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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

OPENING

BORDELLO. Chicago Dramatists present Aline Lathrop’s drama about Las Vegas “working girls.” Directed by Meghan Beals McCarthy directs. Previews Jan. 27-Feb. 3. Opens Feb. 4, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $32. To March 6. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago. (312) 633-0630.

THE BOYS ROOM. Victory Gardens Theater presents Joel Drake Johnson’s comedy about two middle-aged brothers who move back in with mom. Directed by Sandy Shinner. Previews Jan. 21-30. $20-$40. Opens Jan. 31, 7:30 pm. Wed-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additional performance Jan. 25, Feb. 15, 7:30 pm; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 4 pm; Feb. 9, 2 pm. $20-$50. To Feb. 20. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. (773) 871-3000.

CHURCH; PULLMAN, WA. Red Tape Theatre presents two plays by Young Jean Lee. Directed by James D. Palmer. Previews Jan. 27-29. Opens Jan. 31, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additional performance Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 3 pm. $25. To March 5. Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont. (847) 738-6919.

DO THE HUSTLE. Writers’ Theatre presents Brett Neveu’s drama about a father-son team of hustlers. Directed by William Brown. Previews Jan. 25-Feb. 2. Opens Feb. 3, 7:30 pm. Tue-Wed, 7:30 pm; Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. Additional performance Feb. 9, March 16, 2 pm. No performance Feb. 9; no evening performance March 20. $45-$65. To March 20. Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor, Glencoe. (847) 242-6000.

A DOLL’S HOUSE. Infamous Commonwealth Theatre presents Henrik Ibsen’s drama about a woman forced to confront the realities of her carefully constructed existence. Directed by Chris Maher. Opens Jan. 22, 8:30 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. No performance Feb. 6. Additional performance Feb. 7. $20. To Feb. 27. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln. (773) 404-7336.

DRALION. Cirque du Soleil presents a show that combines ancient Chinese circus traditions with the avant-garde. Opens Jan. 26, 7:30 pm. Jan. 27, 7:30 pm; Jan. 28-29, 3:30, 7:30 pm; Jan. 30, 1, 5 pm. $76-$100. To Jan. 30. Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone, Hoffman Estates. (888) 732-7784.

ECLIPSED. Northlight Theatre presents Danai Gurira’s drama set during the Liberian Civil War as a group of captive women band together to form a fragile community. Directed by Hallie Gordon. Preview Jan. 21. $30-$45. Opens Jan. 22, 2:30, 8 pm. 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 performance Feb. 1, 8; no evening performance Jan. 30, Feb. 2, 20. Performane on Jan. 23 is at 6 pm. $40-$50. To Feb. 20. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, Skokie. (847) 673-6300.

FROZEN. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents Bryony Lavery’s drama, about the disappearance of a little girl, that looks at mourning, revenge and forgiveness. Directed by Bryan Burke. Opens Jan. 21, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. No performance Jan. 29. $23-$33. To Feb. 6. McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000.

GHOSTS. New Rock Theatre presents Henrik Ibsen’s drama about a wealthy widow who opens an orphanage in memory of her seemingly beloved late husband. Directed by Derek Bertelsen. Opens Jan. 27, 7 pm. Thu-Sat, 7 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $20. To Feb. 27. New Rock Theatre, 3933 N. Elston. (773) 639-5316.

GUYS AND DOLLS. Marriott Theatre presents Frank Loesser’s musical comedy. Directed by Matt Raftery. Previews Jan. 26-Feb. 5. Opens Feb. 6, 5 pm. Wed, 1, 8 pm; Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4:30, 8 pm; Sun, 1, 5 pm. $40-$48. To March 27. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200.

IN DARFUR. TimeLine Theatre presents Winter Miller’s drama revolving around three people — an aid worker, a Darfuri woman and a journalist — facing the the horrors of genocide in Darfur. Directed by Nick Bowling. Preview Jan. 21. $18. Opens Jan. 22, 7 pm. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance March 2, 9, 16. $28, $38. To March 20. TimeLine Theaetre, 615 W. Wellington. (773) 281-8463.

