Be Aggressive, Rivendell Theatre, through May 10. Cheerleaders from California on a cross-country quest for something REAL! 'We're seventeen! We're supposed to do reckless stupid dangerous shit and learn from our experience!' You GO, girls! (Barnidge)

Gem of the Ocean, Goodman Theatre, April 28-May 24. Set in 1904, this world premiere is eminent playwright August Wilson's ninth opus in his cycle about 20th Century African-American experience, one play for each decade. A new Wilson is an event. (Abarbanel)

The Mystery of Irma Vep, Northlight Theatre through April 27. Werewolves, vampires, mummies and high camp in Charles Ludlum's way over the top drag mystery. Skokie's Northlight gives a fast-paced, spirited turn to this 'theater of the ridiculous.' (Reed)

The Winter's Tale, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, through June 1. Barbara Robertson is peerless as the unjustly-accused queen, in Shakespeare's romance of a king's jealousy and its tragic consequences. Inspired direction by Brit superstar Michael Bogdanov. (Reed)