Curtain Call: ‘Les Mis,’ ‘True West’ and more theater openings, previews July 5-11

Namir Smallwood (left, as Lee) and Jon Michael Hill (as Austin) and in Steppenwolf’s rehearsal for “True West” by Sam Shepard, directed by ensemble member Randall Arney in the Downstairs Theatre.

Looking to take in some live theater in the week ahead? Here are some suggestions to consider:

Pick of the Week:

“True West”: Steppenwolf Theatre revisits the Sam Shepard play that launched the company onto the national scene in 1982. In that heralded production (which moved to Off Broadway), John Malkovich and Gary Sinise starred as brothers Lee and Austin (Jeff Perry in the Chicago staging) who find themselves trapped in their mother’s house where their volatile relationship explodes. For the 2019 staging, directed by ensemble member Randall Arny, a new generation of Steppenwolf actors take the helm: Jon Michael Hill stars as Austin and Namir Smallwood stars as Lee. And as sleazy producer Saul, Steppenwolf veteran Frances Guinan reprises his role from the initial staging; Jacqueline Williams steps into the role of the mother. Previews begin July 5, opens July 14; to Aug. 25. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, $20-$96; steppenwolf.org

More previews and openings:

“Beyond Therapy”: Christopher Durang’s farcical comedy about a couple in therapy a situation that further complicates their lives; directed by Rachel Lambert. Previews begin July 11, opens July 14; to Aug. 18. Eclipse Theatre at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, $30; eclipsetheatre.com

“Bury Me”: Brynne Frauenhoffer’s drama about a couple who return to his hometown where new and old truths are uncovered; directed by Ben Kaye. Previews begin July 6; opens July 8; to July 28. Dandelion Theatre at Rivendell Theatre, 5779 N. Ridge, $28; dandeliontheatre.com

“The Drag Seed”: David Cerda and Scott Lamberty’s musical parody of the 1956 psychological thriller “The Bad Seed”; directed by Cheryl Snodgrass. Previews begin July 5, opens July 12; to Aug. 25. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark, $27-$44; handbagproductions.org

Diana Coates stars as the title British monarch in “Henry V” at First Folio Theatre.

“Henry V”: Shakespeare’s classic history play performed under-the-stars. Diana Coates stars as King Henry V; Hayley Rice directs. Previews begin July 10, opens July 13; to Aug. 18. First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st and Rt. 83, Oak Brook, $34, $44; firstfolio.org

“Hitler’s Tasters”: Michelle Kholos Brooks’ drama based on true events about the group of young women who served as Adolph Hitler’s food tasters; directed by Sarah Norris. Opens July 5; to July 14. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; $32-$46; northshorecenter.org

“The Light”: World premiere of 16 short pieces of theater, dance, music and spoken word created by Chicago youth. July 11-14. Collaboraction, Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee, $15-$30, festival pass $45; collaboraction.org

“Les Miserables”: Cameron Mackintosh’s Tony Award-winning musical that’s a testament to the survival of the human spirit. Preview July 9, opens July 10; to July 27. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, $35-$105; broadwayinchicago.com

Matt Shingledecker as Enjolras in the national touring production of “Les Miserables.”

“Now and Then”: Dennis Manning and Ronnie Larsen’s folk-infused musical about a long-term loving relationship between two gay men; directed by Larsen. Previews begin July 10, opens July 12; to Aug. 11. Pride Arts Center, The Broadway, 4139 N. Broadway, $35, $50; nowandthenthemusical.com

“Over the Tavern”: Tom Dudzick’s play about a 1950s family and their comical struggles; directed by Ericka Mac. Previews begin July 11, opens July 14; to Aug. 11. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge, Munster, Ind., $42-$46; theatreatthecenter.com

Playwright’s Unit Staged Readings: “Portrait (holding a mirror)” by Georgette Kelly (July 5), “December” by Marisela Trevino Orta (July 6), “America v. 2.3: The Gospel of Simeon Samuels” by Stacey Rose (July 6), “Ruth” by Dianne Nora” (July 7). Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Free; goodmantheatre.org

“Strange Heart Beating”: Kristin Idaszak’s darkly fantastical look at the rural Midwest and the nature of justice and prejudices that lay below the surface; directed by Addie Gorlin. Previews begin July 9, opens July 13; to July 27. Cloudgate Theatre at The Frontier, 1106 W. Thorndale, $5-$45; cloudgatetheatre.com

“The Tempest”: An outdoor staging of Shakespeare’s drama full of magic, storms and shipwrecks; directed by Beth Wolf. Opens July 6; to Aug. 25. Performed by Midsommer Flight at various city parks, free; midsommerflight.com

Uncharted Festival: A two-week festival showcasing bold new works from Chicago playwrights: “Other Rockpools” by Fin Coe, “Scare Me” by Grace McLeod, “If Only Once” by Michael Turrentine, “Bertha Van Ation 3.0” by Mario (Mars) Wolfe, “The Puppet Play” by Christina Renee Jones, “Letts Write a Play” by Patriac Coakley, “Jo & Liv” by Evan Linder. July 11-21. The New Colony at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee; $10; thenewcolony.org

“The Wizard of Oz”: Musical version of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale of Dorothy and her pals’ journey down the Yellow Brick Road; directed by Brian Hill. Previews begin July 6, opens July 12; to Aug. 25. Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, $24, $38; chicagoshakes.com

“Wolf Play”: Hansol Jung’s play grapples with ideas about home, family and identity. Directed by Jess McLeod. Previews begin July 11, opens July 15; to Aug. 18. The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee, $40-$50; thegifttheatre.org

Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.