Closing Tomorrow

By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on May 28, 2010 8:20PM

We know this weekend is all about sunshine, beer and barbeques, but if you're looking to mix things up a bit, try one of these on for size.

The Good Soul of Szechuan - Strawdog Theatre - closing Saturday
Director Shade Murray uses David Harrower's translation of this Brecht piece about morality and money. The Reader calls the production "Ebullient, spontaneous, sometimes raucous, and thoroughly contemporary," and we've read nothing but compliments about leading lady Michaela Petro and the 18-person ensemble. (photo at right by Chris Ocken)

Girls vs. Boys - The House Theatre - closing Saturday
Chris Jones calls this original musical "a bit like a John Hughes movie with original songs," with a cast full of "intensity, fearlessness and commitment." Although it would appear that the piece needs a bit more work, Jones also notes that Girls vs. Boys is the closest thing to a home-grown rock musical by an off-Loop Chicago theatre in recent memory.