King Lear, Redtwist Theatre, through Aug. 4. Shakespeare’s tragedy of intergenerational family conflict is rendered timely, coherent and swift by Redtwist’s intimate storefront space and a vigorous performance by Brian Parry as western drama’s worst parent. MSB
Six, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, through Aug. 4—This acclaimed and proudly feminist British fringe musical smartly reimagines the six wives of King Henry VIII as contemporary pop song contestants in a flashy sing-off. SCM
Ghost Quartet, Black Button Eyes Productions @ Stage 773, through Aug. 17—Dazzling vocal and instrumental musicianship in the town’s most unique musical; a mash-up of fantasy, gothic horror and fairytale with Dave Malloy’s melodic and diverse score. JA
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Lookingglass Theatre, extended through Sept. 1. David Catlin’s richly-textured multi-dimensional adaptation of the classic horror story employs every item in the catalogue of this endlessly-creative Chicago company. MSB
By Mary Shen Barnidge, Jonathan Abarbanel and Scott C. Morgan