Curtain Call: ‘Come From Away’ and more Chicago previews, openings July 26-Aug. 15

The North American touring company of “Come Fly Away.” | Matthew Murphy

Looking to take in some live theater in Chicago? Here are some highlights of previews and openings in the week ahead:

Pick of the week

“Come From Away”: Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s feel-good Canadian musical is a celebration of the power of community. It’s based on a true event that took place after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. As airspace shut down, some 38 planes with nearly 7,000 passengers were grounded at Gander airport in Newfoundland for five days. Immediately, the townspeople went into action providing lodging, clothes and food. The New York Times describes the show as a “portrait of heroic hospitality under extraordinary pressure.” It was nominated for seven Tony Awards, and Christopher Ashley went home with the best director award. Previews begin July 30, opens July 31; to Aug. 18. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, $35-$105; broadwayinchicago.com

Opening soon

“All That He Was”: A new revision of Cindy O’Connor and Larry Todd Cousineau’s 1993 musical about one man’s struggle with AIDS and the reverberations of his death; directed by Cousineau. Previews begin Aug. 10, opens Aug. 12; to Sept. 9. Pride Arts Center, The Buena, 4147 N. Broadway, $25-$40; pridefilmsandplays.com

Matt Huston (left) and Joe Giovannetti in “All That He Was” at the Pride Arts Center.

“Into the Woods”: Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical inspired by classic fairy tales; directed by Gary Griffin. Previews begin Aug. 14, opens Aug. 21; to Sept. 22. Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor, Glencoe, $35-$80.; writerstheatre.org

“The One — The Matrix Parody Musical”: Laura Marsh’s new musical that pokes fun at everyone’s favorite digitally dystopian ’90s classic; directed by C.J. Tuor. Preview Aug. 1, opens Aug. 2; to Aug. 25. The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, $25; thedentheatre.com

Peacebook Festival: Featuring 21 short plays about peace and peacemaking in Chicago from a diverse collection of artist/activists. Aug. 15-17. Collaboraction at Kennedy-King College Theater, 740 W. 63rd, Free; collaboraction.org

“Women of 4G”: Amy Tofte’s futuristic murder mystery/space thriller about a female crew and their male captain who depart on what appears to be a routine mission to Mars; directed by Lauren Katz. Previews begin Aug. 1, opens Aug. 9; to Sept. 14. Babes With Blades at The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard, $28; babeswithblades.org

Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.