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THREE TO SEE: This Week's Theater Recommendations

By Melody Udell in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 8, 2013 5:00PM

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Porchlight Theatre's Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

Strong personalities — for better or for worse — are on the Chicago stage this week.

columbinus

Part play, part documentary, columbinus explores the events surrounding the devastating school shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. Based on interviews with residents in Littleton, Colorado, the show’s creators have added even more chilling material in the wake of 2012's shootings in Aurora and Newtown. The show runs through Sunday, March 10.

American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron, 773-409-4125 or online.

185 Buddhas Walk Into a Bar

There’s nothing like someone stumbling their way into enlightenment — or some version thereof. Comedian Amanda Rountree’s one-woman show takes us down her own stumbling path of improv and insight. The show runs through Thursday, March 28.

Studio BE, 3110 N. Sheffield, 773-248-5900 or online.


Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill


Lady Day
is more than just as homage to legendary singer Billie Holiday — it’s a love letter to the music of the jazz-influenced tunes of the 1950s. But don’t expect a true-to-form retelling of her life and times; the show is more of a performance-style musical tribute. The show runs through Sunday, March 10.

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