1. A TALE OF TWO CITIES
“Troy has been captured and the Greek army will return victorious. Ten war-torn years have passed since the Greek fleet sailed from the shores of Aulis on winds conjured by the goddess Artemis in exchange for the bloody sacrifice of King Agamemnon’s eldest daughter, Iphigenia. Inside the walls of Argos, Agamemnon’s wife, Clytemnestra, orchestrates an unexpected welcome for her King as she patiently awaits his fateful return to a house torn apart by horror and sorrow.” That’s the iconic tale that Court Theatre will be staging in its world-premiere translation of Aeschylus’ “Agamemnon,” directed by Charles Newell and opening Nov. 14 at the Hyde Park theater, 5535 S. Ellis. The drama, the second installment in Court’s “Greek Cycle,” stars Sandra Marquez as Clytemnestra and Mark Montgomery as Agamemon, and runs through Dec. 6. Tickets, $45-$65, are available at the theater box office or online at www.CourtTheatre.org
2. ‘MCNALLY’ CONCLUDES
Eclipse Theatre Company’s “One Playwright — One Season” celebration of Terrence McNally concludes with “The Lisbon Traviata,” running through Dec. 13 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. Directed by Steve Scott, the funny/tragic story involves a very revealing conversation between a depressed literary editor/opera fanatic and a flamboyant opera queen, and an unexpected tragedy that ensues. For tickets, visit web.ovationtix.com.
3. THE BEAT GOES ON
Rolling Stone Magazine calls them “the greatest Beatles tribute band of all time,” and you can catch The Fab Faux at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, in concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. The band — Will Lee, Jimmy Vivino, Rich Pagano, Frank Agnello and Jack Petruzzelli — will be presenting “Abbey Road” in its entirety. Tickets, $25-$125, are available at tickemaster.com.
4. BALLET-FREE ‘NUTCRACKER’
The House Theatre’s production of the wholly-original, ballet-free “Nutcracker” is back! Performed in the round, the production is described as a “beautifully choreographed, family-friendly” adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s beloved play, directed by Tommy Rapley. Tickets, $15 – $45. The show is presented at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division. Visit thehousetheatre.com for tickets and more information.
5. LAURIE ANDERSON’S PET SOUNDS
Not every dog who dies gets a sendoff fit for the big screen, but not every dog can claim Laurie Anderson as a master. A new film directed by the musician, visual artist and Glen Ellyn native marks the death of her rat terrier Lolabelle with a personal essay blending childhood memories, video diaries and philosophical musings on the afterlife and the people who inspire her. “Heart of a Dog” opens Friday at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport. www.musicboxtheatre.com
6. SONGS FOR SILLY LOVERS
The songs are both toe-tapping and rib-tickling at Laughingstock: The Chicago Comedy Music Festival. Band plays for laughs at the fourth annual fest, featuring more than 20 acts including Off Off Broadway, Matt Griffo, Ken Turetzky and Afterbirth Monkey. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the Public House Theatre, located at 3914 N. Clark. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at www.pubhousetheatre.com.
7. DIGS FROM DOWN UNDER
Famed for his much-shared riff on gun control, Australian stand-up comedian Jim Jefferies likes a nice touchy topic, having tackled cancer, obesity and orgasm on stage. He’s on the road and comes to Chicago for shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday ad 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield. Tickets: jamusa.com
