Theater spotlight
The Hamburg Ballet makes its only U.S. appearance this year in Chicago with two different programs. There's a ballet adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, plus choreographer John Neumeier's abstract ballet titled The Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler. Hamburg Ballet's performance of Othello is at 7:30 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 24, while performances of The Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26-27, both at Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets are $55-$125; call 312-334-7777 or visit www.harristheaterchicago.org or more information..
Critics' Picks
American Buffalo, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company at Angel Island, through March 6. With the wrecking ball only months away, this 30-year-old Chicago theater company returns to its roots for one last all-star stand in what may be the smartest interpretation of Mamet's seminal masterpiece in its long history. MSB
Far from Heaven, Porchlight Music Theatre, through March 13. A musical version of the film, about a 1957 suburban housewife who pushes envelopes when her sitcom-perfect life melts down. JA
High Fidelity, Refuge Theater, through Feb. 28. Even if you never saw the film, this exuberant young ensemble's rendering of Tom Kitt and Amanda Green's rock-infused score for its musical adaptation will send you home glowing with nostalgic warmth.
Sister Act, Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire, through April 3. The stage musical adaptation of the hit 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film has been pushed back to the 1970s, so it features a fun disco score by composer Alan Menken. The Marriott performances and production are otherwise top-notch. SCM
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan