Theater Spotlight
A number of prominent Chicago actors ( including E. Faye Butler and Ginneah Thomas ) join actor/co-author James Murray Jackson Jr. in his portrayal of the late comedian Richard Pryor in the Chicago premiere of Unspeakable. Billed as "A Dramatic Fantasia," Unspeakable aims to take an unflinching and adults-only look at the life the influential comedian whose rough start in life began in a brothel run by his grandmother in Peoria, Illinois. Unspeakable plays now through Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St. Tickets are $32-$76; call 800-775-2000 or visit www.broadwayinchicago.com .
Photo of Jackson by Miranda Penn Turin
Critics' Picks
Assassination Theater: Chicago's Role in the Crime of the Century, Museum of Broadcast Communications, through Nov. 5. Hillel Levin's "theatrical investigation" into government cover-ups and mobster influence in connection with the Kennedy shooting is more lecture than play, but makes for provocative speculation. MSB
Gem of the Ocean, Court Theatre through Oct. 11. This first play chronologically in August Wilson's great Century Cycle, set in 1904, is one of Wilson's best, beautifully performed by a veteran cast. JA
Miss Buncle's Book, Lifeline Theatre, through Nov. 1. An anonymous tell-all novel and three pairs of lovers enliven this delightful adaptation of D.E. Stevenson's cozy English romance. MSB
Side Show, Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, through Oct. 25. Michael Webber directs a thrilling and emotionally moving production of the cult 1997 musical about conjoined twins trying to make their way in the world and in show business. SCM
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan