AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. Lookingglass Theatre presents Laura Eason's adaptation of Jules Verne's classic which follows Phileas Fogg as he travels the world. Directed by Eason. Previews to Fri. $25-$30. Opens Sat, 7:30 pm. Wed-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 3, 7:30 pm. $25-$55. To June 1. Lookingglass Theatre, Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan. (312) 337-0665.

AS TOLD BY THE VIVIAN GIRLS. Dog & Pony Theatre presents a new work that draws inspiration for the works of Chicago outsider artist Henry Darger. Previews Wed-May 1. Opens May 2, 7 pm. Wed-Sun, 7 pm. $20; Wed-Thu, pay-what-you-can. To May 25. Theater on the Lake, Fullerton and Lake Shore. (773) 360-7933.

THE BACCHAE. Northwestern University presents Euripides' Greek tragedy. Opens Fri, 8 pm. Wed-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $10-$20. To May 4. Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle, Evanston. (847) 491-7282.

THE BALLAD OF EMMETT TILL. The Goodman Theatre presents Ifa Bayeza's drama inspired by interviews with Till's family, teachers, classmates and eyewitnesses to his brutal 1955 murder. Directed by Oz Scott. Previews Sat-May 4. Opens May 5, 7 pm. Wed-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 7:30 pm. No matinee May 3, 10; no evening performance May, 25, June 1. Additional performance May 15, 22, 29, 2 pm; May 27, 7:30 pm. $23-$70. To June 1. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. (312) 443-3800.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the Bard's comedy but with a twist -- it's set in 1940 as an eccentric group of actors gather on an English movie set to film the play. Directed by Barbara Gaines. Previews Sun-May 2. Opens May 7, 7:30 pm. Tue, 7:30 pm; Wed, 1, 7:30 pm; Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; Sun, 3, 7 pm. $44-$70. To June 8. Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand. (312) 595-5600.

DURANGO. Silk Road Theatre Project presents Julia Cho's drama about a Korean-American father and his two sons who go on a road trip and grapple with old memories and unhealed wounds. Previews Thu-May 9. $18-$20. Opens May 10, 4 pm. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 4 pm. $28-$32. To June 15. Silk Road Theatre Project, Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington. (866) 811-4111.

ENCHANTED APRIL. Circle Theatre presents Matthew Barber's adaptation of Elizabeth von Armin's novel about four English women, their lives in turmoil, who rent an Italian castle for a month. Directed by Bob Knuth. Previews to Tue. Opens Wed, 8 pm. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $26. To June 8. Circle Theatre, 7300 W. Madison, Forest Park. (708) 771-0700.

GOLDA'S BALCONY. Pegasus Players presents William Gibson's drama that examines the history of Israel through the eyes of Golda Meir. Previews Thu-May 4. $15. Opens May 5, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $17, $25. To June 15. Pegasus Players, O'Rourke Center at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson. (773) 878-9761.

LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR. Raven Theatre presents Neil Simon's comedy about a team of comedy writers on a 1953 variety show. Directed by Michael Menendian. Previews Tue-May 3. $15. Opens May 4, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25. To June 28. Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark. (773) 338-2177.

NEVERWHERE: A CIRCUS UNDERGROUND. The Actors Gymnasium presents Nathan Drackett's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's graphic novel. Directed by Drackett. Opens Fri, 8 pm. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 4:30, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $10, $15. To June 1. Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes, Evanston. (800) 838-3006.

OLD TOWN. Strawdog Theatre presents Brett Neveu's musical about Chicago's political machine. Directed by Kyle Hamman. Previews to Fri. $10. Opens Sun, 7 pm. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $20. To May 31. Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway. (773) 528-9696.

OUR TOWN. The Hypocrites present Thornton Wilder's classic drama. Directed by David Cromer. Previews to Sat. $10. Opens Sun, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $20. To June 8. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 472-7352.

