“The Kid Thing” presented by About Face Theatre and Chicago Dramatists

This world premier by playwright Sarah Gubbins is an intimate view into the lives of two lesbian couples, both best friends, and both courting the idea of taking the next step in life- having a family. When same sex couple Nate and Margo informs best friends and also same sex couple Darcy and Leigh of their pregnancy, disparity begins to grow between the latter pair. While ‘The kid thing’ may be an obvious choice for one couple, for another it may not be so easy. Leigh, overjoyed with her friends’ news, and always wanting to have a child of her own, suddenly becomes motivated to start a family. She even considers sharing the same sperm donor that Nate and Margo used, thrilled with the idea of their children being related. Darcy on the other hand is not so enthused, yet still humors her lover- to the point of even meeting Jacob (The sperm donor and Nate and Leigh’s old friend). In the final moments, Darcy’s buried issues finally surface, and she is forced to come to terms with them.

Gubbins’s witty and heart wrenching script is winningly brought to life by the incredibly talented ensemble of actors under the pointed direction of Joanie Schultz. Though the situation in “The Kid Thing” may seem very particular, the theme is universal. When do we bring children into the world? What kind of world are we subjecting them to? Do we even have kids? Anyone who has ever considered bringing a child into the world can empathize with this lovely new play.

The Details:
• Runs through October 16th. Thursdays- Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.
• Recommended for adults.
• For tickets visit Chicago Dramatists online or call: 312-633-0630. $32.
• Address: 1105 W. Chicago Ave.

“Waiting for Lefty” presented by American Blues Theatre at The Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre

As the rich get richer, the poor get poorer: an adage we are all familiar with. This mantra was certainly accurate during the Depression era, and it still rings true today. Now obviously the current economic climate isn’t as extreme as it was in 1935 when Clifford Odets wrote “Waiting for Lefty”, but there are a few parallels. Likely these similarities are what drew director Kimberly Senior and American Blues Theatre to revive this piece that was inspired by the New York taxi strike of 1934.

While The Depression may be far removed from modern audiences, this one hour journey back in time throws us smack into the middle of a tense union meeting where you can feel the turmoil and pain of the attendees (aided by the fact that some are sitting next to you in the audience). We glimpse deeper into the lives of these downtrodden people through a series of striking vignettes. The audience is easily moved by the power of the actors and their tragic tales. Though these people and their stories are almost 80 years behind us, one cannot help but empathize with their pain, and ultimately feel inspired by the resilience of the American people.

The Details:
• Runs through October 2nd. Thursdays-Fridays 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
• Recommended for ages 14 and up.
• For tickets visit American Blues Theater online or call: 773-871-3000. $15-$25.
• Address: 2433 N. Lincoln Ave.

“Cryano” presented by The House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre

It’s the classic romance retold with modern sensibilities. Director, Adapter, and Fight Choreographer Matt Hawkins reinterprets, simplifies, and kicks up the entertainment in his new production of “Cryano”. The story remains the same: Cyrano de Bergerac, the eloquent poet and stealthy swordsman, is head over heels for the lovely Roxane. But alas, there is something between them: his giant nose to be precise. Scared that he will lose his best friend and all of his dignity, Cryano keeps his love for Roxane a secret. Cyrano instead helps Christian (the handsome young soldier whom Roxane is in love with) woo Roxane through penning love struck letters of poetry on Christian’s behalf.

The House’s production is full of humor, heartfelt characters, boat loads of highly choreographed and skillfully executed fights, and- ‘panache’. The high energy show is exceptionally engaging, and makes for a fun and entertaining night at the theatre.

The Details:
• Runs through October 16th. Thursday-Saturdays at 8 p.m. ; Sundays at 7 p.m.
• Recommended for ages 14 and up.
• For tickets visit the House Theatre online or call: 773-769-3832. $25
• Address: 1543 W. Division St.

“Octavarius” Improv troop performing at ComedySportz Theatre

Chicago is home to many, many improv groups: Octavarius is undoubtedly one of the best. Why? A few reasons: 1) The ensemble. Boasting a cast of 9, they are one of the larger groups in the improv/sketch scene. This works well because it keeps the show high energy, and the cast’s ability to play off each other and work as an ensemble is incredible. 2) The multi-media. Not only does the group produce a show every week, but they also create videos that get incorporated into the show. On top of that, they host special guests, and integrate amusing musical numbers. 3) THEMES! Each show features a different theme that is announced the previous week. This can be anything from Superheroes, to Oprah, to Homecoming. The theme adds to the lively and fun party atmosphere, and ensures that you won’t get the same show twice.

Bonus: if you dress up in the theme of the show, you get tickets for $7! Octavarius’s energetic and hilarious show gives new meaning to the phrase “Sunday-Funday”.

The Details:
• Runs through February 27th. Sundays at 7 p.m.
• Recommended for adults.
• For tickets visit ComedySportz Chicago online or call 773-549-8080. $10. $7 if you dress up.
• Address: 929 W. Belmont Ave.

“Putting It Together” presented by Porchlight Music Theatre at Theatre Wit

Newly appointed artistic director Michael Weber sets the bar high for locally based Chicago musical theatre with Steven Sondheim’s musical revue, “Putting It Together”. The revue features songs from numerous Sondheim favorites, such as: “Sunday in the Park with George”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Into the Woods”, and “Company” –just to name a few. The scene is set in a posh condo belonging to a wealthy, put-together middle aged couple who play party hosts for the evening to a younger, less wealthy, less jaded couple. We see the couples’s lives, loves, and troubles contrasted against one and other with the help of a little narration from the bartender, and an uber-amazing house band. It’s delightful to see the songs taken out of their original context and worked into an entirely new story. Steven Sondheim’s musical revue dazzles under the detailed direction of Brenda Didier, and the highly talented -and highly entertaining- cast soars; taking the musical, and the audience, to new heights.

The Details:
• Runs through October 16th. Thursday and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Recommended for ages 14 and up.
• For tickets visit Porchlight Music Theatre online or call 773-975-8150. $38.
• Address: 1229 W. Belmont Ave.

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 her at KKrauss@jameshotels.com.