Theater spotlight: Palatine's Theatre Nebula revives 'Spring Awakening'

Theatre Nebula's 'Awakening'

Theatre Nebula presents a limited revival of the Tony Award-winning "Spring Awakening" by pop singer/composer Duncan Sheik and writer/lyricist Steven Sater. The rock musical is based on Frank Wedekind's 1891 play about teenagers' growing self-awareness and sexual coming-of-age. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and Steel Beam veteran Kevin Wiczer directs the production, which contains mature subject matter, sexual situations and strong language.

8 p.m. Saturday, March 2; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3; and continuing Fridays through Sundays through March 24 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $12-$20 in advance; $14-$22 at the door. (847) 359-9378 or theatrenebula.org.

Late-night laughs

High school English teacher turned comedian and Aurora West High School alum Kimberly "KB" Marion hosts the adults-only "KB's Kickback Late Night Show" this weekend at Aurora's Comedy Shrine. A sendup of TV's late-night chat shows, "KB's Kickback" includes standup, improv and audience interaction.

10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 1-2, at 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora. $20 plus a two-item minimum. (630) 585-0300 or comedyshrine.com.

Sci-fi tuner

Audrey II returns courtesy of Mercury Theater Chicago's revival of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's "Little Shop of Horrors." The pop musical-dramedy centers on flower shop employee Seymour Krelborn who gets more than he bargained for after he cultivates a mysterious, carnivorous plant, which he names Audrey II in honor of his beloved co-worker, who is stuck in an abusive relationship. Executive director L. Walter Stearns directs. Eugene Dizon serves as music director.

Previews at 8 p.m. Friday, March 1, and Wednesday, March 6; 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3; with additional previews through March 9 at 3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. The show opens March 10. $35-$65. (773) 325-1700 or mercurytheaterchicago.com.