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THREE TO SEE: This Week's Theater Recommendations

By Melody Udell in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 26, 2013 4:20PM

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AstonRep Theatre Company's production of Next Fall deals with opposing ideals on faith and death. Photo credit: Jeremiah Barr.

This week's stage line-up offers a hard look at hot-button issues while managing to squeeze in a few good laughs.

Next Fall

AstonRep Theatre Company knows a thing or two about good timing. Its newest production, the Tony-nominated Next Fall, revolves around such timely issues as faith and death — and what happens when a committed couple (in this case, Luke and Adam) has to face their opposing ideologies. The show runs through Saturday, May 25.

AstonRep Theatre Company, The BoHo Theatre @ Heartland Studio, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave., 773-828-9129 or online.

The Taming of the Shrew

It’s not every day we can take in one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies while supporting a great cause. (Except, um, the arts.) The Teen Drama Troupe at GiGi’s Playhouse, a non-profit dedicated to increasing awareness of Down syndrome, is presenting a one-night-only performance of The Taming of the Shrew. Feel-good theater and a classic play? Consider us in. The performance is on Sunday, April 28 at 7 p.m.

GiGi’s Playhouse at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-871-3000 or online.

By The Way, Meet Vera Stark

Playwright Lynn Nottage’s thought-provoking play highlights the struggle of African Americans wanting to break into Hollywood in the 1930s. Despite the heavy themes, we’re looking forward to how director Chuck Smith handles the show's moments of deft comedy along with the dramatic tension. The show runs through Sunday, June 2.

Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, 312-443-3800 or online.