Bernstein revival

Goodman Theatre revives composer Leonard Bernstein’s “Wonderful Town” under artistic associate and Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman. A “love letter to Manhattan, New York,” the musical chronicles the search for romance and happiness by Columbus, Ohio, transplants and sisters Eileen (Lauren Molina) and Ruth (Bria Sudia). Doug Beck serves as music director and Ben Johnson conducts the 18-piece orchestra.

Previews begin at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. The show opens Sept. 18. $25-$93. (312) 443-2800 or goodmantheatre.org.

Elgin Fringe 2016

The Elgin Fringe Festival showcasing music, dance, theater and visual arts returns for the third year. More than 200 artists stage more than 120 performances at six downtown sites during the four-day festival. Returning artists Janus Theatre, Chicago Burlesque Showcase and Kelly Bolton join newcomers 2 Merry Men, Jeremy Schaefer and the Cirque du Soleil-inspired aerial show Imaginez Ensemblez.

Opens at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago St., Elgin, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 18. $3 EFF button required for admission. Performances range from free to $10. An all-festival pass is $60. See elginfringe festival.com for a schedule.

Northlight at 42

Northlight Theatre opens its 42nd season with “The City of Conversation,” by Anthony Giardina. Set in 1979 Washington, D.C., the play centers on a family divided after one of its younger members embraces a political philosophy vastly different from everyone else’s. Lia Mortensen stars in director Marti Lyons’ production, which also features Tim Monsion, Elaine Rivkin and Hoffman Estates native Greg Matthew Anderson.

Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The show opens Sept. 23. $30-$81. (847) 673-6300 or northlight.org .

— Barbara Vitello