The Safe House, City Lit Theatre at Edgewater Presbyterian Church, through Dec. 16. The occupants of the title dwelling may be a three-generation white, het Norman Rockwell family in suburban Michigan on the surface, but author Kristine Thatcher's savvy filial dynamics render their needsand solutionsapplicable to all demographics.
MSB
The Nutcracker, House Theatre at the Chopin, through Dec. 30. The House Company's adaptation transforms E.T.A. Hoffman's romantic fancy into a mythic tale of a household battling the sorrow threatening their holiday cheer, their resistance aided by clever reanimated toys, tuneful musical interludes, thrilling sword fights and scrumptious cookies. MSB
Gypsy, Porchlight Music Theatre, through Dec. 29. E. Faye Butler is ferocious yet tender in this exceptional production of a legendary musical. Butler was born to play Mama Rose. JA
The Q Brothers Christmas Carol, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, through Dec. 30. Even in Year Six, this 90-minute rap/hip-hop version of the holiday classic still is a cheeky, edgy, mile-a-minute delight. You'll smile and tap your toes. JA
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Sullivan