RUSSIAN ON THE SIDE. Mark Nadler's one-man comedy-with-music celebrates American composers. Previews to Tue. Opens Wed, 7:30 pm. Tue-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 9 pm; Sun, 3, 5:30 pm. Additional matinee May 14, 28, June 11, 2 pm. No performance May 13, 27, June 10. $34.50-$55. To June 15. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

SHE CALLS UP THE SUN. MPAACT presents Addae Moon's exploration of Florida culture and folklore. Previews to Sat. Opens Sun, 3:30 pm. Thu, 8:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat-Sun, 3:30 pm. $19.50-$22.50. To June 1. Victory Gardens Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln. (773) 871-3000.

SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL. Drury Lane Theatre presents a musical journey through the 1960s. Preivew Wed. Opens Thu, 7:30 pm. Wed-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 6, 9 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. $45-$55. To June 22. Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut. (312) 902-1400.

SPEECH AND DEBATE. American Theater Company presents Stephen Karam's comedy about three misfits who team up to expose their teacher's online secrets. Directed by PJ Paparelli. Previews to Sun. $20. Opens Mon, 7 pm. Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $30, $35. To May 11. American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron. (773) 409-4125.

TEN VIRGINS. Chicago Dramatists presents Laura Jacqmin's fantasy drama about ten girls who live alone in Wabansia swamp, depending on each other for protection and strength. Directed by Russ Tutterow. Previews to Thu. $15. Opens May 2, 8 pm. The-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $22, $28. To June 1. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago. (312) 633-0630.

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. Columbia College Chicago presents George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's classic comedy. Preview Fri. Opens Sat, 7 pm. This Sun, 3 pm; Wed-Thu, 6:30 pm; May 2-3, 7:30 pm; May 4, 3 pm. $10-$14. To May 4. Getz Theater, 72 E. 11th. (312) 344-6600.

Ongoing

ALL THE FAME OF LOFTY DEEDS. A workshop performance of new music-theater-art project based on Jon Langford's art and music. Directed by Andrea J. Dymond. Sun, 7:30 pm. $15. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. (773) 871-3000.

THE ASCENSION OF CARLOTTA. 16th Street Theater presents Will Dunne's drama about two young people who travel the streets of Berwyn drunk on love. Directed by Ann Filmer. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $16. To May 4. 16th Street Theater, Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th, Berwyn. (800) 838-3006.

THE AWESOME '80S PROM. Ken Davenport and the Class of 1989's interactive romp through the 1980s. Sat, 8 pm. $39. Open run. RadioStar, 901 W. Weed. (877) 723-7766.

THE BEASTLY BOMBING. Trap Door Theatre presents Julien Nitzberg and Roger Neill's comic musical about white supremacists and Al Qaeda terrorists plotting to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge. Directed by Kevin Remington. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $20, $25. To May 3. Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland. (773) 384-0494.

BEAST WOMEN 2008. A showcase of women performers. Fri-Sat, 8 pm. $15. To May 10. Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston. (773) 278-1212.

THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY. The Second City's stars of tomorrow perform work originally written by past alumni, including Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Steve Carell. Sat, 4 pm; Mon, 8 pm. $19. Open run. The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, 1608 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992.

BETTER LATE. Northlight Theatre presents Larry Gelbart and Craig Wright's comedy about a man forced to move in with his ex-wife and her new husband. Directed by BJ Jones. Tue, 7:30 pm; Wed, 1, 7:30 pm; Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2:30, 8 pm; Sun, 2:30, 7 pm. No evening performance May 4, 11, 18. $35-$55. To May 18. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, Skokie. (847) 679-6300. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss)

BONEYARD PRAYER. Redmoon Theater presents a Depression-era tale of one man's fractured life and ultimate redemption. Directed by Frank Maugeri. Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $15-$35. To May 11. Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard. (312) 850-8440, ext. 111. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

BORDER/ENGAGING: A NIGHT OF ONE ACTS. Two new plays that take on the joys and pain of adulthood. Closes Wed, 7:30 pm. $15. Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee. (773) 598-4549.

