Eastland (Lookingglass Theatre Company). A musical about the 1915 SS Eastland disaster, in which a ship capsized in the Chicago River, killing 844 passengers. Backed by a beautiful, folksy score by Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman, author Andrew White captures the fragility and evanescence of ordinary lives. Through August 19.
Ah, Wilderness! (Eclipse Theatre Company). All-American corn pone, dreamed up by Eugene O'Neill of all people. As the earnest teenager at the center of things, Alex Weisman manages to convey adolescent self-seriousness and satirize it at the same time. Through September 2.
Three Sisters (Steppenwolf Theatre Company). Anton Chekhov's most Chekhovian play can settle into dreamy languor if you're not careful. Director Anna Shapiro seems determined not to let that happen. The results: a contemporary-sounding, context-free adaptation by Tracy Letts and scorching performances by a perfectly cast ensemble. Through August 26.
Reefer Madness (Circle Theatre). Tongue-in-cheek propaganda about the evils of marijuana use. There is precisely one joke in Kevin Murphy's script, but director Matthew Gunnels and a hysterical, high-energy cast milk it for all it's worth. Through August 26.
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