The Colored Museum, Congo Square Theatre Company at Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, through June 27. George C. Wolfe’s unflinching and humorous examination of African-American culture in the 1980s still shows it has plenty to say, especially as performed by Congo Square’s super-talented performing ensemble. SCM
The Farnsworth Invention, TimeLine Theatre, through July 24. Philo Farnsworth invented TV but RCA mogul David Sarnoff exploited it. In this sharp play and crackling production they are visionaries, competitors, enemies and U.S. archetypes. JA
Lady X, Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary’s Attic, through June 19. Though it could do with some judicious trimming, this hilarious homage and spoof of film noir is filled with crooked mobsters, tough-talking dames and lots of gender-bending drag—everything you would want in an evening of pure camp. SCM
Tobacco Road, American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, through June 20. A pioneering Chicago theater ensemble reunites for a triumphant comeback with this richly-detailed revisionist interpretation of an American classic. MSB
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge
and Morgan