BRONTE. Remy Bumppo Theatre presents Polly Teale's drama about the Bronte sisters. Directed by James Bohnen. Wed-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. Additional performance this Wed, 2 pm. $35-$40. To May 4. Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln. (773) 871-3000. (Recommended, Weiss)

CANDLES TO THE SUN. Eclipse Theatre presents Tennessee Williams' drama about Alabama coal miners and their attempts to unionize. Directed by Steven Fedoruk. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25. To May 4. Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln. (773) 871-3000. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

CARTER'S WAY. Steppenwolf Theatre presents Eric Simonson's drama about a black saxophonist in 1935 Kansas City who's falling in love with a mobster's girlfriend just at the time radio is about to make him a star. Directed by Simonson. Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 3, 7:30 pm. Additional matinee this Wed, 2 pm. $20-$68. To Sun. Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. (312) 335-1650. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss)

CHECKMATES. eta Theatre presents Ron Milner's examination of marriage as seen through different generations. Directed by Aaron Todd Douglas. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3, 7 pm. $30. To June 8. eta Square, 7558 S. South Chicago. (773) 752-3955.

CHICAGO DRAMATISTS SATURDAY SERIES. Staged readings of works-in-progress. Sat, 2 pm: student plays from the Theatre School of DePaul University. $5, donation. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago. (312) 633-0630.

CRIMINAL HEARTS. Stockyards Theatre Project presents Jane Martin's drama about a agoraphobic woman and the extremes she will go to for friendship. Directed by Kendra Stevens. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $18. To May 10. Chicago Actors Studio, 2040 N. Elston. (773) 575-3028.

DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE. Steppenwolf Theatre presents Sarah Ruhl's play about a woman who answers a dead man's cell phone that turns out to be an adventurous wake-up call. Directed by Jessica Thebus. Tue-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 3, 7:30 pm. Additional performance June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 2 pm. No Sunday evening performances June 29-July 27. $20-$68. To July 27. Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. (312) 335-1650. (Recommended, Weiss)

LOS DESAPARECIDOS (THE VANISHED). Babes With Blades presents Barbara Lhota's romantic drama that explores the impact of family ties, social pressures and unexpected love in 16th century Spain. Directed by David Woolley. Thu-Sat, 8:30 pm; Sun, 3:30 pm. $20. To May 11. Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark. (773) 880-0016.

DIE! MOMMIE, DIE! Hell in a Handbag Productions presents Charles Busch's homage to thriller films of the '60s starring "women of a certain age." Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass. Thu, 8 pm; Fri, 10 pm; Sat, 7 pm; Sun, 3:30 pm. Additional performance May 11, 6 pm. $15, $25. To June 1. Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 W. Belmont. (773) 883-1090.

DRIVING MISS DAISY. First Folio Shakespeare Festival presents Alfred Uhry's comedy-drama about an elderly Southern woman and the black chauffeur who becomes her friend. Wed, Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $26. To May 4. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st and Ill. 83, Oak Brook. (630) 986-8067.

18: A YEAR WITH FOOTNOTES. Clio Productions presents Michael Burgan's one-man show about a young man coming of age in the '70s. Directed by Bryan Pray. Mon-Tue, 7:30 pm. $10. To May 6. Side Project, 1520 W. Jarvis. (773) 973-2150.

FIORELLO! TimeLine Theatre reprises its production of Jerome Weidman, George Abbott, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's musical about one man's struggle against corruption in big-city politics. Directed by Nick Bowling. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance May 28, June 4, 11. $25, $30. To June 15. TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington. (773) 281-8463. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

FOUR PLACES. Victory Gardens Theatre presents Joel Drake Johnson's dark comedy an elderly mother, her two middle-aged children and the family drama revealed over a lunch date. Directed by Sandy Shinner. Tue-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 8:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additional performance this Wed, 2 pm. $20-$45. To May 4. Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre, 2433 N. Lincoln. (773) 871-3000. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

FREE RADICALS. Stockyards Theatre Project presents Brenda Kilianski's story about two women who meet for the first time even though their lives have been entangled for decades. Directed by Lydia Milman. Wed-Fri, 8 pm. $20. To May 10. North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan. (773) 936-7896.

GOOD CRAZY/BAD CRAZY. Flashlite Productions presents Sarah King's solo show that takes a comedic look at what it means to be "crazy." Fri, 8 pm. $12. To May 2. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln. (773) 935-6100.

HANA'S SUITCASE. Chicago Children's Theatre presents Emil Sher's adaptation of Karen Levine's novel about what happens when Japanese students and their teacher embark on a journey to discover the story behind the name on a mysterious suitcase. Directed by Sean Graney. Sat-Sun, 11 am, 2, 5 pm. $20, $35. To May 11. Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph. (312) 742-8497. (Recommended, Weiss)

THE HEIDI CHRONICLES. The Theatre School of DePaul Univeristy presents Wendy Wasserstein's play about the evolving roles of women over three decades. Directed by Jane Drake Brody. Wed-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $15. To Sun. Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo. (312) 922-0999.

THE HYSTERICAL ALPHABET. Theater Oobleck reprises its multi-media piece, structured like an ABC book, that introduces stories from the annals of medical lore. Closes Sun, 7 pm. $10. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 347-1041.

I AM WHO I AM (THE STORY OF TEDDY PENDERGRASS). Black Ensemble Theater presents a musical-bio of the performer. Directed by Jackie Taylor. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $45. Open run. Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon. (773) 769-44451. (Highly recommended, Hoekstra)

IN A DARK DARK HOUSE. Profiles Theatre presents Neil LaBute's drama about two brothers who confront each other's involvement in their traumatic pasts. Directed by Joe Jahraus. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $25, $30. To June 15. Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. (773) 549-1815.

INTRIGUE WITH FAYE. InFusion Theatre presents Kate Robin's play that explores the intimate world of a couple who reach an impasse in their relationship. Directed by Mitch Golob. Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 9 pm; Sun, 5 pm. $20, $25. To June 1. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

ITALIAN LIGHTS, NOT STARS. n.u.f.a.n. ensemble persents Paul Barile's play about an Italian wedding that everyone hopes goes smoothly. Directed by Rachel Rogers. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; closes Sun, 7:30 pm. $15. Keyhole Theatre, Josehpium Academy, 1500 N. Bell. (773) 282-0344.

JERSEY BOYS. Broadway in Chicago presents Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice, Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe's musical that tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Directed by Des McAnuff. Tue, 7:30 pm; Wed, 2, 7:30 pm; Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. No performance July 3. Additional performance July 6, 7:30 pm. $30-$95. Open run. LaSalle Bank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe. (312) 902-1400. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

JUDY IN DISGUISE WITH GLASSES. Chemically Imbalanced Comedy presents Angie McMahon's solo show. Fri, 8 pm. $10. To May 16. Chemically Imbalanced Theater, 1420 Irving Park. (800) 838-3006.

KNOCKNASHEE. Shapeshifters Theatre presents Deirdre Kinahan's tale about a group of misfits who gather to celebrate a traditional Irish pagan festival. Directed by Robert Ayres. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $15. To May 4. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox. (773) 282-7035.

KNUTE ROCKNE ALL-AMERICAN. Theater at the Center presents Buddy Farmer, Michael Mahler and David H. Bell's musical that celebrates the life of the man who created American college football. Directed by Bell. Wed, 2 pm; Thu, 2, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2:30, 8 pm; Sun, 2:30, 6 pm. $36, $40. To May 11. Theater at the Center, 1040 Ridge, Munster. (800) 511-1552. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN. Vex Theatre presents Oscar Wilde's tale of a young married couple beset by scandal. Directed by Rich Geiger. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; closes Sun, 3 pm. $15. Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division, Elgin. (847) 991-8081.

THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT. The Gift Theatre presents Stephen Adly Guirgis' drama in which Jesus' betrayer stands trial in Hope, a small section of purgatory. Directed by Kevin Fox. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $20, $25. To May 18. Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee. (773) 283-7071.

LATE NITE CATECHISM. The Royal George Theatre presents Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan's comedy about a Catholic nun intent on teaching her own brand of catechism. Directed by Marc Silvia. Thu, Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted (312) 988-9000 or (312) 902-1500.

LATE NITE CATECHISM. Noble Fool Theatricals present Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan's comedy about a Catholic nun intent on teaching her own brand of catechism. Sat, 6 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $27. Dinner packages available. $27. To May 31. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main, St. Charles. (630) 584-6342.

