Mojo Mickeybo, Irish Theatre of Chicago at the Davis Cinema, playing February 27-28 only. Owen McCafferty's account of his boyhood in the slums of Belfast incensed its real-life counterparts, but Seanachai Theatre's 2009 hit production give Chicago audiences reason to welcome back Rob Kauzlaric and Dan Waller repeating their roles as the luckless Irish lads. MSB
Girl in The Red Corner, Broken Nose Theatre at the Den, through March 2. Move over, Rocky! Stephen Spotswood paints a vivid picture of Mixed-Martial Arts matches where rust-belt women rage in the cage while searching for autonomy, self-esteem and economical security. MSB
The Father, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at Theater Wit through March 3. We've all seen plays written from the safe perspective of doting relations, but do you have the courage to experience geriatric dementia from the viewpoint of the parent suffering the loss of his mental facilities? MSB
Requiem for a Heavyweight, The Artistic Home, through March 31. Not a single punch actually lands in Rod Serling's tough-tender tragedy, but never has boxing been more brutal than in this production featuring Mark Pracht in a star-making performance as a down-on-his-luck prizefighter. MSB