So far, it has been an unseasonably warm winter for us here in Chicago. But don’t get your hopes up; we are not skipping winter this year. The Chicago cold and snow will surely come, and likely very soon. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Krista, why are you telling me this? It doesn’t make me want to go out and see theatre!’

Au contraire, my friends. I have three reasons why Chicago Theatre is the perfect activity for one of those chilly, snowy, tundra-like Chicago nights:

1. Chicago Theatres are nice and cozy! They supply ample protection from the harsh winter elements.

2. Theatre is the perfect cure for Cabin Fever. Personally, I know that if I coop myself up at home hiding from the winter weather, I start to go crazy and feel like a slug. However, if I make myself venture out, I feel much better. A night at the theatre is the perfect remedy for the winter doldrums. It gets you out and about and allows you to escape from your wintery reality for a few hours.

3. All of February’s ‘Hot Picks’ are conveniently located off the Red Line ‘L’ Train, so you don’t have to drive! The Red Line is one of the most reliable means of transportation in Chicago, no question. I know this because I rode the Red Line throughout the February Blizzard of 2011 where 28 inches of snow dumped on Chicago in less than 24 hours. The entire city shut down, highways closed, businesses all closed; but the Red Line kept on truckin’.

For this reason, and for your convenience, this month’s ‘Hot Picks’ are all located right off the Red Line. So bring on the Blizzard of 2012, because you’re taking the Red Line to the theatre!

Love and Money at Steep Theatre

It’s inescapable: debt due to credit cards, real estate investments, and student loans is at an all-time high. Though we are constantly bombarded by news stories on our National Economic Crises, we often fail to see how our love of money affects us on a day-to-day basis. Playwright Dennis Kelly examines this issue on a personal level in ‘Love and Money’. We have all been touched by economic turmoil, but for couple David and Jess, debt defines their existence. We follow the couple through a series of vignettes, where we meet other characters that are also forced into appalling predicaments because of money. Though the subject matter is a bit gloomy, director Robin Witt and her outstanding cast of honest actors manage to unearth the dark, ironic humor that is inherent in these character’s lives, and in our own. This exceptional Midwest Premiere is poignant, gripping, and not to be missed. ‘Love and Money’ admirably executes what good theatre should: it holds a mirror up to the audience and forces you to take a hard, truthful look at what you see.

The Details:
- Runs through February 25th. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
- Recommended for adults.
- For tickets visit: www.steeptheatre.com or call 866-811-4111. $20- $25.
- Address: 1115 W. Berwyn Ave., Chicago
- Red Line Stop: Berwyn

Race at The Goodman Theatre

This daring Chicago premiere by playwright (and native Chicagoan) David Mamet delivers just what one would expect: a play as bold and blunt as it’s title. When two attorneys (Henry Brown and Jack Lawson, one black and one white respectively) have a high profile case dumped in their laps, they are forced to deal with society’s prejudices as well as their own while they attempt to discover the truth. The case: a wealthy, privileged white man is accused of raping a young, not so privileged, black woman. Though the client, Mr. Strickland, swears the sex was consensual, the evidence and the press seem to be set against him. The duo quickly gets down to business with the help of their associate Susan, who also happens to be a young black female. Like many of Mamet’s plays, the arguments and storyline are layered: just when you think you’ve arrived at the heart of the matter, another lay is ripped away, and what you thought was true is now anything but. Directing a play that deals with the taboo topic of prejudice in modern society is a very tricky task, but not for Goodman resident director Chuck Smith. Along with an incredible ensemble of actors that masterfully command Mamet’s fast paced and deliciously politically incorrect language, Smith carefully peels back the play’s layers, bit by wicked bit.

The Details:
- Runs through February 19th. Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.. Thursdays at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.. Sundays at 2 p.m.
- Recommended for adults.
- For tickets visit: http://www.goodmantheatre.org or call 312-443-3800. $25-$79.
- Address: 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
- Red Line Stop: Lake

How to Survive a Fairy Tale at LifeLine Theatre

In this enchanting children’s show by James E. Grote, and delightfully directed by Shole Milos, we meet Jack. Jack is a charming, intelligent, good-hearted young boy. Despite having a Princess and a Frog for parents, Jack has never heard of a Fairy Tale. In fact, Jack thinks ‘Fairy Tales’ are actually tails on fairies. Jack operates under this belief until one day a mysterious book falls from the top of the bookcase and bops him on the head. The book, filled with Fairy Tales of course, magically teleports him to a land of Fairy Tales. Jack then uses the book as a guide to navigate his way through the unfamiliar surroundings. While seeking out the magic he needs to transport himself home, Jack runs into plenty of familiar characters, like: Little Red Riding Hood, Goldie Locks, Hansel and Gretel, and the Billy Goats Gruff. Jack also manages to land himself side by side with his new friends in the various precarious situations that the famous characters face. Will Jack survive his real life Fairy Tale? You will just have to bring the family out to LifeLine Theatre to find out!

The Details:
- Runs through February 26th. Saturdays at 1 p.m. Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Recommended for ages 6 and up.
- For tickets visit: www.lifelinetheatre.com or call 773-761-4477. $15.
- Address: 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago
- Red Line Stop: Morse

Time Stands Still at Steppenwolf Theatre

In ‘Time Stands Still’ by Donald Margulies, directed by Austin Pendleton, we take a fascinating look into the life of Sarah Goodwin; a photojournalist who recently returned home after nearly being killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Though Sarah is finally home and in the loving hands of her devoted long-term boyfriend James, she is having trouble adjusting. It seems the home front and domestic life are more foreign to her than the front lines of war. Even her Editor and friend Richard (who recently acquired a new young girlfriend Mandy, who is the epitome of domestic and the opposite of Sarah) urges Sarah to settle down into an ordinary life. While Sarah attempts to appease James and her friend, she is forced to come to terms with her addiction to war and turmoil. She struggles to determine if she selfishly feeds off the suffering of others, or if her efforts are altruistic. This highly detailed production is heartfelt, clever and thought provoking. It ultimately shows us that people find fulfillment in many different ways, and that we should all be allowed to live in our happiness without judgment.

The Details:
- Runs through May 13th. Tuesday through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.. Saturdays & Sundays at 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Recommended for adults.
- For tickets visit: www.steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650. $20-$78.
- Address: 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Red Line Stop: North & Clybourn

EXTENDED!

Assisted Living at The Second Stage Theatre presented by Profiles Theatre

This world premiere production revolves around the story of Anne, a 39 year old librarian who has been living at home for the past decade taking care of her ailing and ornery mother. Anne continually finds herself in a bind as she is unable to rely on her younger brother, and home health care workers are a challenge to keep. When Anne takes a chance and hires the young, eager, under qualified Levi to assist her mother, she rediscovers what it’s like to put her trust in someone, and subsequently the freedom and disappointment that can bring. Director Joe Jahraus’ production nails every detail, from the perfect casting to the meticulous set design. Deirdre O’Connor’s new play is a touching contemporary dramady that examines what happens when we are forced to take chances and trust others when no other options remain.

The Details:
- Runs through February 17th. Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays at 5 p.m. Recommended for adults.
- For tickets visit: www.profilestheatre.org or call 773-549-1815. $30-$40.
- Address: 3408 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago
- Red Line Stop: Addison

About the Author: Krista Krauss is a Concierge at the James Hotel, a member of The Chicago Hotel Concierge Association, a native Chicagoan, and a local theatre artist. She received duel degrees in Communication and Theatre from Loyola University Chicago. Her mission is to create and support awareness of Chicago’s unique local theatres. E-mail Krista Krauss.