8150 or remybumppo.org.
Redtwist world premiere
Redtwist Theatre opens its 20th season with the premiere of “Bottle Fly,” Jacqueline Goldfinger’s play about queer survival in Florida’s Everglades. Co-artistic director Eileen Dixon helms the production. Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 17-19, at 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago. The show opens Oct. 20. $35. redtwisttheatre.org.