LEAVING IOWA. Fox Valley Repertory presents Tim Clue and Spike Manton’s comedy about a man looking back at childhood vacation spots as he searches for the perfect spot to spread his father’s ashes. Directed by Rachel Rockwell. Previews to Jan. 28. Opens Jan. 29, 8 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 17, March 10, 2 p m. $29, $39. Dinner packages available. To March 13. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main, St. Charles. (630) 584-6342.

MADAGASCAR. Next Theatre presents J.T. Rogers drama about a mysterious disappearance that changes three lives forever. Directed by Kimberly Senior. Previews Jan. 21-23. Opens Jan. 24, 7 pm. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance Feb. 5, 12, 19, 4 pm. $25-$40. To Feb. 20. Next Theatre, 927 Noyes, Evanston. (847) 475-1875, ext. 2.

THE NEW ELECTRIC BALLROOM. A Red Orchid Theatre presents Enda Walsh’s drama about three sisters who relive their memories of something resembling romance. Directed by Robin Witt. Previews Jan. 21-22. $15. Opens Jan. 23, 3 pm. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25-$30. To March 6. A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells. (312) 943-8722.

REASONS TO BE PRETTY. Profiles Theatre presents Neil LaBute’s drama that looks at the question: How much is pretty worth? Directed by Rick Snyder. Previews Jan. 21-26. Opens Jan. 27, 8 pm. Wed-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $35, $40. To March 13. Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. (773) 549-1815.

SEX WITH STRANGERS. Steppenwolf Theatre presents Laura Eason’s play that explores how we invent our identity — online and off. Directed by Jessica Thebus. Previews Jan. 21-29. $20-$50. Opens Jan. 29, 3 pm. Tue-Sun, 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 3, 7:30 pm. Additional performance April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2 pm. Sunday evening performances through April 10 only. $20-$73. To May 15. Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. (312) 335-1650.

SHINING CITY. Redtwist Theatre presents Conor McPherson’s drama about a man wracked with guilt and haunted by the memory of his dead wife. Directed by Joanie Schultz. Previews Jan. 26-28. $15. Opens Jan. 29, 3 pm. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additional performance Feb. 26, 3 pm. No performance Feb. 6. $25-$30. To Feb. 27. Redtwist Theatre, 1044 Bryn Mawr. (773) 728-7529.

THREE TALL WOMEN. Court Theatre presents Edward Albee’s play that takes a look at the arc of one human life from the perspective of three different generations. Directed by Charles Newell. Preview Jan. 21. $30-$40. Opens Jan. 22, 8 pm. Wed-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; Sun, 2:30, 7:30 pm. $40-$60. To Feb. 13. Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis. (773) 753-4472.

THE TRINITY RIVER PLAYS. The Goodman Theatre presents Regina Taylor’s trilogy that follows a woman and her matriarchal Texas family. Directed by Ethan McSweeny. Previews Jan. 21-23. Opens Jan. 24, 7 pm. Wed, 7:30 pm; Thu, 2, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 7:30 pm. Additional performance Feb. 8, 15, 7:30 pm. No matinee performance Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 17; no evening performance Feb. 13, 20. $25-$78. To Feb. 20. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. (312) 443-3800.

VOLPONE. City Lit Theater presents Ben Johnson’s satire of the English Renaissance. Directed by Sheldon Patinkin. Previews Jan. 21-23. $18. Opens Jan. 25, 7 pm. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25. To Feb. 27. Edgewater Presbyterian Church, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr. (773) 293-3682.

ONGOING

9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL. Broadway in Chicago presents Patricia Resnick and Dolly Parton’s musical based on the movie about three unlikely friends who take control of their company and discover there is nothing they can’t do. Directed by Jeff Calhoun. Tue-Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. Additional performance Jan. 23, 7:30 pm; Jan. 26, 2 pm. $32-$95. To Jan. 30. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe. (800) 775-2000.

