Theater spotlight
The ongoing Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival continues with a touring stop of Twelfth Night by Britain's Filter Theatre in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company. This unconventional take on William Shakespeare's romantic comedy has been described as part rock concert and improvisation sketch show. Twelfth Night continues through Sunday, March 13, in the upstairs space of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. Remaining performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays ( also 1 p.m. Wed., March 9 ), 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $48-$58; call 312-595-5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com .
Critics' Picks
American Buffalo, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company at Angel Island, extended to March 20. 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
The Hairy Ape, Oracle Theatre, through March 12. Eugene O'Neill's 1922 expressionist drama about the American underclass has been explosively reinvented and choreographed by director Monty Cole. A don't-miss show. JA
The Last Defender, The House Theatre of Chicago at Chopin Theatre, extended through April 23. Audience members are the stars of this amazingly designed 1980s-inspired interactive puzzle room. SCM
The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes, Mercury Theater, through March 20. The game's afoot in this delightful new musical starring Nick Sandys as the superslueth and Michael Aaron Lindner as the author whowell, you knowby the creative team that brought us the long-running Christmas Schooner. MSB
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan