Curtain call
Theater previews and openings Jan 9 - 15
‘Bunny’s Book Club’
Aly Renee Amidei’s adaptation of Annie Silvestro’s children’s book about a bunny who starts a book club with her furry friends; directed by Anthony Kayer. Preview Jan. 11, opens Jan. 12; to Feb. 16. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, $15, $20; lifelinetheatre.com
‘Dream Logic’ and ‘The Fool and the World’
First up are selections from a collection of magical short stories that offer ordinary situations explored in unexpected ways; the second work brings to life the characters and situations depicted in the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Tarot. Jan. 9-11. Aura CuriAtlas Physical Theatre at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted, $20, $25; steppenwolf.org
‘Encounter Series — Being and Becoming’
The annual series curated around diversity, equity and inclusion features works of theater, visual art, music, video, dance and performance. Previews begin Jan. 14, opens Jan. 18; to Jan. 25. Collaboraction at Kennedy-King College Theater, 740 W. 63rd, $18-$35; collaboraction.org
Fillet of Solo Festival
Featuring Jamie Black’s “It’s My Penis and I’ll Cry If I Want To,” Shelby Marie Edwards’ “Lost Home, Win Home,” Kristina Lebedeva’s “It’s Easy to be a Hero: Disability in Exile,” Arlene Malinowski’s “A Little Bit Not Normal,” Janki Mody’s “Hear Me, See Me,” Anne Purky’s “The Fixer (Notes from a Helicopter Mom on Steroids),” Victoria Reeves’ “Brassy + Intrepid,” R.C. Riley’s “Take It Easy on the Left Hand, Please” and Shannon Wright’s “Love, Shannon XO.” Opens Jan. 10; to Jan. 26. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood and The Teal Room, 6956 N. Glenwood, $10 per show, $60 festival pass; lifelinetheatre.com
‘The Gulf’
Audrey Cefaly’s drama, set in the Alabama delta, about a couple who question where their life together will go next; directed by Megan Carney. Previews begin Jan. 9, opens Jan. 17; to Feb. 15. About Face Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, $32; aboutfacetheatre.com
Rhinoceros Theater Festival
The 31st annual festival features 48 shows including new plays, dance, devised works, variety, music, performance and fresh takes on classic texts. Opens Jan. 11; to Feb. 23. Curious Theatre Branch and Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston, $15 or pay-what-you-can; rhinofest.com
‘Stop Kiss’
Diana Son’s drama tells the story of two women who are assaulted on the street after their first kiss; directed by Kanome Jones. Preview Jan. 15, opens Jan. 16; to Feb. 9. Pride Films and Plays, The Buena, 4147 N. Broadway, $30, $40; pridefilmsandplays.com
‘The Tasters’
Meghan Brown’s chilling drama examines the nuances of political resistance, self-interest and individual actions that creates hope in the face of oppression; directed by Devon de Mayo. Previews begin Jan. 10, opens Jan. 20; to Feb. 16. Rivendell Theatre, 5779 Ridge, $38; rivendelltheatre.org
‘Thirst’
C.A. Johnson’s drama explores the politics of race and redefines community in a fierce post-apocalyptic world; directed by Andrea J. Dymond. Previews begin Jan. 9, opens Jan. 13; to Feb. 15. Strawdog Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice, $35; strawdog.org
‘Voice of Good Hope’
Kristine Thatcher’s drama is a portrait of Barbara Jordan, the first African American congresswoman to be elected from the Deep South; directed by Terry McCabe. Previews begin Jan. 10; opens Jan. 19; to Feb. 23. City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, $32; citylit.org