42nd Street
1/15–2/9 C’mon and listen to the lullaby of Broadway, as Allentown, Pennsylvania, native Peggy Sawyer (Laura Savage) hoofs her way to stardom in 1933. $38–$50. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena, Aurora. paramountaurora.com
Ghost: The Musical
1/7–19 In screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin’s musical adaptation of his Oscar-winning 1990 movie, Chicago native Carla R. Stewart takes on the Whoopi Goldberg role, playing the outspoken medium who puts a bereaved young woman in touch with her ectoplasmic beloved. Expect a reprise of the sexiest pottery-making scene ever staged, plus songs by Dave Stewart and composer Glen Ballard (“Jagged Little Pill”). $27–$95. Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph. ghostontour.com
Hello, Dolly!
Through 1/5 Jerry Herman’s musical tale of the Yonkers matchmaker Dolly Levi boasts a score of indomitable standards. $35–$49. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury, Oakbrook Terrace. drurylaneoakbrook.com
The Phantom of the Opera
1/9–3/2 The show that put the mega in megamusicals celebrates its silver anniversary with a lavish touring production. Chicagoan Ben Jacoby takes on the role of the heroic Vicomte de Chagny, the Phantom’s rival for the love of a young soprano. $32–$105. Broadway in Chicago at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph. thephantomoftheopera.com/ustour
The Sweet Smell of Success
1/10–2/2 Leave the kids at home: This classic tale of skeevy 1950s New York has plenty of sex and violence. Think film noir but on the stage. $25–$38. Kokandy Productions at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont. kokandyproductions.com
We Three Lizas
Through 1/5 Who needs the three magi when you’ve got three Lizas? The titular trio star in Scott Bradley (book and lyrics) and Alan Schmuckler’s (music) relatively new production about a designer who has lost his mojo and the incarnations of Minnellis who help him get it back. Look for a cast of musical theatre powerhouses, including Bethany Thomas, Dana Tretta, and Danielle Plisz. $10–$45. About Face Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont. aboutfacetheatre.com
Young Frankenstein
1/16–3/16 Mel Brooks’s classic comedy gets the musical treatment. $45–$55. Drury Lane Oak Brook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. drurylaneoakbrook.com/live-theatre