Between superheroes and super friends, ballet dancers and a champion bulldog, this week’s picks bring a cast of characters worth getting to know.

A gentle reminder: It is important to embrace the culture and free expression that define us as Chicagoans and Americans. In other words, buy a ticket and see a show. Here are five to consider.

“Crumbs from the Table of Joy” – one of the playwright’s earliest works, now on stage at Raven Theatre – is continually engaging. And in the current climate, it also turns out to be uncannily timely.

A richly evocative new play by Philip Dawkins is now receiving a vividly acted world premiere at Raven Theatre.