Theater Spotlight and Critics' Picks

Fans of 1980s pop music and films by director John Hughes like Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles and more won’t want to miss the immersive concert experience For the Record: Dear John Hughes. Originally staged in Los Angeles, the Chicago run notably features some Hollywood glamour since Rumer Willis (daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis) performs during the first week, while Evan Rachel Wood (The Wrestler, Across the Universe) performs for the second week. For the Record: Dear John Hughes plays March 5-15 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $32-$79; call 800-775-2000 or visit www.broadwayinchicago.com. Photo of Wood by Abel Armas

Critics’ Picks

First Date, Royal George Cabaret, in an open run. How this fun and intimate musical about the perils and pitfalls of a first date played on Broadway is questionable since it fits so perfectly in the intimate confines of the Royal George Cabaret. SCM

A Nice Indian Boy, Rasaka Theatre Company at Victory Gardens Richard C. Christiansen Theater, through March 8. Interracial same-sex lovers are happily united after following the precepts of Bollywood’s most famous film in Madhuri Shekar’s sweetly romantic comedy. MSB

Sondheim on Sondheim, Porchlight Music Theatre, through March 15. Marvel at the writing practices, inspirations and life stories behind Broadway songwriter Stephen Sondheim in this superlative documentary musical revue staged by director Nick Bowling and featuring the amazingly talented music director Austin Cook. SCM

West Side Story, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, through March 29. OK, this is the all-English original vs. the newer part-Spanish version. It’s not PC, but Broadway-worthy in most respects: scenic design, crisp sound, sharp orchestra and athletic dancing. A huge, attractive cast features Chicago’s own Christina Nieves standing out as Maria. JA

—By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan

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