La Cage Aux Folles, through March 9, Theatre at the Center. James Harms has It with a capital, flaming ‘I’ in Harvey Fierstein’s musical celebration of genuine family values. May the fantabulous ZaZa and her defiant joie de vivre serve as an example for us all. CS
Requiem for a Heavyweight, Shattered Globe at Victory Gardens Greenhouse, through March 8. Rod Serling’s truthful tale of a washed-up boxer and his manager scores a hard right to the heart in this perfectly-acted rendition, the first don’t-miss show of 2008. JA
Talking it Over, Lifeline Theatre, through March 23. Peter Greenberg’s world premiere adaptation of Julian Barnes’ novel of the same name is incisive in its dissection of the notion of adultery and romantic obsession. SCM
Talking Pictures, Goodman Theatre, through March 2. The East Texas summer in 1929 is too sweltering for its citizens to do the right thing without first reckoning on it awhile, but don’t be fooled by their inertia—the biggest changes often start with small steps. MSB
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge, Morgan and Sullivan