Current shows we think are hot, or soon-to-open shows that should be!
Free Man of Color, Victory Gardens through Feb. 29. A world premiere by Charles Smith about the first Black student at Ohio State University in 1834, and the university president who sponsored him, featuring Anthony Fleming III and Gary Houston. (Abarbanel)
French/Gray, Azusa Productions at the Heartland Studio, through Feb. 8. A one-women play about history's highest-profile First Lady, Marie Antoinette. Maggie Speer plays the 'Let them eat cake' gal herself, who lost her head 211 years ago. (Barnidge)
A Little Night Music, Chicago Shakespeare through Feb. 15. Gary Griffin's spare, ethereal staging of Sondheim's most fully realized work is a triumph. As world-weary Desiree, top-notch Barbara Robertson delivers a heartbreaking 'Send in the Clowns.' (Reed)
Paramount Girl, Live Bait through March 7. Dolores Hart was one of Hollywood's hottest young actressed in 1960, and she gave it all up to join a convent, where she lives to this day. Sue Cargill's play, directed by Beau O'Reilly, explores the reasons why. (Barnidge)
— Abarbanel, Barnidge and Reed