Top 5 Shows of the Week

1. “A Chorus Line” at Compass Rose Theater.

“We the audience are finally given the opportunity to witness what this ensemble can do together, if they’re only given the chance.” – Kristen Price.

READ review.

Synopsis: Climaxing the season with glittering spectacle, this musical play tells the story of aspiring dancers. Each one hopes that talent and drive will make him or her a star. An exacting director, Zach, seeks to put together a dance team of the best dancers for his show. Personal stories of hope and loss reveal the lives of the dancers off the stage and shine a light on the reality behind their performances. Great dancing and powerful drama combine to make this final play of our season a must-see triumph. Winner of Nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize.

2. “Witch” at Creative Cauldron.

“…an evening of memorable music, great acting, and moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity.” – Jeannette Mulherin.

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Synopsis: From the dawn of time, women have been demonized, feared and objectified whenever their power challenged the traditional order. Weaving a thread from the Salem Witch trials through modern day politics, this world premiere musical examines the complex and compelling stories of women who’ve been labeled as witches throughout the centuries. Building on their beautifully crafted productions of The Turn of the Screw, Monsters of the Villa Diodati, and Kaleidoscope, Conner and Smith bring us their next highly anticipated “Bold New Work.” Funded by Jon Wiant, Mike Blank and the Bold New Works for Intimate Stages donors.

Sophia Manicone (Fiona), Samaria Dellorso (Mary) and Arianna Vargas (Marie) in ‘Witch.’ Photo by Kx photography.

3. “Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt” at Adventure Theatre MTC.

“…a fast-paced hour filled with puzzles and gags…” – Peter Orvetti.

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Synopsis: Third grade has put Judy Moody in a mood. She’s got to figure out what to include in her “Me” collage, and her know-it-all little brother Stink keeps getting in the way. When the Moody family drops anchor on “Artichoke” Island, they meet Cap’n Weevil with a secret treasure map, launching them on a mad dash across the island in search of gold. But they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot! Can Judy Moody and Stink outwit their competition in time? Will Judy finish her project? Come aboard as we launch this world premiere and find out!

‘Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt.’ Photo by Michael Horan.

4. “Bye Bye Birdie” at Gateway Community Theatre.

“Gateway’s fine production of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ not only inspires us to put on a happy face but also reminds us that we’ve got a lot of living to do!” – Brian Bochicchio.

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Synopsis: Rock star Conrad Birdie is the biggest thing to top the charts. Women love him, men want to be him and teenage girls around the country scream with glee at the mere mention of his name. But when the United States Army drafts Birdie, manager Albert Peterson sees his meal ticket preparing to fly the coop (much to the delight of longtime love Rose Alvarez, who can’t wait for Albert to ditch the music biz and become something respectable, like an English teacher). Desperate for a publicity stunt big enough to help them survive Birdie’s departure, Albert and Rose hatch a plan: send Conrad to small-town America to plant his goodbye kiss on one lucky fan for the entire world to see. Their selection of super fan Kim Macafee sends the wholesome enclave of Sweet Apple, Ohio into chaos. Kim’s boyfriend, Hugo, can’t take the humiliation of his lady love’s televised lip-lock. Rose can’t take another minute of Albert’s distracted ways. And Sweet Apple can’t take its teens’ riotous rebellion, inspired by the arrival of bad-boy Birdie. Will Sweet Apple ever be the same?