Windy City Playhouse brings the premiere of Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off,” the side-splitting play-within-a-play set behind-the-scenes as a ragtag touring company rehearses and performs - or attempts to perform - a bawdy farce. Opening Wednesday, January 16, 2019, this comedic classic will be told through a unique multi-stage layout that puts audiences in the center of the action.

Returning for the holidays, The Agency Theater Collective is proud to once again present the Chicago classic HELLCAB by Will Kern, directed by Cordie Nelson, playing November 30 – December 30, 2018 at The Raven Theatre (West Stage), 6157 N. Clark St. in Chicago. All performances are pay-what you-can (suggested $20 donation). Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 1, 2018 at wearetheagency.org or by calling (773) 680-4596. The press opening is Thursday, December 6 at 8 pm.

Pre-Production Photo 03: Alexandra Silber as Titania and Sam Kebede as Puck in the Chicago Shakespeare production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Joe Dowling, in the Courtyard Theater, December 6, 2018 – January 27, 2019. Photo by Jeff Sciortino.

Underscore Theatre Company today announced that Laura Stratford will step down as the company’s Artistic Director in March 2019 to focus on her career as a lyricist and librettist. Since co-founding the company in in 2011, Stratford has served as Executive Director, Co-Artistic Director, and eventually sole Artistic Director. Underscore launched the search for a new Artistic Director earlier this month.

Porchlight Music Theatre announces the extension of Gypsy, A Musical Fable, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, through December 29, at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street. Porchlight Music Theatre’s Gypsy stars E. Faye Butler as “Rose,” is directed by Michael Weber, music directed by David Fiorello and choreographed/associate directed by Chris Carter. The complete performance schedule is located at the end of this release.

Griffin Theatre Company Artistic Director William Massolia today announced the addition of nine new ensemble members: Isa Arciniegas, Larry Baldacci, Peter Byrne, Jermaine Hill, Nicole Laurenzi, Ryan McBride, Rochelle Therrien, Jason VonRohn and Scott Weinstein. Additionally, Griffin is pleased to add six new artistic associates: Will Kiley, Dorothy Milne, Mechelle Moe, Alexander Ridgers, Rachel Sypniewski and Brandon Wardell.

Flying Elephant Productions is pleased to present the return of the hit musical comedy THE BOOK OF MERMAN, featuring a book by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro, music and lyrics by Leo Schwartz, direction by DC Cathro, music direction by Tyler Miles and choreography by Jenna Schoppe. THE BOOK OF MERMAN will play November 24, 2018 – January 6, 2019 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at stage773.com, by calling (773) 327-5252 or in person at the Stage 773 Box Office. The press opening is Saturday, December 1 at 8 pm.

Second City has the perfect present for you, and it’s actually something you’ll love! Break out the eggnog, throw on your Santa hat and get ready to laugh all the way through the holidays because Chicago’s famed sketch and improv comedy theater is returning to downtown Aurora with another hilarious take on the holidays.