Theater Spotlight
Reflect again on the Windy City's deadliest fire now that Jay Torrence's acclaimed history-inspired play Burning Bluebeard is being revived for another holiday season. Watch as six singed vaudeville performers use music, clowning, dance and more to ponder the horrific Iroquois Theatre Fire of 1903 that killed 600 of its audience members. The Hypocrites presents The Ruffians' revival of Burning Bluebeard now through Sunday, Jan. 10, at The Den Theatre's Heath Main Stage, 1329 N. Milwaukee Ave. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Extra shows 7 p.m. Sundays on Dec. 20, 27 and Jan. 3, then at 3 and 8 p.m. Wed., Dec. 30the 112th anniversary of the Iroquois Theatre Fire. Tickets are $15-$36; visit www.the-hypocrites.com .
Critics' Picks
Good for Otto, Gift Theatre, through Dec. 20. Both profound and invigorating, David Rabe's world premiere looks at two community mental health workers and their patients struggling with parental abandonment. Rabe's skill makes it's more exciting and entertaining than you'd think. Beautifully acted and directed, it's extended and selling out. JA
The Long Christmas Ride Home, Strawdog Theatre, through Dec. 12. Asian-inspired puppetry is very artfully integrated into Paula Vogel's 2003 drama about really bad relationship breakups during the wintry holiday season. SCM
Pilgrim's Progress, A Red Orchid Theater, through Dec. 13. When unpleasant surprises lurk in every corner of our modern world, what's a family to doespecially when its patriarch is played by the always-riveting Michael Shannon? MSB
The Raid, Jackalope Theatre at the Broadway Armory, through Dec. 12. John Brown's body might lie a-mold'ring in the grave, but Ron Wells delivers an unforgettable portrayal of the fiery abolitionist whose civil disobedience stirs controversy to this day. MSB
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan