Theater events: Janus celebrates a young Shakespeare in new show

Posted July 11, 2016 11:00 pm

‘Shakespeare Lives'

Janus Theatre Company and Duplicity Ensemble present former Chicago actor/director Nathan Wonder in his original production “William Shakespeare Lives.” Wonder's one-man show recalls the young Shakespeare's struggles with his job, his girlfriend and the negative reviews for his latest play, “Titus Andronicus.” The production is part of Elgin's ongoing Shakespeare 400 commemoration. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 15-16, and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. $10. janusplays.com.

The man in black

The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre concludes its 15th season with “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash.” This jukebox musical celebrates the singer/songwriter responsible for such hits as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line” and “The Man in Black,” a 1971 song expressing solidarity with the indigent, the incarcerated and the dispossessed. Joe Keefe directs the show, which chronicles Cash's professional and private life, including his marriage to June Carter Cash. Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The show opens July 28. $30, $38. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

‘Scottsboro Boys'

Raven Theatre remounts its Joseph Jefferson Award-winning production of “Direct From Death Row: The Scottsboro Boys (An Evening of Vaudeville and Sorrow).” Composer/lyricist Harley White Jr. and writer Mark Stein's satirical play with music and dance tells the true story of nine African-American teenagers falsely accused of sexually assaulting two white women in Alabama in 1931. Michael Menendian directs. Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago. The show opens July 23. $28-$42. (773) 338-2177 or raventheatre.com.

Raven Theatre in Chicago remounts its Joseph Jefferson Award-winning production of "Direct From Death Row: The Scottsboro Boys (An Evening of Vaudeville and Sorrow)" about nine African-Americans falsely accused of sexually assaulting two white women in 1931 Alabama. Courtesy of Dean La Prairie

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