American Buffalo, Steppenwolf Theatre, through Feb. 14. Patrick Andrews continues an extraordinary year (if you saw him in Cabaret, you know whereof we speak) going toe-to-toe with Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan is David Mamet’s explosive tale of junk shop dogs. Directed by Amy Morton, the g*d-damn show is f*cking great. CS
The Addams Family, Ford Center/Oriental Theatre, through Jan. 10. There are still narrative issues in Act II that need to be worked out in this pre-Broadway world premiere. But as it now stands, The Addams Family is still great fun thanks to oversize theatrical performances from likes of Nathan Lane and company. SCM
The Nutcracker, Joffrey Ballet at the Auditorium Theatre, through Dec. 27. Call it a warhorse if you will. E.T.A. Hoffman’s Yuletide tale of a magic toy and a fairy kingdom populated by dancing sugarplums remains enchanting in the Joffrey’s capable hands. And Tchaikovsky’s score is simply sublime. CS
The Message Is In The Music (God Is A Black Man Named Ricky), Black Ensemble Theater, open run. “In my house, everybody comes to the party” declares Rick Stone’s secular-humanist host, but it’s His son Trinity who rocks the heavenly choir in Jackie Taylor’s latest musical revue. MSB
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge,
Morgan and Sullivan