Dancers portray candy confections in the second act of Salt Creek Ballet's version of the Tchaikovsky ballet "The Nutcracker," which plays in Hinsdale, University Park and Skokie.

Comedian Mitch Fatel returns to the Improv Comedy Showcase in Schaumburg.

Muriel Anderson will perform at Downers Grove North High School.

Song cuts from Bon Jovi's recent concert dates in New York and London and a live question-and-answer session are featured in the movie theater screenings of "Bon Jovi Inside Out."

Associated Press

The publishing phenomenon "Fifty Shades of Gray" is spoofed in the comic stage show "SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody" at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago.

Chicago-area cabaret artist Marianne Murphy-Orland will performer in the concert "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.