THREE TO SEE: This Week's Theater Recommendations
By Melody Udell in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 14, 2014 10:10PM
Cast members of the Steppenwolf's Russian Transport in rehearsal.
Heavy-hitting dramas, ranging from sports to jazz to immigration, take up the Chicago stage this week.
Playwright Clifford Odets' 1930s drama about a classical musician-turned-boxer is a searing look at desperation and the hunger for the American dream. The show runs Saturday, Feb. 15 through Sunday, April 6.
Griffin Theatre Company at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, 773-975-8150 or online.
In its Chicago premiere, Russian Transport follows an immigrant family’s escalating struggle with old world values and a newly adopted culture. The show runs through Sunday, May 11.
Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, 312-335-1650 or online.
Duke Ellington’s only opera about a go-getting African American beautician combines big band, jazz and opera in one big theatrical package full of self-examination and hardline issues. (Editor's Note: For more information on the opera, check out our previous coverage here.) The show runs Saturday, Feb. 15, Friday, Feb. 21, Sunday, Feb. 23 and Wednesday, March 5.
Chicago Opera Theater at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Dr., 312-334-7777 or online.