Sure, there are big names coming home at big theaters in 2016 — we’re as excited to see Tracy Letts’ “Mary Page Marlowe” this spring at Steppenwolf Theatre as everyone else. But there’s always a feast of possibilities “on the fringe.” Here are some shows from Chicago’s off-Loop and storefront theater we’ve pegged as worthy bets in the new year.
“The Consultant” (Signal Ensemble): The company’s last show ever after 13 years feels mighty ironic. Heidi Schreck’s 2014 play, which sounds like a mix between “The Office” and “Up in the Air,” follows a young female consultant who tries to save the job — and perhaps the life — of a designer at a failing pharmaceutical advertising company. Ronan Marra directs the local premiere. Jan. 21-Feb. 20 at Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave.; signalensemble.com
“The Hairy Ape” (Oracle Theatre): After re-imagining portraits of power and poverty in shows such as “The Jungle” and Bertolt Brecht’s “The Mother,” Oracle now tackles Eugene O’Neill’s early expressionistic piece about Yank, an engine stoker on an ocean liner whose encounter with a rich woman below deck throws him into psychic turmoil. A cast of six African-American men under Monty Cole’s direction play all of the characters, promising to add a frisson of racial and gender tension to the class conflicts. Jan.23-March 12, Oracle Theater, 3809 N. Broadway; publicaccesstheatre.org
“Rolling” (Jackalope Theatre Company): Rising Chicago-based playwright Calamity West puts a spin on the scandal surrounding the rape allegations at the University of Virginia that were published — and then recanted — in a 2014 edition of Rolling Stone, by showing the story from the journalist’s point of view. Nate Silver directs the world premiere. Feb. 24-April 2 at Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway; jackalopetheatre.org
“Byhalia, Mississippi” (New Colony and Definition Theatre): A new play from Evan Linder (who also co-stars) about a white couple — broke, loud and proudly less than urbane — grappling with an affair the wife had a year earlier and the biracial baby who resulted. In a co-production from The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company, directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jan. 8-Feb. 14 at the Den Theatre, 1333 N Milwaukee Ave.; thenewcolony.org
“Mutt” (Stage Left and Red Tape): Christopher Chen’s absurdist political satire centers on a fictional Republican candidate running for president in 2016. A war hero whose multiracial heritage is so multi, he can claim nearly every ethnic group as his own. He might also be a serial killer. As if the real presidential campaign season hasn’t been strange enough. Vanessa Stalling directs the local premiere. Jan. 9-Feb. 14 at Theater Wit 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; stagelefttheatre.com
“Heathers: The Musical” (Kokandy Productions): Based on the subversive death-and-popularity high school comedy, this stage adaptation of the 1988 movie centers on a pair of snotty, disaffected teen delinquents amid a sea of even snottier classmates whom they take down, one by one. Directed by James Beaudry in its Chicago premiere. Feb. 28-April 24 at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave.; kokandyproductions.com
Kerry Reid is a freelance critic.
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