Belle Barth: If I Embarrass You, Tell Your Friends ** 1/2
In this cabaret-style musical at the tiny No Exit Cafe, Chicago writer Joanne Koch asserts that Belle Barth was one of the great unsung geniuses of Jewish comedy. But she was marginalized by a career at odds with the prudery and sexism of an era that could otherwise embrace the likes of Lenny Bruce. In this show, Barth (bravely played by Bethany Thomas) is rehearsing her act with her pianist (Gerald H. Bailey); it’s 75 minutes of droll novelty songs (penned by Ilya Levinson and Owen Kalt) and quaintly filthy gags — none of which can be printed in this newspaper but are funny, nonetheless. Through Dec. 21 at No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood Ave.; $20 at 773-347-1109.
The Brothers Karamozov ***
There’s something deeply satisfying about encountering Dostoevsky on the Magnificent Mile. After all, this is a town where you can witness a fully realized and wholly sincere dramatic adaptation of “The Brothers Karamazov” — in all its throbbing, three-act, 195-minute, 19th Century glory — just across the street from a Ralph Lauren store. You’ll have seen clearer shows at the Lookingglass. But you’ll definitely be stirred by Heidi Stillman’s shrewd, moving and warmly performed version of this literary classic, revealing a new maturity in the ensemble cast. Through Dec. 21 at Lookingglass Theatre in Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.; $30-$50 at 312-337-0665.
Don’t Dress for Dinner *** 1/2
The good times are back at the Royal George Theatre — just as they appear to be collapsing everywhere else. I wouldn’t claim that this commercial production of Marc Camoletti’s farce, starring Jeffrey Donovan and Patricia Kalember of TV fame and Spencer Kayden and Mark Harelik of Broadway, qualifies as an economic stimulus package. And if you demand redeeming social purpose for your theater-going dollar, look elsewhere. But this is a terrific show, cheerfully retro and un-P.C., and it’s most definitely a stimulus for the funny bone. Through Jan. 11 at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St.; $49.50-$59.50 at 312-988-9000.
Dublin Carol ***
With “CSI” star William Petersen in the lead, this is a simple but moving play about an undertaker and lifelong drinker surveying the wreckage of his life. The Irish playwright Conor McPherson understands the thick trajectory of booze through Anglo-Irish culture. And while I think Petersen could let loose more, this committed stage actor knows his way around truth and shows us plenty in Amy Morton’s wise and aptly melancholy Steppenwolf Theatre Company production. There’s a reason why he just became its 42nd ensemble member. Through Jan. 4 at the Steppenwolf Theatre, 1635 N. Halsted St.; $50-$70 at 312-335- 1650.
Grey Gardens ***
This deliciously quirky Broadway musical is about the mother-and-daughter pair of Edith and “Little Edie” Beale, the famously eccentric relatives of Jackie Kennedy, who, racked by divorce, scandal and personal eccentricities, traded the aristocratic life for one of deep Long Island squalor. BJ Jones’ powerful regional premiere at Northlight Theatre showcases a dazzling performance by Hollis Resnik. As Little Edie, Resnik’s gripping, musical articulation of middle-age regret seasons shocks an entire theater into silence. Through Dec. 28. at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; $25-$59 at 847-673-6300.
Jersey Boys ****
As the music of the Four Seasons and their rise from Newark to the top of the pop-music charts, this Chicago production delivers a smash-hit adult night out for a city that understands Jersey better than most. Open run at Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.; $30-$150 at 312-902-1400.
Jon ***
George Saunders’ short story “Jon” is partly a savvy spoof of corporate culture in the fashion of “Mad Men” or “The Office,” and partly a dire warning about the damage marketers are doing to our teenagers. Unlike most of its peers, Collaboraction is sufficiently techno-savvy to create a credibly intense sci-fi universe in an intimate, live and intensely provocative setting. Through Dec. 20 at The Building Stage, 412 N. Carpenter St.; $25 at 312-226-9633.
