Theater spotlight: Phylicia Rashad makes Steppenwolf debut with 'The Roommate'

Cohabitation comedy

Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad makes her Steppenwolf Theatre directing debut with "The Roommate," Jen Silverman's comedy about cohabitation. Steppenwolf ensemble members Ora Jones and Sandra Marquez star as Robyn and Sharon, comically mismatched roomies confronting midlife challenges. Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. The show opens July 1. $20-$93. (312) 335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

'High Fiber' hilarity

Comedians "of a certain age" return to The Comedy Shrine Saturday for "The High Fiber Comedy Show." Bill Gorgo, Jan Slavin, Michelle Krajecki and John Paticki share their experiences and the insights they've gained as "fully ripened, slightly creaky" standup comedians. 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora. $20, plus a two beverage minimum. (630) 585-0300 or comedyshrine.com.

Encountering marriage

Jamaican-American Richard and Irish-American Sheryl open up to an unseen interviewer about their relationship, their inner demons and their efforts to start a family in the two-hander "Don't Smoke in Bed" by Aurin Squire. Chimera Ensemble's production stars Kai A. Ealy as Richard and Nicole Fabbri as Sheryl. Chika Ike, a Gift Theatre ensemble member, directs. Preview at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. Opens at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at the Pentagon Theater at Collaboraction Studios, Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $23. chimeraensemble.com.