Theater Spotlight
If you've ever wondered what might have happened if the celebrated fictional British detective Sherlock Holmes took on Chicago's real-life 19th century mass murderer H.H. Holmes, then don't miss Holmes vs. Holmes. This world-premiere drama was written by Bill Daniel and based upon a concept dreamed up by Orion Couling and Angela Davis Couling. E.D.G.E. Theatre's Holmes vs. Holmes plays from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays with 3 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $22. Visit www.edgeoforion.com for more information and to buy tickets in advance.
Photo courtesy of E.D.G.E. Theatre
Critics' Picks
Charm, Northlight Theatre at Steppenwolf Garage, through Nov. 8. Unless extended, Philip Dawkins' new play closes this weekend, so rush to this unexpected tale of a self-described "old tranny" who teaches grace, manners and basic humanity to tough LGBTQY street kids. JA
Elf, Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire, through Dec. 31. This 2010 film-to-stage musical adaptation of the popular 2003 Will Farrell holiday vehicle receives a superlative staging thanks to director/choreographer Marc Robin. The material comes off due to much luxury casting and eye-popping visuals. SCM
Marvin's Room, Shattered Globe at Theater Wit, through Nov. 14. The warmth and conviction of Sandy Shinner and her cast make even cynics believe in Scott McPherson's sunny comedy of bickering kin coming to the aid of a family member in need. MSB
My Mañana Comes, Teatro Vista at Victory Gardens Biograph, through Nov. 8. Even in the kitchen of Manhattan's swankiest restaurant, the American Dream can go sour, making for a harsh lesson in microeconomics at the lowest and grittiest levels of our society. MSB
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan