Spotlight: BrightSide Theatre presents concert version of ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ tuner
‘Jekyll and Hyde’ in concert
BrightSide Theatre begins 2025 with a concert-style performance of the 1990 musical “Jekyll and Hyde” by composer Frank Wildhorn and lyricist Leslie Bricusse. It’s based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 thriller about the reputable Dr. Jekyll, who concocts a potion that transforms him into the degenerate Mr. Hyde, allowing the doctor to indulge his baser instincts. Gerald Kelel plays the titular characters; Julie Kornak plays Jekyll’s fiancee Emma and Rachel Carreras plays the prostitute Lucy, who’s involved with both men. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 17-18 and 24-25, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 19 and 26, at the Madden Theatre, North Central College, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. $32, $37. (630) 447-8497 or brightsidetheatre.com.
‘Come From Away’ returns
The deeply compassionate 2015 musical “Come From Away,” about how the worst of times can bring out the best in people, returns to Chicago for a brief run. Inspired by the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the musical tells the true story of the residents of the island town of Gander, Newfoundland, who opened their hearts and homes to nearly 7,000 travelers stranded when officials closed U.S. airspace in response to the attacks. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Thursday, Jan. 23; 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25; and 1 p.m. Jan. 26 at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. $40-$120. broadwayinchicago.com/shows/come-from-away/.
An immigrant's tale
Iranian-American performer Michael Shayan brings “Avaaz,” his solo play about his mother’s journey from Tehran to Los Angeles. Shayan portrays his larger-than-life, Iranian-Jewish mother, Roya, in the Chicago Shakespeare Theater production helmed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, who directed CST’s “Judgment Day” last year. Previews at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Jan. 21-23, at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. The show opens Jan. 24. $42-$80. (312) 595-5600 or chicagoshakes.com.
More immigrant tales
On Thanksgiving 1973, while their husbands work, recent Asian immigrants Luna and Jane reminisce about home, contemplate the American dream, disco dancing, driving and visiting Disneyland in “The Heart Sellers,” Lloyd Suh’s two-hander examining the Asian immigrant experience. The title references the 1965 Hart-Celler Immigration Act that repealed racist immigration laws from the early 20th century. Northlight Theatre’s production stars Aja Alcazar and Seoyoung Park. Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 23-24; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 and 26; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and 30; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The show opens Jan. 31. $35-$91. (847) 673-6300 or northlight.org.
Up close and personal with Frida
Writer/actor Vanessa Severo channels celebrated Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in her solo show “Frida … A Self Portrait” in a limited run at Writers Theatre. Joanie Schultz directs the production, which incorporates music and movement to examine “a woman who lived boldly, loved wildly and painted prolifically.” Previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 23-24; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 29 and 30; and 2 and 6 p.m. Jan. 26 at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. The show opens Jan. 31. Tickets start at $35. (847) 242-6000 or writerstheatre.org.
Shakespeare abridged
Oil Lamp Theater commences 2025 with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” a comedic romp through the Bard’s theatrical canon by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, with new revisions by Singer and Winfield. JT Nagle directs. The preview is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. The show opens Jan. 24. $30, $55. (847) 834-0738 or oillamptheater.org.