Barbecue, Strawdog Theatre at Steppenwolf 1700, through Sept. 30. What people believe always trumps the truth. Satirical playwright Robert O’Hara (Bootycandy) explores this conundrum and issues of cultural appropriation that blur Black/white race lines in this semi-outrageous comedy. JA
The Heavens Are Hung In Black, Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, through Oct. 22. The adage about the making of sausages, babies and laws is examined in this historical drama featuring a contemplative performance by Larry Grimm as President Abraham Lincoln. MSB
The Invisible Scarlet O’Neil, Babes With Blades Theatre at Factory Theater, through Oct. 21. Move over, Wonder Woman! Russell Stamm’s comic-book superheroine was kicking the butts of Chicago baddies as early as 1940, and the Babes with Blades are here to show us how she did it. MSB
Trevor: The Musical, Writers Theatre, Glencoe, extended through Oct. 8. Dan Collins and Julianne Wick Davis affectionately adapt and expand upon the Academy Award-winning 1994 film short. SCM
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan