Bailegangaire, Irish Repertory at Victory Gardens, through Feb. 15. The great Irish oral tradition springs vividly to life in this quasi-ghost play of stunningly rich language, supremely well acted. Mary Ann Thebus is indelible as the ancient story-teller. (Abarbanel)
The Elephant Man, The Side Studio, through Feb. 15. Bernard Pomerance’s sensitive and engaging script, set in Victorian London and based on the life of the horribly disfigured John Merrick, is given a simple, yet deeply textured outing by the Side Project. (Reed)
Free Man Of Color, Victory Gardens, through Feb. 29. Charles Smith’s play of a former slave at Ohio University in 1824 is less a tale of a Famous First than a warning to beware powerful men bearing gifts. Three brilliant actors make it engaging as well as educational. (Barnidge)
No Sexit, The Mammals at Bailiwick, through Feb. 29. The wimp, the lezzie and the bimbo return in this surprise-twist satire on Sartre’s vision of Hell as mismatched roommates. An 11 p.m. curtain makes it a nice nightcap for Bailiwick’s prime-time shows. (Barnidge)
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Reed