Hunger (Lifeline Theatre). During the Siege of Leningrad, a group of botanists struggles to survive shelling, extreme deprivation, and their own government. Chris Hainsworth's adaptation of Elise Blackwell's novel is alternately mordant and mournful. Through March 25.
Zastrozzi, the Master of Discipline (The Division). A criminal mastermind tracks down his messianic (and rather moronic) nemesis. In its debut effort, The Division shows it has vigor and panache to spare. Through February 25.
Hesperia (Writers' Theatre). A porn star becomes born again, and discovers that the flesh and the past aren't easily ignored. Randall Colburn's insightful and compassionate script gets a sensitively acted production from Writers' Theatre. Through March 18.
Gypsy (Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace). A wholly competent version of the classic musical by Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents. Klea Blackhurst's Mermanish Mama Rose doesn't reveal any new facets of the character, but she gets the job done. Through April 1.
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