THE ABSOLUTELY BEST FRIGGIN’ TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

Second City e.t.c. presents its latest revue. Directed by Billy Bungeroth. Thu, 8 pm; Fri-Sat, 8, 11 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $22, $27. Open run. The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, 1608 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992. (Somewhat recommended, Hedy Weiss)

AFTERMATH. Signal Ensemble Theatre reprises its production of Ronan Marra’s jukebox musical about Rolling Stone Brian Jones and his relationship with the band. Directed by Marra. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; closes Sun, 3 pm. $20. To Jan. 23. Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice. (773) 347-1350. (Recommended, Houlihan)

ALIEN QUEEN. The Scooty & JoJo Show presents Scott Bradley’s spectacle that combines the films “Alien” and “Aliens” with the music of the rock band Queen. Directed by Bradley. Closes Sat, 8 pm. $15-$25. To Jan 22. Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted. (800) 838-3006. (Recommended, Davenport)

AS YOU LIKE IT. Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the Bard’s play about young lovers on a romantic adventure. Directed by Gary Griffin. Tue, 7:30 pm; Wed, 1, 7:30 pm; Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 3, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. $44-$75. To March 6. Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand. (312) 595-5600.

THE BEATS. 16th Street Theatre presents Marilyn Campbells’s look at the Beat poets who took on mainstream America and dragged it into the 1960s. Directed by Ann Filmer. Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 5, 8:30 pm. $18. To Feb. 5. 16th Street Theatre, Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th, Berwyn. (708) 795-6704.

THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE. Shattered Globe Theatre presents Martin McDonagh’s drama about a 40-year-old Irish woman, struggling with her demanding mother, who meets a man from her past and finds a spark of hope for the future. Directed by Steve Scott. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25-$32. To Feb. 27. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. (800) 982-2787.

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.

THE BOOK OF LIZ. Chemically Balance Comedy presents Amy and David Sedaris’ comedy about a nun who feels unappreciated and decides to try her luck in the outside world. Directed by Angie McMahon. Fri-Sat, 8 pm. $18. To March 26. Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, 1420 W. Irving Park. (800) 838-3006.

CARMILLA. WildClaw Theatre presents Aly Renee Greaves adaptation of J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s vampire thriller about a young English woman who becomes intrigued by a mysterious house guest. Directed by Scott Cummins. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. No performance Feb. 11. Additional performance Feb. 14, 7:30 pm. $20. To Feb. 20. Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph. (312) 742-8497.

CATS. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre presents the Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Directed by Brenda Didier. Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $30, $35. To Feb 20. No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood. (800) 595-4849. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

CHICAGO DRAMATISTS. Staged readings and discussions of play in progress. Jan. 22, 2 pm: “Rutherford’s Travels” by David Barr III and Ilesa Duncan. $5. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago. (312) 633-0630.

DRINKING & WRITING VOLUME III: TO CURE A HANGOVER. Neo-Futurists Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda bring together their own cures for “the day after” and drinking stories from writers like Charles Bukowski, John Cheever and Kingsley Amis. Sat, 4 pm. $15. To Feb. 5. Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph. (312) 638-0700.

THE ELEPHANT MAN. BoHo Theatre presents Bernard Pomerance’s drama about John Merrick, a misshapen man who attempts to live a life of dignity. Directed by June Eubanks. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm. $25. To Feb. 6. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. (773) 975-8150. (Somewhat recommended, Weiss)

GASTRONG: THE MUSICAL. Pub Theater presents a spin on the classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast.” Wed, 8 pm. $5. To Feb. 23. Fizz, 3220 N. Lincoln. (773) 904-8777.

HAMLETMACHINE. Trap Door Theatre presents Heiner Muller’s postmodernist meditation on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Directed by Max Truax. Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $20; 2-for-1 on Thu. To Feb. 12. Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland. (773) 384-0494. (Recommended, Weiss)

JAILBAIT. Profiles Theatre reprises its production of Deirdre O’Connor’s drama about two teenage girls, desperate to grow up, and the two 30-something they meet at a nightclub. Directed by Joe Jahraus. Thu-Sat, 8:30 pm; Sun, 4 pm. $30, $35. To Feb. 27. The Second Stage, 3408 N. Sheffield. (773) 549-1815.

LAKEBOAT. Steep Theatre presents David Mamet’s play about the crew on a freighter as it travels from Chicago to Duluth. Directed by G.J. Cederquist. Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $20-$22. To Feb. 26. Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn. (866) 811-4111.

