From left: Aurelie Lannoy, Angelo Tijssens and Charlotte De Bruyne in Ontroerend Goed’s “Fight Night.” (Photo by Yvon Poncelet)

Audience members engage in a process similar to a television “elimination” contest to choose one of five contenders for an unspecified office. It is great fun, but also offers food for thought – and a healthy dose of cynicism.

Valentijn Dhaenens in “BigMouth,” on stage at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through Sept. 22, 2018. (Photo by Maya Wilsens)

However you describe “BigMouth,” the virtuosic, one-of-a-kind, one-man show created and performed by Valentijn Dhaenens – its impact is undeniable.

Peter Pan (Johnny Shea) in “Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure,” directed and choreographed by Amber Mak. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

The elaborately produced 75-minute show has all the energy and magic necessary to keep young audiences engaged. At the same time, the adult aspects of the story emerge with particular force and clarity.

Marty Rea as Vladimir and Aaron Monaghan as Estragon in Druid theatre company’s “Waiting for Godot” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. (Photo by Matthew Thompson)

Within the span of a single week I saw productions of two plays – Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” and Sam Shepard’s “Buried Child” – that I wouldn’t necessarily have linked together had I not seen them in such quick succession.

Lady Macbeth (Chaon Cross) is taunted by the unseen Weird Sisters in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “Macbeth.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

This immensely compelling production adapted and directed by playwright Aaron Posner and the magician Teller is filled with a full array of sensory treats.

Aaron Posner, left, and Teller (of Penn & Teller) adapt and direct Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “Macbeth.” (Photo by Bill Burlingham)

Witches, sorcery and ghosts: Shakespeare’s spookiest and shortest play gets adapted into a horror thriller with modern day magic.

The National Theatre of Great Britain’s award-winning production of J.B. Priestley’s thriller “An Inspector Calls.” (Photo by Mark Douet)

With its three major venues on Navy Pier, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a nonstop operation. Evidence of that can be seen in the just-announced season: 14 productions, a slew of guest directors and a mix of shows created both here and abroad.

Queen Elizabeth I (Kellie Overbey) contemplates her next move in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “Schiller’s Mary Stuart.” (Credit: Michael Brosilow)

A vivid production of “Schiller’s Mary Stuart” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is fresh and modern, but never artificially tricked up.

Actor Dion Johnstone portrays Ira Aldridge in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “Red Velvet.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Exploring the connection between a controversial painting at the Art Institute and the new play “Red Velvet” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Actors Alexandra Henrikson and Crystal Lucas-Perry in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Barbara Gaines directs. (Photo: Liz Lauren)

Barbara Gaines, Chicago Shakespeare Theater founder and artistic director, talks about the wild twist on a classic that opens their 31st season.

(Credit: HMS Media and Chicago Shakespeare)

It’s not often that an Oscar winner for best picture gets translated to the stage. “Shakespeare in Love” is getting its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

Actor Robert Bathurst (“Downton Abbey”) portrays King Charles in “King Charles III.” (Liz Lauren / Chicago Shakespeare Theater)

He played a pivotal role in “Downton Abbey.” Now he takes the throne as King Charles. English actor Robert Bathurst is here to talk about royalty, “Downton” and the stage.

Actor Jonathan Pryce on "Chicago Tonight."

Actor Jonathan Pryce joins us to talk about the controversial character Shylock he portrays in Shakepeare's “The Merchant of Venice”–and his scene-stealing role in “Game of Thrones.”

Kristen Magee (Gloria), Chris Stack (Sidney Brustein) and Grant James Varjas (David) in "The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window" by Lorraine Hansberry. (Courtesy of Goodman Theatre)

The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic reviews four plays that address societal challenges and conflicts, including Goodman Theatre’s revival of the rarely staged second play by “Raisin in the Sun” author Lorraine Hansberry.

A yearlong international arts festival underway in Chicago celebrates the legacy of William Shakespeare and commemorates the 400 years since his death. Barbara Gaines of Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Anthony Freud of Lyric Opera Chicago join us to discuss the festival and the Bard’s legacy.

Gift wrap, feasts and relaxation are probably on tap this weekend. But what to do after holiday festivities? Check out our picks to continue the party.