Hir, Steppenwolf Theatre, through Aug. 20. It's hard to like the characters in Taylor Mac's darkly distorted family sitcom, but only a joker couldn't admire the astonishing performances, especially Francis Guinan as the nearly wordless father in clown make-up. Director Hallie Gordon's fine foursome features Amy Morton as a vengeful Mom. JA
Jacques Brel's Lonesome Losers of the Night, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre at the No Exit, through Aug. 6. Only two more weekends to chill out in an Amsterdam waterfront bar with the Belgian balladeer's romantic vagabonds drifting between regretful pasts and uncertain futures. MSB
The Nance, Pride Films and Plays at Pride Arts Center Broadway, extended through Aug. 13. Relive the last days of burlesque, when naughty gay comedy reigned proudly ( but not the gay comics who lent it its subversive ribaldry ), lovingly rendered by John Nasca and featuring a bravura performance by Vince Kracht. MSB
Pilgrims, Gift Theatre, through July 30. Claire Kiechel's sci-fi drama keeps you guessing as a laconic soldier and a chatty young woman are forced to share a spaceship cabin with a comically perky robot stewardess. SCM
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan