Generations after a global disaster has driven humankind into underground cities, partners Anna and Oliver are hoping to have a child - even though Anna's struggles with depression may prevent them from gaining the government approval needed to become parents. But when Oliver brings home a small robot - a new companion they name "Arthur" - their lives are changed forever. Zoe Kazan's smart and incisive play asks, "When the future seems bleak, how do we form bonds and build lives in the face of uncertainty?"

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none"... how hard could it be? Shakespeare's nuanced coming-of-age love story is brought to new life in the uniquely intimate setting of the Courtyard Theater, staged by acclaimed director Shana Cooper. Bold, complex characters and hilarious turns of wit and wisdom make for a vivid exploration of love and loss, courtship and class. Besotted with a man who does not return her love, the intelligent, resourceful young Helena navigates the complexities of unrequited romance, courtly drama, and the pesky meddling of her elders-only to discover the reality that happy endings are never quite as simple as they seem in fairy tales.

A clever combination of the farcical and the macabre, centered on two elderly sisters who are famous for their numerous acts of charity. Unfortunately, however, their charity includes poisoning lonely wayfarers. The two women are assisted in their crimes by their nephew who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt. Matters get complicated when a second nephew - a theater critic - discovers the murders and a third nephew appears, having just escaped from a mental institution.

How do we remember a part of our history at the moment that it's slipping away? How do we give voice to the ghosts that haunt us as individuals and as a community? This stunning portrait of a community weaves together historical fact, myth and memory to give voice to people who would otherwise exist only as faded images in an old photo album.

Mary Wallace and Athena are both seventeen-year-old fencers training for Nationals. Mary Wallace lives in a house in New Jersey, loves marine biology and practices at home. Athena lives in an apartment in New York City, takes acne medication and Athena is not her real name. Follow their journey from competitors to confidantes as they form a bond navigating the milestones of adolescence, training together only to learn the future is only certain for one of them.

The Second City has no time for regrets in the 45th e.t.c. revue, The Best Decision You've Ever Made. This choose-your-own comedy (mis)adventure explores the choices we make and how they impact our world in a hilarious, heartfelt, and interactive way. From ASMR to the CTA, first dates to last goodbyes, and gender reveal parties to the birth of Jesus, we're not just addressing the elephants in the room-we're inviting them to the dungeon basement dance party. Make the best decision ever and come experience this show, where you're an essential part of the fun...and we're all encouraged to celebrate what makes us unique.

This is a long-running, interactive comedy play, written by Vicki Quade, one of the creators of the show, Late Nite Catechism. The premise is that Mrs. Mary Margaret O'Brien, a former nun, is here tonight to raise money while playing bingo and making sure you remember your catechism lessons. It's a crazy night of bible trivia, audience interaction, and the funniest quiz about the Holy Family you've ever seen. Add to that a box of wacky prizes, fun bingo cards, and a lot of Catholic humor for a night of entertainment you'll never forget. And in this interactive bingo show, you'll actually play bingo.

Blue Man Group is best known for its award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as "ground-breaking," "hilarious," "visually stunning" and "musically powerful." These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.

The Pub Theater Company performs a series of outrageous sketches centered on Chicago's favorite pastime: drinking. Bye Bye Liver is filled with interactive social games for the audience, pitting males versus females, actors versus audience and so on. Bar life and alcoholic adventures are held up for your amusement so you can laugh -- and drink -- your troubles away. With a spontaneous and interactive format, the outcome is always a fun and outrageous time for everyone, both audience and cast.

When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true-she's finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Traveling through their neighborhood, Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make...

Brought to the United States at age 14 from China in 1834 by enterprising American merchants, Afong Moy is put on display so the American public can get its first view of an "authentic Chinese Lady." Over the course of 55 years, she performs an ethnicity that both defines and challenges her own views of herself, as she witnesses stunning transformations in the American identity. As these dual truths become irreconcilable, Afong must reckon with herself and the history of her new home with startling discovery and personal revelations.

Get ready for a turbo-charged take on the traditional circus that's sure to thrill audiences of all ages. From graceful dancers and daring trapeze artists to a hilarious clown, this gasp-inducing performance gathers tons of amazing world-known talent under the big top for a huge dose of family fun.

Gossip is a neglected art form. Prominent author Ruth takes her fiction student Lisa under her wing - until Lisa's success comes in the form of a story that's much too familiar to Ruth. When her protege publishes a salacious story that can only be traced back to her mentor, their relationship is challenged. Spanning six years, this play takes a searching look at the lives of a pair of writers and the tangled connections between creativity and ideology.

After a field trip to a museum reveals that Mary Anning's legacy has been buried by history because of her gender and lack of formal education, young Dessa decides that she's going to fight to earn her the credit she deserves.

The stage is set in a hidden library with over fifteen thousand books. Five classically trained actors meet as members of "The Drunk Shakespeare Society." One of them has at least 5 shots of whiskey and then they overconfidently attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play. Hilarity and mayhem ensues while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking ... and what they're drinking!

George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party when Martha announces that she has invited a young couple to stop by for a nightcap. The drinks flow and suddenly inhibitions melt. It becomes clear that Martha is determined to seduce the young professor, and George couldn't care less. But underneath the edgy banter, which is cross fired between both couples, lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair.

One of the great Chicago plays. By City Lit's resident playwright, author of Voice of Good Hope and The Safe House, it won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and a half-dozen other playwriting awards when Terry directed the Chicago premiere at Victory Gardens twenty-five years ago. A Rogers Park couple plans to adopt the child of Emma, a pregnant teenager. What follows threatens their marriage and reshapes what they think of parenthood.