Crave, the side project at the Side Studio, extended through Dec. 18. Sarah Kane’s powerful, experimental, and depressing deconstruction of a personality on the edge makes for surreal, yet compelling theater, directed by Stephen Cone. RR
Nathan the Wise, Chicago Festival of the Arts at the Theatre Building, through Dec. 31. Timely and timeless, this lovely plea for tolerance set during the Crusades sends a wonderful message. Director Rachel Silverman has assembled a talented ensemble for this company’s inaugural effort. RR
Oliver!, Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, through Feb. 12. The very best production of this show I’ve ever seen, with a wonderful cast knee-deep in Jeff Award winners and lead by a child, Michael Notardonato, a gifted young man from Naperville who has it all. JBA
Slaughter City, GroundUp Theatre at Steep Theatre, through Dec. 17. Hog Butchers To The World, indeed! Any play set in a slaughterhouse arrives carrying its own bloody metaphor, but this production lends new meaning to the term ‘carnal knowledge.’ MSB
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Reed