After the Quake, Steppenwolf through Feb. 19. These are the last two weeks to see Frank Galati’s adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s short stories revolving around the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan. Galati brings the popular author’s prose to dramatic and lyrical life. RR
Much Ado About Nothing, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, through Feb. 12. Canadian director Marti Maraden makes a stunning debut with her spot-on interpretation of the Bard’s powerful, yet comic, take on love and deception. RR
Practical Anatomy, Sansculottes at The Storefront, through Feb. 12. Even the dead were part of Victorian England’s economy. Elizabeth Bagby’s musical about traffic in cadavers—the ironically-named ‘resurrection trade’—is a shivery broadside ballad not to miss. MSB
Tartuffe, Remy Bumppo at Victory Gardens, through March 5. In the name of God and country, a hypocrite commits fraud by twisting religion and the law. Alas, Moliere’s great comedy is as timely today as in 1664, especially in this well-acted, hip new version. JA
By Abarbanel,
Barnidge and Reed