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THREE TO SEE: This Week's Theater Recommendations

By Melody Udell in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 25, 2013 4:40PM

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Ensemble members Moira Harris and Ian Barford in the Steppenwolf's production of The Birthday Party. Photo credit: Joel Moorman.

Drama is the word this week, in the form of intriguing historical narratives to gripping dark comedies.

The Whipping Man

Northlight Theatre’s next show is a Civil War-era story of a Jewish Confederate soldier and two former slaves who find themselves celebrating Passover at the end of the war. If you’re not a history buff, at least go to see what’s sure to be another intriguing play from rising Chicago director Kimberly Senior. The show runs through Sunday, Feb. 24.

Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300 or online.

The Birthday Party

Harold Pinter’s oft-produced black comedy revolves around a 30-something boarding house resident whose birthday celebration is interrupted by two mysterious strangers. Naturally, drunken party games and secret-spilling ensue. The show runs through Sunday, April 28.

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

Happy Now?

Lucinda Coxon’s modern tale of the ceaselessly busy, dissatisfied urban professional is surely to strike a chord in Chicago. But don’t be surprised if the capable team at Shattered Globe Theatre throws more than a few laughs in. The show runs through Saturday, March 2.

Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 773-327-5252 or online.