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. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000

THE LONESOME WEST. The Gift Theatre presents Martin McDonagh’s violent examination of brotherly love. Directed by Sheldon Patinkin. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $25, $30. To Jan. 30. The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee. (773) 283-7071. (Recommended, Houlihan)

THE MAGIC PARLOUR. The House Theatre of Chicago presents Dennis Watkins’ magic show. Fri, 10:30 pm. $25. Open run. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 251-2195.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Dee Gee Theatricals presents a new musical inspired by a 1956 recording session that brought together four legends — Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Co-directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux. Wed, 2, 7;30 pm; Thu, 7:30 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 5, 8 pm; Sun, 3:30, 6:30 pm. $25-$77.50. To May 30. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln. (773) 935-6100. (Recommended, Weiss)

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. Drury Lane Theatre presents the musical based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Directed by William Osetek. Wed, 1:30 pm; Thu, 1:30, 8 pm; Fri, 8:30 pm; Sat, 5, 8:30 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. $35-$46. To March 6. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

ODRADEK. The House Theatre of Chicago presents Bret Neveu’s drama about a boy who struggles to come to terms with his parent’s divorce and his father’s new relationship. Directed by Dexter Bullard. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $25. To March 5. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 769-3832. (Recommended, Weiss)

THE OTHER CINDERELLA. Black Ensemble Theater presents its adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Co-directed by Jackie Taylor and Rueben Echoles. Sat, 8 pm; closes Sun, 3 pm. $45. To Jan. 23. Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon. (773) 769-4451.

PETER PAN (A PLAY). Lookingglass Theatre presents Amanda Dehnert’s adaptation of J. M. Barrie’s classic story. Directed by Dehnert. Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 2, 7:30 pm; closes Sun, 2, 7:30 pm. $30-$62. To Jan. 23. Lookingglass Theatre, Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan. (312) 337-0665. (Somewhat recommended, Houlihan)

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. The Hypocrites present Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta. Directed by Sean Graney. Thu-Sat, 7: 30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $28. To Jan. 30. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. (773) 989-7352. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

PORT. Griffin Theatre presents Simon Stephens working class drama that explores the life of a young girl living in a small British town. Directed by Jonathan Berry. Fri-Sat, 8:30 pm; Sun, 3:30 pm. Additional performance Feb. 17, 24. $32. To Feb. 26. Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark. (800) 838-3006.

PRINE: A TRIBUTE CONCERT. Here Today Enterprises, in association with Phoenix Theatre and Prop Thtr present a concert piece featuring the music of John Prine. Fri, 7 pm; Sat, 5, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $25. To Feb. 6. Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N. Western. (773) 296-6024. (Highly recommended; Houlihan)

PUT THE NUNS IN CHARGE. Vicki Quade’s spinoff of the hit comedy, “Late Nite Catechism.” Fri, 8 pm. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000.

RHINOCEROS THEATRE FESTIVAL. Curious Theatre Branch presents a showcase of artists from Chicago’s fringe. Jan. 21-23, 7 pm: Lisa Fay and Jeff Glassman’s “Currency.” Jan. 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 9 pm: “Deja Links.” Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 3 pm: Peter Axel Komistra’s “The Spores of Eden.” Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 7 pm: Bruised Orange Theater’s “Poverty: The Musical.” Jan. 22, 29, 9 pm: BoyGirlBoyGirl presents “Massive Fireball Reported Across Midwestern Sky.” Jan. 22, 11 pm: performance by the band Southsol. Jan. 23, 3 pm: Columbia College Chicago’s InterArts Showcase. Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 7 pm: Curious Theatre Branch’s “Mexico.” Jan. 24, 7 pm: Shalaka Kulkarni’s “A Carnival of Voices.” Jan. 24, 31, 7, 7 pm: The Whiskey Rebellion’s “Sign of Rain.” Jan. 24, 7 pm: Cristal Sabbagh’s “Kluteny.” Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 7 pm: Jessica Hannah’s “Recall: An Aromatic Interactive Performance.” Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 7 pm: Strange Lupus’ “Lemonade Stand.” Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 9 pm: Tympanic Theatre’s “Wonderful.” Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 3 pm: Pigeons with Teeth’s “Wishes, Whys & Secrets.” Jan. 29-30, 7 pm: School of Desigining a Society’s “10 to 4.” Jan. 29, Feb. 11, 9 pm: Chris Sullivan’s “The Outer Giants and Their Moon.” Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 9 pm: Found Objects Theatre Group’s “Mascot” and “Dr. Huckleberry Persimmon Explains Very Little for You! Jan. 31, Feb. 6, 13, 3 pm: film/video showcase. Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 9 pm: Barrie Cole’s “Fruit Tree Backpack.” Feb. 4-6, 7 pm: The Laboratory for the Development of Substitute Materials’ “Mirror City: A Phantom Experiment.” Feb. 4, 9 pm: Mark Chrisler’s “The Art of Painting.” Feb. 5, 12, 9 pm: Ian Belknap’s “Write Club.” Feb. 11-13, 7 pm: Judith Harding and Julie Laffin’s “The Aquatic Chronicles.” Feb. 13, 9 pm: closing night vaudeville. $12 in advane; $15 or pay-what-you-can at the door. Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston. (773) 508-0666.

