Absurdity runs wild in the streets of St. Petersburg in “Nose” and “Overcoat,” two stories featured in Piven Theatre’s world premiere of Stephen Fedo’s “Disappearing Acts: Stories by Nikolai Gogol,” to be presented April 27-May 31. “Nose” tells the story of a man who undertakes a farcical pursuit to reclaim the nose that vanished from his face overnight. “Overcoat” is a poignant, yet sharp, satire about a poor bureaucrat who sacrifices everything to buy a magnificent winter coat – and winds up paying an even greater price “Disappearing Acts” continues Piven Theatre’s tradition of literary adaptation and Story Theatre. Stephen Fedo returns to adapt and direct for the Piven stage after previously collaborating with Joyce Piven on adaptations of Chekhov, Malamud, Singer and others. Gogol’s mastery has influenced authors of other times and places, such as as Kafka, Pirandello, Ionesco, Beckett, Pinter and Vonnegut. Through April 10 get a discount of $5 off every ticket for Friday through Sunday performances. Call the Piven box office at 847-866-8049 or see www.piventheatre.org.