Curtain Call — ‘Pillowman,’ ‘Middletown’ and more previews, openings Feb. 27-March 4

Jay Worthington and Martel Manning star in “The Pillowman” at The Gift Theatre. | Claire Demos

Looking to take in some live theater in Chicago in the week ahead?

We’ve got some suggestions to consider:

“The Pillowman”: Irish playwright Martin McDonagh’s dark drama is an adult ghost story set in an interrogation room in an unnamed totalitarian dictatorship where a writer of bizarre children’s stories is being questioned by two detectives investigating a series of murders. Director Laura Alcala Baker says she is interested in “unraveling the threads of survival and what survival looks like in the face of dire conditions. Every character in this piece is out to save something, but what they wish to save and the lengths to which they will go are unthinkable. The mind will go to extremes to create equilibrium in the face of traumatic events and that is our exploration in this production.” The cast features Cyd Blakewell, Gregory Fenner, Martel Manning and Jay Worthington. Previews begin Feb. 27, opens March 2; to March 29. The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee, $40-$50; thegifttheatre.org

More previews, openings:

“The Art of Sisters”: Adapted and directed by Miriam Canfield, this play centers around the lives and works of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë and highlights the faith and fortitude they displayed throughout their short, but, significant lives. March 4-7. Vision Productions at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st, Oak Brook, $28; visionproductions.org

Grace Smith (from left) Miriam Canfield, and Stephanie Neurerburg star in “The Art of Sisters” by Visions Productions.

“Day of Absence”: Douglas Turner Ward’s 1965 satirical fantasy about what happens when a southern town is faced with the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of all its black citizens; directed by Anthony Irons. Previews begin Feb. 27, opens March 2; to March 22. Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, $35; congosquaretheatre.org

Fighting Words Festival: Readings of scripts in development —Sander Gusinow’s “Nina the Hellhound,” Cat McKay’s “Plaid as Hell” and Mia Vera’s “SCUM.” Feb. 29-March 1. Babes with Blades at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Free; babeswithblades.org

“Here Lies Henry”: Daniel MacIvor’s drama about a man who grapples with his choices and failures in a scramble to make sense of his life before it’s too late; directed by Elana Elyce. Previews begin Feb. 28, opens March 1; to March 28. Interrobang Theatre Project at Rivendell Theatre, 5779 N. Ridge, $32; interrobangtheatreproject.org

Scott Sawa stars in “Here Lies Henry” presented by Interrobang Theatre Project.

“Incomplete Conversations”: The site-specific, immersive play explores the emotional shockwaves of an unexpected death within a family and a church community; directed by Nell Voss. Preview March 4, opens March 5; to April 4. Silent Theatre Company at Tapestry Fellowship Church, 3824 W. Irving Park, $30; silenttheatre.com

“Middletown”: Dan Clancy’s new play follows the story of two couples that endure the roller coaster of life together. Sandy Duncan, Donny Most (“Happy Days”), Adrian Zmed (“T.J. Hooker”) and multi-Jeff Award winner Kate Buddeke star. Previews begin Feb. 27, opens March 4; to March 22. Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln, $65; apollochicago.com

“Mrs. Warren’s Profession”: A new take on George Bernard Shaw’s drama about a woman who must defend her past to her daughter; adapted by Melanie Spewock and directed by Michael D. Graham. Previews begin Feb. 28, opens March 2; to March 29. Promethean Theatre at Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark, $30; prometheantheatre.org

“Nordic Spirit Festival”: Staged readings of Paula Salminen’s “Thirteen Sunken Years,” Tyrfingur Tyfingsson’s “Helgi Comes Apart,” Jonas Khemiri’s “Apathy for Beginners,” Julei Maj Jacobsen’s “Sky Without Birds,” M H Hallum’s “The Tenant.” Feb. 27-March 1. Akvavit Theatre at Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark, Free; chicagonordic.org

Chicago Children’s Theatre is presenting “Red Kite, Brown Box” through March 21.

“Red Kite, Brown Box”: A theater experience that leads children on the autism spectrum on an imaginative journey where simple cardboard boxes transform into a magical world; conceived and directed by Jacqueline Russell. Preview Feb.28, opens Feb. 29, to March 21. Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine, $10; chicagochildrenstheatre.org

Trinity Irish Dance Company performs at the Auditorium Theatre on Feb. 29.

Trinity Irish Dance Company: The Chicago-based company presents three world premieres: Michelle Dorrance and Melinda Sullivan’s “American Traffic,” Mark Howard and Chelsea Hoy’s “Home” and Colin Dunne’s “Listen” plus works from the company’s repertoire. Feb. 29. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., $35-$78; auditoriumtheatre.org

“What the Constitution Means to Me”: Heidi Schreck’s play breathes new life into the U.S. Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of American women; directed by Oliver Butler. Previews begin March 4, opens March 6; to April 12. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, $30-$85; broadwayinchicago.com

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Among the works performed are Jamar Roberts’ “Ode,” Aszure Barton’s “Busk,” Darrell Grand Moultrie’s “Ounce of Faith,” Donald Byrd’s “Greenwood, Ronald K. Brown’s “The Call” plus other works from the company’s repertoire including “Revelations.” March 4-8. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., $35-$120; auditoriumtheatre.org

Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.