SAINTS & SINNERS. Vicki Quade’s Mother Superior is called by the archdiocese to help with fund-raising. Sat, 5 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $30. Open run. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000

SIX MORE SCARY TALES. Clock Productions presents a new collection of scary tales written and directed by David Denman. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. No performance Jan. 23. $15. To Feb. 26. National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway. (773) 327-7077.

SPOILER ALERT: EVERYBODY DIES. The Second City presents its 98th revue. Tue-Thu, 8 pm; Fri-Sat, 8, 11 pm; Sun, 7 pm. $22, $27. Open run. The Second City, 1616 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992.

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)

TEARING DOWN THE WALLS. eta Theatre presents Daniel BeatyÕs play about a poet emerging from a violent past. Co-directed by Kemati J. Porter and Anthony P. Brooks. Thu-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $10 (Thu), $30 (Fri-Sun). To Feb. 13. eta Square, 7558 S. South Chicago. (773) 752-3955.

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

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. $9 plus the roll of a six-sided die ($10-$15). Open run. Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.

TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT. Writers’ Theatre presents Giles Havergal’s adaptation of Graham Greene’s novel about a mild-mannered banker who is drawn into an international adventure with his eccentric aunt. Directed by Stuart Gordon. Tue-Wed, 7:30 pm; Thu-Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 4, 8 pm; Sun, 2, 6 pm. Additional performance Jan. 26, March 2, 23, 2 pm. $45-$60. To March 27. Writers’ Theatre, 664 Vernon. (847) 242-6000. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Steppenwolf Theatre presents Edward Albee’s drama about a young professor and his wife caught in the crossfire of a marital war fought by an older couple. Directed by Pam MacKinnon. Thu-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat 3, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. Additonal performance Jan. 26, Feb, 2, 9 , 2 pm. $20-$75. To Feb. 13. Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. (312) 335-1650. (Highly recommended, Weiss)

WICKED. Broadway in Chicago presents Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s musical story of the witches of Oz. Directed by Joe Mantello. Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2, 8 pm; closes Sun, 2 pm. $30-$100. To Jan. 23. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph. (800) 775-2000. (Recommended, Miriam Di Nunzio)

CHILDREN’S THEATER

THE MONSTER UNDER THE BED. Chicago Playworks presents Kevin Dyer’s play exploring the reality of facing our fears. Tue, Thu, 10 am; Sat, 2 pm. No performance Jan. 22, 25, 27, 29. $8. To March 1. Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo. (312) 922-1999.

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS. Emerald City Theatre presents an adaptation of Mo Willems books. Days and times vary. $14, $16. To April 10. Apollo Theatre 2540 N. Lincoln. (773) 935-6100.

SEUSSICAL. Paramount Theatre presents the musical. Jan. 21, 9:30 am, 12, 7 pm. $8, $10. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora. (630) 896-6666.

SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH. Lifeline Theatre’s Kidseries presents a musical adaptation of the children’s book. Sat, 1 pm; Sun, 11 am, 1 pm. $12. To Feb. 27. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. (773) 761-4477.