THREE TO SEE: This Week's Theater Recommendations

By Melody Udell in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 25, 2012 9:00PM

The Book Thief's Clancy McCartney, Rae Gray and ensemble member Francis GuinanCredit: Michael Brosilow

Here are this week can’t-miss shows on the Chicago stage.

The Opponent
Step aside, Million Dollar Baby. A Red Orchid Theatre combines top-notch acting with a strong amount of sports cred in a story about a small-town gym owner and an arrogant up-and-comer. Here’s hoping for an emotional knockout. The show runs through Sunday, Dec. 2. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St., $25-$30, 312-943-8722 or online.

The Book Thief
Conveniently, the Steppenwolf has partnered with the Chicago Public Library — The Book Thief is also this year’s One Book, One Chicago pick. Whether you read or watch, make sure to take in this WWII heartbreaker that wrestles with truly adult emotions, despite being billed for adolescents. The show runs through Sunday, Nov. 11. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, $20, 312-335-1650 or online.

God of Carnage
Make amends for seeing the largely ignored movie version of Yasmina Reza’s brilliantly understated play about two sets of high-strung parents struggling to remain civil after their kids’ schoolyard scuffle. The show runs through Saturday, Nov. 17. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

AstonRep Theatre Company at Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood, $20, 773-828-9129 or online.