Spotlight: Laugh it up at First Folio's 'Jeeves Saves the Day' & Metropolis' 'Noises Off'

Posted January 21, 2020 5:00 am

Self-defense

After one of their sorority sisters is sexually assaulted, college students gather for a do-it-yourself, self-defense workshop in "How to Defend Yourself," Liliana Padilla's drama developed through Victory Gardens Theater's 2018 Ignition Festival of New Plays. VGT's co-world premiere, produced in cooperation with the Actors Theatre of Louisville, is directed by Libertyville native Marti Lyons.

Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25; 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26; and through Jan. 30 at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. The show opens Jan. 31. $25-$65. (773) 871-3000 or victorygardens.org.

The cast of Victory Gardens Theater's "How To Defend Yourself" includes Ariana Mahallati, left, Anna Crivelli, Netta Walker, Isa Arciniegas and Andrea San Miguel. Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg Photography

Jeeves returns

First Folio Theatre welcomes back bumbling aristocrat Bertie and his ever-capable butler Jeeves in the premiere of "Jeeves Saves the Day," Margaret Raether's latest adaptation of a P.G. Wodehouse story. Artistic associate Joe Foust directs the comedy about Bertie's dealings with his irascible aunt, awkward cousin and a comely chanteuse. Christian Gray and Jim McCance reprise their roles as Bertie and Jeeves.

Previews at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29; 3 and 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30; and 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. The show opens Feb. 1. $25-$44. (630) 986-8067 or firstfolio.org.

Backstage comedy

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre revives Michael Frayn's rollicking "Noises Off," a backstage farce set in Britain's hinterlands where a hapless touring theater company is performing the fictional sex farce "Nothing On." Slapstick ensues as the tour winds down, tempers rise and misunderstandings multiply. Joe Lehman directs.

Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 30-31, and through Feb. 6 at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The show opens Feb. 7. $35, $40. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

Semisweet

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents "The Cake," Bekah Brunstetter's headline-inspired dramedy about the conflict between faith and family. It centers on bakery owner Della, whose religious beliefs conflict with a request from Jen, the young woman she considers a daughter, who wants a cake for her wedding to another woman. Steve Scott directs the production, which features artistic director Connie Canaday Howard as Della.

The preview is at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The show opens Friday, Jan. 31. $42. (630) 942-4000, atthemac.org or btechicago.com.

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