Chalk, Right Brain Project at Chicago Cultural Center; through Nov. 25. This homage to film noir detective mysteries is gripping and cleverly staged. So what if it's derivative? It's fun checking off all of the genre's stereotypical plotting and colorful characters. SCM
The Cook, Goodman Theatre, through Nov. 18. Karen Aldridge is luminous as a cook whose fierce loyalties define her life through 40 years of Castro's Cuba. As her husband, Edward F. Torres is at his best in Eduardo Machado's warmly compelling drama. CS
The Island Of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre, through Dec. 2. This science-fiction fable of imperialist technology taken to inhumane extremes is as timely and terrifying today as when H.G. Wells wrote it in 1896. Horror isn't just for Halloween, you know. MSB
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Circle Theatre, through Dec. 23. The movie original—glorified by Technicolor and Cinemascope—beats the stage version, but Circle has a habit of extracting the best from old musicals, and the lyrics by Jonny Mercer stand tall. JA
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge, Morgan
and Sullivan