A Marvelous Party, Northlight Theatre, through Jan. 8. Just days left for this revue of delightful, witty Noel Coward songs. We don't know WHY Northlight created a new Coward show—at least two already exist—but it's a dazzler with a talent to amuse. JA
Much Ado About Nothing, Chicago Shakespeare, through Feb. 26. When your play's set in the age of romance, even a young lover far too quick to believe ill of his fiancé can appear plausible. Hey, his smart buddy falls for it, too. Intelligent, handsome show. MSB
Old Clown Wanted, Trap Door Theatre through Jan. 14. Three old clowns wait in an anteroom to audition for a circus that may never come to pass. Disturbing, oddly funny, and ultimately horrifying, this is one trip into the surreal that works. RR
Salt in the Wound, ETA, through Jan 22. An African-American play where Mama does NOT know best is rare, but Melissa Maxwell makes an articulate case for young people following their bliss, at any risk, in a fable illustrating the legacy of dreams deferred. MSB
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Reed
— By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Reed