LEWIS AND CLARK REACH THE EUPHRATES. Infamous Commonwealth Theatre presents Robert Schenkkan's play that follows the imagined journey of the explorers from the Louisiana Purchase to the Iraq War. Directed by Chris Maher. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $20. To May 18. Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway. (312) 458-9780. (Recommended, Weiss)

LUST, LIES AND MARRIAGE (IL POZZO DEI FURBI). Piccolo Theatre presents a mixed-up love story in the Commedia dell'Arte style. Directed by Antonio Fava. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25. To May 10. Evanston Arts Depot, 600 Main, Evanston. (847) 424-0089.

MACBETH. Greasy Joan & Co. present Shakespeare's classic drama. Directed by Julieanne Ehre. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $20. To May 25. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. (312) 902-1500.

THE MAN WHO LIKED DOGS; FLY PAPER. Azusa Productions presents plays by Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. "The Man Who Liked Dogs": closes Sun, 3:30 pm. "Fly Paper": Closes Sat, 8 pm. $12. North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan. (312) 409-4207.

LES MISERABLES. The Marriott Theatre presents Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Herbert Kretzmer's musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel. Directed by Dominic Missimi. Wed, 1, 8 pm; Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2:30, 8 pm; Sun, 1, 5 pm. $45. Dinner packages available. To May 11. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

NINE: THE MUSICAL. Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago presents the musical love story based on film director Federico Fellini's "8 1/2." Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $34. To May 18. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. (773) 327-5252. (Recommended, Weiss)

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD WHITE MEN. The Second City presents its 95th revue. Directed by Jim Carlson. Thu-Thu, 8 pm; Fri-Sat, 8, 11 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $19, $25. Open run. The Second City, 1616 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss)

OKLAHOMA. South Suburban College Playhouse presents the classic musical. Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; closes Sun, 2, 8 pm. $8. Kindig Performing Arts Center, 15800 S. State, South Holland. (708) 210-5741.

ON MY PARENTS ONE HUNDREDTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. The Side Project presents Jesse Weaver's memory play that looks at a couple's ups and downs in 1920s France. Directed by Matt Hawkins. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. To May 11. The Side Project, 1520 W. Jarvis. (773) 973-2150.

A PASSAGE TO INDIA. Vitalist Theatre, in association with Premiere Theatre and Performance, presents Martin Sherman's adaptation of E. M. Forster's novel. Directed by Elizabeth Carlin-Metz. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25. To May 18. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. (773) 327-5252. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

PICKED UP. The Neo-Futurists present a series of six never-before-seen television pilots. Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $15. To May 17. Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.

THE PRATFALL OF CIVILIZATION. The Second City e.t.c. presents a new revue that looks at a nation in transition. Directed by Marc Warzecha. Wed-Thu, 8 pm; Fri-Sat, 8, 11 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $19, $24. Open run. The Second City e.t.c., 1608 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992. (Somewhat recommended, Jevens)

PUT THE NUNS IN CHARGE. Vicki Quade's spinoff of the hit comedy, "Late Nite Catechism." Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5 pm. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD. UIC Theatre presents Tom Stoppard's drama. Directed by Sean Kelly. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 7 pm; closes Sun, 2:15 pm. $10-$15. UIC Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison. (312) 996-2939.

SIX PLAYS IN REPERTORY. Organic Theater presents a festival of six plays. Sat, 2 pm; May 3, 8 pm; May 11, 2 pm: Alexander Gelman's adaptation of Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent." This Fri, 8 pm; May 3, 2 pm; May 10, 8 pm: Friedrich Durrematt's "Play Strindberg." This Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm: Alexander Gelman's adaptation of Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener." May 2, 8 pm; May 4, 2 pm: Alexander Gelman's adaptation of Mark Twain's "The $30,000 Bequest." May 9, 8 pm. May 10, 2 pm: Eugene Ionesco's "Man with Bags." $29 per show; $85 four shows; $110 six shows. To May 11. La Costa Theatre, 3931 N. Elston. (800) 595-4849.

SOLDIERS: THE DESERT STAND. Livewire Chicago Theatre presents Joshua Aaron Weinstein's drama about America's war department absurdities. Directed by Glenn Proud. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $15. To May 4. Side Project Theatre, 1439 N. Jarvis. (312) 533-4666.

