The theater community has been hit hard by coronavirus. Theaters have been closed and many shows have been cancelled due to new regulations about social distancing.

The big annual winter musical at Oak Park and River Forest High School rarely disappoints. This year's offering is a lively, solid production of Newsies, thoroughly uplifting and thrilling.

Berwyn's 16th Street Theater has become known for its edgy, top-notch dramas, which often feature intense contemporary social issues.

Open Door Theater has a fun musical revue playing right now called Route 66. It's a nostalgic, pop-tune-infused crowd-pleaser that is just the thing if you're in need of escapism from the rigors of winter or the latest news cycle.