The Dresser, Steppenwolf, through Nov. 14. A showcase for John Mahoney as an insecure, egocentric, envious, old English theatrical knight who makes life hell for his young assistant. Mahoney flourishes playing prickly, unpleasant people. (Abarbanel)
Hannah and Martin, TimeLine Theatre, through Oct. 10. If this reprise of last year’s hit about philosophers Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger is even close to the original in drama and power, it’s a guarantee of quality artistry and entertainment. (Reed)
King Lear, Vitalist Theatre, through Oct. 24. Storefront-circuit champ Don Bender, assisted by Craig Choma and Joseph Fosco’s tech f/x, stir up a Florida-sized tempest in Shakespeare’s expose of dirty doings among the Rich and Famous. (Barnidge)
W!, Bailiwick, through Oct. 31. Give a conservative enough rope and he’ll hang himself. This 90-minute musical revue of the wit and wisdom of George Bush is too true to be funny, but it IS quite clever and lively with co-author Tom Mula as Dubya. (Abarbanel)
— By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Reed