curtaincall
THEATER PREVIEWS AND OPENINGS: MARCH 30 - APRIL 5
“Birdland”
Simon Stephens’ exploration of empathy and the impact of unchecked privilege; directed by Jonathan Berry. Previews begin March 31, opens April 5; to May 12. Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn, $ 27, $ 38; steep theatre. com
“Cornerstone”
In Kevin Sparrow’s play, the attendees of a lecture series that promises to unleash unbridled potential begin to rebel when the project managers become more ruthless and belligerent in a struggle for dominance and power. Previews begin April 3, opens April 5; to April 29. 900 N. Michigan Shops, 3rd level, 900 N. Michigan; $ 25, $ 30; nothing withoutacompany.org
“The Internet Ate My Brain”
Comedian/ author Bill Dyszel explores the modern- day reliance on technology. March 31. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights; $ 30, $ 35; metropolisarts.com
“L’Imitation of Life”
Ricky Graham and Running with Scissors’ parody of the 1959 film “Imitation of Life.” Previews begin March 31, opens April 7; to May 6. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, $ 29, $ 34; handbagproductions.org
“Mary’s Wedding”
Stephen Massicotte’s love story about survival and optimism during World War I. Opens March 31; to April 29. First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st and Illinois Rt. 83, Oak Brook, $ 34, $ 44; visit firstfolio.org
“Of Whales, Time, and Your Last Attempt to Rescue Me”
Molly Shanahan/ Mad Shak dance ensemble with a world premiere influenced by Victorian and Gothic literature. Opened March 29; to March 31. Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 N. Michigan, $ 30; tickets. colum.edu
“The Ugly Duckling”
An updated musical version of the classic tale about belonging. Opens April 3; to April 13. Chicago Kids Company at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, $ 12, $ 14; metropolisarts.com
“With This I Will Take Over the World”
Kevin Kogan’s musical features two puppet super- villains and their human “henchperson.” Opens March 30; to April 20. The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, $ 8; theannoyance.com
“The Wolf at the End of the Block”
Ike Holter’s film noir about a simple mystery that quickly twists into a personal, pointed and political thriller; directed by Lili- Anne Brown. Previews began March 29, opens April 5; to May 5. 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn, $ 22; 16thstreettheater.org