April reigns with showers of fine theater and music

The following is a look both forward and back to some of the best in Chicago theater and music.

Goodman Theater

“Layalina” is a new play by young playwright Martin Yousif Zebari about a family that moves from Baghdad to Skokie. Both dramatic and funny parts are wonderful, and so are the performances, led by Mattico David, costumes by Dina El-Aziz, and sets by the Chicago studio known as “casaboyce.”

It is worth seeing, but the second act needs a trim, as the show, at 2 hours and 15 minutes, felt too long. Goodman will now stage Chekhov’s classic “The Cherry Orchard,” directed by Robert Falls, on April 1- April 30. 170 N. Dearborn. GoodmanTheatre.org. (312) 443-3800.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents “The Comedy of Errors,” the final production as artistic director by the awesomely talented Barbara Gaines. Her ingenious production places the play in a 1941 London movie set and framed as a most amusing play within a play by Second City’s Ron West.

The joyous show spotlights an all-star cast of Shakespearean performers, including Kevin Gudahl, Ora Jones, Greg Vinkler, William Dick, Ross Lehman, Robert Petkoff, Dan Chameroy, and more. Performances go through April 16 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, www.chicagoshakes.com. (312) 595-5600.

Steppenwolf Theater

The Steppenwolf presents the drama “Last Night and the Night Before” by Donnetta Lavinia Grays from April 6 through May 14. 1650 N. Halsted. Steppenwolf.org. (312) 335-1650.

MERCURY THEATER presents “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” adapted from the novel by Mark Twain and with music and lyrics by Roger Miller. April 21-June 11. 3745 N. Southport. Mercurytheaterchicago.com (773) 360-7365.

Black Ensemble Theater

The Black Ensemble Theater had people swaying in their seats, clapping, and cheering with the world premiere of “Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire.” Complete with a fabulous band of eight top musicians, the show has an outstanding cast led by RJ Griffith and Christian Denzel Bufford and includes Rashun Carter with an uncannily accurate personification of Ramsey Lewis.

Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, the show has been extended through April 30. Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark Street. www.blackensemble.org. (773) 769-4451.

Symphony Center

Finnish conductor Mikko Franck will conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in two pieces by Richard Strauss, two Finnish pieces, and Sarasate’s “Carmen” Fantasy featuring the brilliant young violinist Hilary Hahn April 13 at 7:30, April 14 at 1:30, and April 15 at 8.

The Jerusalem Quartet will join violinist and violist Pinchas Zukerman and cellist Amanda Forsyth in the music of Bruckner, Dvorak, and Brahms on April 30 at 3. 220 S. Michigan Avenue (312) 294-3000. cso.org.

Lyric Opera House

Lyric Opera’s smash production of “Carmen” starring J’Nai Bridges runs through April 7. Lyric is also preparing a much-talked-about trio of new works called “Proximity,” which will play on April 5 at 2 and April 8 at 7:30. Lyric’s “West Side Story” will follow June 2-25. 20 N. Wacker. Lyric opera.org. (312) 827-5600.

Orion Chamber Ensemble

Chicago’s highly respected all-female chamber group continues to win raves. The core members are Florentina Ramniceanu, violin; Kathryn Pirtle, clarinet; Diana Schmuck, piano; and Judy Stone, cello.

Their recent concert introduced audiences to the fascinating Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian in his intriguing Suite for Violin, Clarinet, and Piano. Then, with cellist Judy Stone on tour with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, guest cellist Mara McClain joined the group for a heartfelt and scintillating Tchaikovsky Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano.

Their next concert in Chicago will be music by Liszt and Schubert on May 17 at Pianoforte Studios, 1335 S. Michigan Avenue. Orionensemble.org.