‘Direct from Broadway’ we all know, but ‘Direct from Dublin?’ Through Sunday only (Feb. 26) Chicago’s Irish Repertory Theatre presents the original Dublin cast of Catalpa, a contemporary play by Donal O’Kelly (pictured). Of course, when the entire cast is just one person it’s easy to cross the Atlantic. O’Kelly himself plays dozens of characters in his story of an obsessive young screenwriter honing his presentation for film studio executives. His script is the true tale of The Catalpa, a hijacked American whaling ship forced to sail to Australia to rescue Irish political prisoners. O’Kelly’s tour-de-force performance is accompanied by keyboardist Trevor Knight. Getz Theatre, 72 E 11th St; (773) 248-7700; $32-$36.