Sunday | “The Night Alive”: When a stuck-in-a-rut guy comes to the aid of a distressed woman, both of their lives are changed for the better. Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper star in Conor McPherson’s play. Through Nov. 16 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St.; 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org
Monday | “Bethany”: In Laura Marks’ new drama, a woman moves through a series of jobs during an economic recession. Through Nov. 23 at The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-283-7071 or thegifttheatre.org
“Smokefall”: The Goodman remounts last season’s critically acclaimed “Smokefall” by Noah Haidle in the larger Albert Theatre. Through Oct. 26 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; 312-443-3800 or goodmantheatre.org
Wednesday | “Danny Casolaro Died for You”: Dominic Orlando’s tense play is the true story of an investigative reporter found dead in a hotel room, and the conspiracy theories that arose as a result. Through Dec. 21 at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave.; 773-281-8463 or timelinetheatre.com
Thursday | “The Cryptogram”: A young kid stays up late waiting for his dad to come home, while the adults talk secretively among themselves in David Mamet’s drama. At Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway; 773-549-1815 or profilestheatre.org
“The Vandal”: In Hamish Linklater’s play, two troubled people meet at a bus stop in New York state. Through Nov. 8 at Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn Ave.; 866-811-4111 or steeptheatre.com
