Spotlight: The Conspirators reimagine Macbeth as a police officer in ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
‘Macbeth’ reimagined
The Conspirators reimagine William Shakespeare’s character of the soldier Macbeth as a Chicago police superintendent, Macduff as a precinct commander and Malcom as a deputy chief in “Chicago Cop Macbeth.” Adapted and directed by Wm. Bullion, this version puts a Chicago accent on the classic tale about ruthless ambition and unchecked power.
8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, May 16-18, and through June 8 at the Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St., Chicago. $30. conspirewithus.org.
New musical sneak peek
Paramount Theatre invites theatergoers to a concert reading of a new, in-progress Spanish/English musical titled “Mija.” The event includes a reception and light refreshments, a reading and a postshow discussion with the cast and creative team.
1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Free. RSVP at newworks@paramountarts.com.
‘Honeypot’ premiere
Former Northwestern University professor D. Soyini Madison collected stories from more than 25 “women-loving women” for her performance piece “Honeypot: Black Southern Women Who Love Women.” Set in a fantasy world where women are “imagined as part of a vibrant hive of bees,” the play examines the resilience and community of Southern Black women. Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s premiere is co-directed by Madison and artistic director Tim Rhoze.
Preview at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. The show opens at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18. $32, $10 for students. (847) 866-5914 or fjtheatre.com.
New work examines foster-care system
Chicago youngsters’ experiences inspired Filament Theatre’s “Alex in Windyland,” an examination of the foster-care system created by Filament Theatre and theater artist Abby Thompson in collaboration with young people at Lydia Home. The play centers on 12-year-old Alex, who’s transported on a magical train called Windyland, where she finds new friends and adventures on a locomotive whose destination is uncertain. Proceeds benefit Lydia Home.
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18; 6 p.m. May 20 and 21; and 7 p.m. May 23 at 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $25-$45. abbythompson.org/alex-in-windyland-tickets.
New series debuts at Teatro ZinZanni
Teatro ZinZanni, which recently announced it will remain in Chicago for the foreseeable future, launches Club ZinZanni — a new series showcasing musicians, comedians, magicians and drag performers — with “the comparable Dina Martina,” a comedian, singer and drag performer.
7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $40-$55. zinzanni.com/chicago/clubzinzanni-dina.
Beckett revival
Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member Yasen Peyankov directs Facility Theatre’s revival of “Endgame,” Samuel Beckett’s examination of existential angst, despair and isolation. The play centers on the relationship of dependence and powerlessness between the blind and paralyzed Hamm (Kirk Anderson) and his servant Clov (York Griffith).
Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 22-23, at 1138 N. California Ave., Chicago. The show opens May 24. $30 suggested donation. facilitytheatre.org.
Jackalope world premiere
After the 2024 election, suburban family man Paul fears what comes next. That fear increases when Mo, a Muslim, moves into the neighborhood, forcing Paul to confront his fears and his liberal beliefs in “Neighborhood Watch,” a new play by Rehana Lew Mirza. Kaiser Ahmed directs Jackalope Theatre Company’s premiere, which stars Frank Nall as Paul and Faiz Siddique as Mo.
Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, May 22-24, and 2 p.m. May 25 at Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway St., Chicago. The show opens May 27. $15-$40. (773) 340-2543 or jackalopetheatre.org.