SPEEDATING THE MUSICAL. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents Scott Woldman's musical take on speed dating. Directed by Brad Dunn. Sat, 10 pm. No performance May 3, 10, 17. $16.50. To June. 21. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121.

A STEADY RAIN. Chicago Dramatists production of Keith Huff's drama about two Chicago cops whose loyalties are tested. Directed by Russ Tutterow. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 5 pm. $40-$50. To June 8. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

THE STRANGERER. Theater Oobleck remounts its production of Mickle Maher's political murder mystery. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $10. To May 11. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 347-1041.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CINEMA. The third comedy in Vicki Quade's "Sister" series features the nun's review of current movies. Sun, 3 pm. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000. (Recommended, Budasi)

SWEENEY TODD. Broadway in Chicago presents a new production of Stephen Sondheim's musical, featuring ten actor-musicians. Directed by John Doyle. Tue-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance this Wed, 2:30 pm; May 4, 7:30 pm. $25-$75. To May 4. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph. (312) 902-1400.

SWEET CHARITY. Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook presents the Tony Award-winning musical. Directed by Jim Corti. Wed, 1:30 pm; Thu, 1:30, 8 pm; Fri, 8:30 pm; Sat, 5, 8:30 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. Additional performance this Wed, 8 pm. $24-$54. Dinner packages available. To May 19. Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

SYLVIA. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents A.R. Gurney's play about a man, his failing marriage and his new best friend, a dog. Directed by John Gawlik. Fri, 8 pm; closes Sat, 7 pm. $22-$42. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121.

THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA. Barrel of Monkeys presents a series of stories based on their creative writing program with students in Chicago Public Schools. Performances are Sat, 11 am through May 3. Performances Mon, 8 pm resume on May 5. $5, $10. Open run. Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. (312) 409-1954.

TONY 'N' TINA'S WEDDING. The marriage of Valentina Vitale and Anthony Nunzio is the inspiration for an indoor theme park devoted entirely to a comic-book Italian-American wedding from hell. Directed by Larry Pellegrini. Wed-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 5 pm. $56-$67. Open run. Piper's Alley, 230 W. North. (312) 664-8844.

TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND. The Neo-Futurists present 30 shows in 60 minutes, socially and politically based. Fri-Sat, 11:30 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $7 plus the roll of a six-sided die ($8-$13). Open run. Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.

WHAT EVERY WOMEN KNOWS. ShawChicago presents a concert reading of James Barries' play about a young woman whose father and brothers are desperate to find her a husband. Directed by Robert Scogin. Sat-Sun, 2 pm; Mon, 7 pm. $15. To May 3. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. (312) 742-8497.

WICKED. Broadway in Chicago presents Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's adaptation of Gregory Maguire's book that tells the untold tale of the witches of Oz. Directed by Joe Mantello. Tue, 7:30 pm; Wed, 2, 7:30 pm; Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $25-$90. Open run. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. (312) 902-1400. (Highly recommended, Davenport)

YOU NEVER CAN TELL. Village Players present George Bernard Shaw's comedy about a mother and her three children who return to England after an 18-year hiatus and unknowingly meet the father they never knew. Directed by Adrienne Cury. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; closes Sun, 3 pm. $25. VIllage Players, 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park. (866) 764-1010.

Dinner Shows

MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER AND TOURNAMENT CASTLE. 11th century jousting, sword-fighting and knights on horseback provide the entertainment as guests feast on a four-course banquet. Also, displays of medieval artifacts. Wed-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 7 pm; Sun, 4 pm. Doors open one hour before the show. Prices include dinner, show and beverages. Adults, $47.95; children 12 and under, $33.95. Prices and showtimes subject to change. Reservations required. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Roselle and Northwest Tollway, Schaumburg. (847) 843-3900.

TOMMY GUN'S GARAGE. A 1920s musical comedy revue set in a Prohibition-era speakeasy with dinner. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8:30 pm; Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 7 pm. Dinner begins 90 minutes before the show. $50-$60. Reservations required. Open run. Free parking lot, at side of building. Tommy Gun's Garage, 2114 S. Wabash. (312) 225-0273.