Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque, (Sub)version Productions at Reggie’s Music Joint, through Dec. 26. Fan-dancing snowflakes, a glass-eating “Calavera Catrina” and a Tim Curry-ish Drosselmeyer highlight this just-for-adults gender-fluid body-positive spoof of the classic ballet. MSB
The Revolutionists, Strawdog Theatre, through Dec. 29. Lauren Gunderson deconstructs the French Revolution with feminist fury, artful analyses and enough insider comedy for a dozen time-travel epics. 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