Theater Spotlight
The backstage world of a traveling 1930s circus troupe is revealed to be quite a tawdry and sinister affair in Chicago Tap Theatre's new show TightWire. The production features a script by Marc Kelly Smith, original music by Kurt Schweitz and choreography by Mark Yonally and the Chicago Tap Theatre ensemble. TightWire plays from Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 29, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets are $35, $27 for seniors and $22 for students; call 773-327-5252 or visit www.chicagotaptheatre.com . Photo by Emma Cullimore.
Critics' Picks
The Apple Family Plays, TimeLine Theatre, through April 19. The affluent, middle-aged Apple siblings discuss each other, life and politics on Election Day 2010 and 2012 in two works playing in repertory. Reality has bruised their liberal idealism and life expectations in Richard Nelson's warm-hearted, witty and political plays. JA
The Glass Protege, Giant Cherry/Glitterati Productions at Theater Wit, through March 29. Tinseltown in 1949 can be tough for innocent gay lovers sworn to uphold its glamor, making for period-replica romance and weepy endings. MSB
The Royal Society of Antarctica, Gift Theatre, through April 26. Mat Smart's word premiere play is an engrossing trip to the bottom of the world with fascinating insights to the people who choose to work in perpetual cold. SCM
The Sweeter Option, Strawdog Theatre Company, through March 28. A fortune in stolen money leads to murder, betrayal, fights for the border and existential despair in John Henry Roberts' pulp-noir thriller. MSB
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan
