It's already been a busy January in Chicago theater, with festivals like an Ionesco-flavored Rhinofest and Collaboraction's final Sketchbook as well as the kickoff of Shakespeare 400 Chicago. And that's not even counting the regular shows, of which we've reviewed 15 so far this month. Check out a roundup of the reviews, including critics' picks London Wall, The Mutilated and Le Switch.
Another Word for Beauty Goodman Theatre José Rivera's new play goes inside a women's prison beauty pageant in Colombia.
Posh Steep Theatre Company The rich kids are not all right in this unsettling portrait of a carousing British boys' club.
Le Switch About Face Theatre A rowdy bachelor party leads to true love in Philip Dawkins's new rom-com.
The Mutilated A Red Orchid Theatre A Red Orchid embraces the eccentric in a largely forgotten Tennessee Williams comedy.
London Wall Griffin Theatre Company Fine ensemble performances polish a forgotten gem about English working women in the 1930s.
Satchmo at the Waldorf Court Theatre A charming solo play goes behind the music of Louis Armstrong.
Bruise Easy American Theater Company Dan LeFranc's Greek-style tragedy about estranged siblings remains mostly opaque.
Mutt Stage Left Theatre and Red Tape Theatre Christopher Chen's political satire could use a fact-check.
The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today City Lit Theatre A new Mark Twain adaptation serves up political satire, but it's not clear how it speaks to modern times.
Animals Out of Paper Shattered Globe Theatre Creases, lines and scars make for a textured evening with Shattered Globe.
A Widow of No Importance Rasaka Theatre Rasaka’s comedy of manners is charming throughout, but falls short of blending Oscar Wilde with modern-day Mumbai.
What I Learned in Paris Congo Square Theatre Congo Square stages Pearl Cleage's story of feminist awakening.
Byhalia, Mississippi The New Colony A racially charged drama set in a small Southern town plays out in unexpected ways.
Ten Dollar House Pride Films & Plays A true story of love and historical preservation in the Depression-era Midwest is lacking in stakes.
No Wake Route 66 Theatre Company A divorced couple is drawn back together by tragedy in a dramedy whose surface remains too untroubled.