Babes With Blades: The Music Videos, Storefront Theater, through June 15. Violence is anything but brainless in this multi- textured all-chick musical exhibition of theatrical combat. One more weekend to see the Buffies with the big swords. (Barnidge)

Fifth of July, Griffin Theatre through July 27. Echoes of Chekhov as a Missouri family deals with home, loss, and one's place in the world in Lanford Wilson's comic, poignant, moving 1977 drama. First-rate direction by Richard Barletta and Jonathan Berry. (Reed)

Journey's End, Seanachai Theatre at Breadline, 1802 W. Berenice, through July 5. World War I de-glorified in a manly drama of British officers in the trenches. This was the height of gritty realism in 1928. Fine cast, excellent direction, superb scenic design. (Abarbanel)

The Sign of the Four, Shanghai Low Theatricals at Apple Tree Theatre, June 23-July 20. A Victorian thriller of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in which East meets West. Steve Pickering directs a host of Chicago's favorite character actors. What more could you ask? (Barnidge)