Seasonal sendup

Paramount Theatre invites theatergoers to let off some “seasonal steam” at “The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue.” Second City’s touring ensemble skewers holiday-related traditions from awkward office parties to outrageous family gatherings in this adults-only show, which also features some seasonal improvisations.

Opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $36. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com.

Janus holiday show

Janus Theatre Company regulars unite to perform “That Holiday Show,” an adult-themed sendup of all things seasonal. Tara Schuman directs the show, whose proceeds will help fund Janus’ 2017 season.

8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. $16. janusplays.com.

Lookingglass premiere

Lookingglass Theatre Company premieres “Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth,” ensemble member Doug Hara’s Neil Gaiman-inspired play about a pair of traveling storytellers. When the Big Bad Wolf dies mysteriously and characters begin disappearing from fairy stories, the couple spring into action to restore order before the famous tales are lost forever. Hara directs the show, which stars Samuel Taylor and Lindsey Noel Whiting as the titular couple. The production also features puppets by Blair Thomas and shadow animations from Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace and Julia Miller of Manual Cinema Studios.

Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The show opens Dec. 17. $35-$80. (312) 337-0665 or lookingglasstheatre.org .

— Barbara Vitello