Million Dollar Quartet *** 1/2
Great balls of fire! Here’s a hit. This musical has the kind of jaw-dropping performances that lift your feet from the floor. It’s based on an actual night in 1956 when Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis and Johnny Cash showed up at Sam Phillips’ Sun Studios for a jam session — and contains two dozen iconic musical numbers. Through Jan. 25 at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-935- 6100.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular ***
If you last saw “Radio City” years ago, you really haven’t seen it. In 2006, choreographer Linda Haberman returned this show to its 1930s roots and rediscovered its emotional resonance as a celebration of the urban Christmas that never existed. She also made the Rockettes the stars. And three years on, they kick better than ever. Through Dec. 7 at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont; $25-$65 at 847-671-5100.
Radio Macbeth ***
“Radio Macbeth” is not an accidental title. The SITI Company’s latest theatrical conceit at Court Theatre is a production that treats the notorious Shakespearean tragedy as a symphony of sound. Its most distinctive achievement is to persuade you to look at — or, rather, hear — a Shakespearean tragedy in an entire new way, which in the case of “Macbeth” is no mean feat. Through Dec. 7 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.; $32-$56 at 773-753-4472.
Ruined *** 1/2
Mama Nadi runs a whorehouse in today’s raging, restless, rapacious Democratic Republic of the Congo. And in Lynn Nottage’s gripping, gut-wrenching new play “Ruined,” she has a cardinal house rule: You don’t take sides in an African civil war. Sincere, passionate, courageous and surprisingly optimistic in spirit, “Ruined” is a remarkable accomplishment. Through Dec. 14 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; $10-$39 at 312-443-3800.
The Screwtape Letters ***
Jeffrey Fiske and Max McLean’s touring dramatic adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” doesn’t traffic in minimalist symbolism or arty deconstruction. Hades ain’t dull. Through Jan. 4 at the Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport Ave.; $29-$48.50 at 773-325-1700.
Tomorrow Morning *** 1/2
Nobody warned the hugely talented Laurence Mark Wythe against writing a sentimental romantic musical. Thank heavens. After all, the dreams and fears of a bride and groom don’t go away just because the couple down the block worries about the same stuff. Through Dec. 7 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.; $28.50-$34.50 at 773-404-7336.
Wicked *** 1/2
Blond girl. Green girl. Love interests. Goat. Wizard. All are in fine Midwestern fettle. Through Jan. 25 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.; $32-$90 at 312-902-1400.
Winter Pageant Redux ** 1/2
Redmoon Theater offers a warm and pleasant way to pass an hour with your loved ones without succumbing to one of those ubiquitous branded holiday opportunities. At Redmoon Central, everyone sits in a big, friendly circle — with kids on mats at the front. A parade of resonant winter images ensues — illuminated flying swans, fish on sticks, a bathtub boat, a snowstorm made of paper. With an atmosphere that’s communal, celebratory and happily offbeat, this is a show that provokes both contemplation and a feeling of well-being, well-timed. Through Dec. 21 at Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard St.; $15 at 312-850-8440.
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Hottest ticket
Sure ‘Midsummer’ thaw for your wintery freeze
A Midsummer Night’s Dream *** 1/2
The British director Tim Supple’s “Midsummer” is performed in Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Sanskrit, Malayalam, Marathi and, well, English. This isn’t India bowing at the knee of omni-cultural Shakespeare. This is Shakespeare bowing at the knee of omni-cultural India. The resultant sexually charged show — which has been a smash hit around the world and concludes its international tour at Chicago Shakespeare Theater — is one of the most audacious and thrilling “Midsummers” you’re ever likely to see. The cast includes a wide variety of Indian and Sri Lankan talents (several are Bollywood stars) and all are highly trained performers with myriad physical and verbal skills. Through Dec. 7 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier; $60-$75 at 312-595-5600.
