Regional premiere

American Theater Company presents the regional premiere of “Men on Boats,” Jaclyn Backhaus’ tale about explorers mapping the Green and Colorado rivers during the government’s 1869 expedition into the American West. “Men on Boats” marks the first ATC production helmed by new artistic director Will Davis, whose gender-fluid cast consists of women and “otherwise defined” actors.

Previews begin at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at 1909 W. Byron St., Chicago. The show opens Monday, Jan. 9. $20-$38. (773) 409-4125, ext. 102, or atcweb.org.

A ghost story

City Lit Theater premieres its adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s 1958 novel “The Sundial,” a ghost story centered on the mysterious death of a wealthy man who may have been murdered, possibly by a family member. Northwestern University associate professor Paul Edwards adapted and directs the production, which marks his third adaptation of a Jackson tale for City Lit.

Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Edgewater Presbyterian Church, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago. The show opens Tuesday, Jan. 10. $24-$29. citylit.org .

Angela channels Judy

Angela Ingersoll, who received raves for her performance as Judy Garland in Porchlight Music Theatre’s “End of the Rainbow,” brings her cabaret salute to the movie star to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Ingersoll performs “Judy Garland: Come Rain or Come Shine” as part of Metropolis’ bimonthly artists lounge series, which showcases theater artists in solo settings.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $45-$50. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com .

— Barbara Vitello