'Boys Next Door' a group effort

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre teams up with Clearbrook and the Northwest Special Recreation Association among other organizations for its latest, “The Boys Next Door,” Tom Griffin's touching comedy-drama about four mentally challenged men and the social worker who cares for them. David Belew directs Bear Bellinger, David Elliot, Adam Kander and Andrew J. Pond who co-star as the “boys.”

Previews begin Thursday, Jan. 13, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The show opens Sunday, Jan. 16. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

Combat comedy

Fox Valley Repertory, formerly known as Noble Fool, begins the new year with old favorites Dirk Perfect and Guido Crescendo. Known as The Swordsman, David Woolley (Guido) and Douglas R. Mumaw (Dirk) combine comedy and swordplay in this family-friendly show.

8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 584-6342 or foxvalleyrep.org.

Collateral damage

Playwright Danai Gurira (“In the Continuum”) examines the survival drive among women captured during the Liberian Civil War in “Eclipsed.” Hallie Gordon makes her Northlight Theatre directing debut with this production featuring Steppenwolf's Alana Arenas and Leslie Ann Sheppard.

Previews begin Thursday, Jan. 13, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The show opens Saturday, Jan. 22. (847) 673-6300 or northlight.org.