Theater Spotlight
The popular performance art comedy spectacular Blue Man Group has been running off-Broadway since 1991 and in Chicago since 1997. Yet it's not the same show as when it started, since the creators of Blue Man Group have frequently updated the routines and comedy bits to keep up with shifting technologies and sociological talking points. So if you think you already know what goes on in Blue Man Group, you'll likely be surprised at what has changed. Blue Man Group continues in an open run at the Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St. For more information on the performance schedule, call 773-348-4000 or visit www.blueman.com .
Critics' Picks
Assassination Theatre, Museum of Broadcast Communication to Jan. 3. After a five-month run, Hillel Levin's historical docudrama involving the mysterious deaths of presidents might still be short on the "drama" aspect, but makes for fascinating investigative journalism, nevertheless. MSB
Elf, Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire, through Jan. 3. This 2010 film-to-stage musical adaptation of the popular 2003 Will Farrell holiday vehicle receives a superlative staging thanks to director/choreographer Marc Robin. SCM
Hellcab, Profiles Theatre, through Jan. 10. Although the words may remain the same, Will Kern's survey of the urban landscape is reborn every year to showcase anew the diversity of Chicago's lower depths. MSB
Good for Otto, Gift Theatre, returning from Jan. 14 to Feb. 7. Both profound and invigorating, David Rabe's world premiere looks at two community mental health workers and their patients struggling with parental abandonment. Rabe's skill makes it's more exciting and entertaining than you'd think. JA
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan