OPENING
THE BLONDE, THE BRUNETTE AND THE VENGEFUL REDHEAD | “A cheating husband, a meddling neighbor, and a dropped ice cream cone combine to shatter Rhonda Russell’s quiet, suburban life. Seven very different characters offer their own perspective of the day Rhonda went berserk.” That’s the set-up for this 2004 work by Australian dramatist Robert Hewett; the catch is that all seven characters are played by one performer — in this case, former American Repertory Theater company member Karen MacDonald. Emerson College performing-arts chair Melia Bensussen directs this regional premiere. | Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 East Merrimack St, Lowell | 978.654.4MRT or merrimackrep.org | April 22–May 16 | Curtain 2 pm [April 28] + 7:30 pm Wed | 7:30 pm Thurs | 8 pm Fri | 4 pm [no April 24] + 8 pm Sat | 2 + 7 pm [no evening May 16] Sun | $26-$56
THE EMANCIPATION OF MANDY & MIZ ELLIE | Local playwright and director and Company One member Lois Roach created this drama about two women who’re brought together by the Emancipation Proclamation. The story is told “through live percussion, rhythmic movement, and the songs of freedom”; the production will feature Roxbury’s OrigiNation Dance Troupe. Victoria Marsh directs. | Boston Center for the Arts, Plaza Theatre, 539 Tremont St, Boston | 617.933.8600 | April 30–May 22 | Curtain 7:30 pm Wed-Thurs | 8 pm Fri-Sat | 2 pm Sun | $30-$38; $30 seniors; $15 students | $18 Wednesdays
FARRAGUT NORTH | Zeitgeist Stage closes out its season with this play by Beau Willimon that promises “dirty campaign tricks, questionable journalistic practices, sex with interns — all the things that make American politics great.” Set “during a close presidential race on the eve of the Iowa caucuses,” it involves a young press secretary who “falls prey to backroom politics, manipulation from campaign veterans, and the wiles of a seductive young intern.” David J. Miller directs. | Boston Center for the Arts, Plaza Black Box Theatre, 539 Tremont St, Boston | 617.933.8600 | April 30–May 22 | Curtain 7:30 pm Wed-Thurs | 8 pm Fri | 4 + 8 pm Sat | 4 pm Sun | $30; $20 students, seniors
GLORY DAYS | The Broadway glory days of this musical from James Gardiner (book) and Nick Blaemire (music and lyrics) were few indeed: it opened on May 6, 2008, at the Circle in the Square Theatre and closed following the first performance. But it’s getting a second chance from F.U.D.G.E. Theatre Company founder and artistic director Joe DeMita, who has “re-imagined, re-worked, re-interpreted, re-staged and re-choreographed” this story of “four best friends who reunite a year after high-school graduation, only to find how much they have grown apart.” Musical direction is by Jason Whiting. | Arsenal Center for the Arts, Black Box Theatre, 321 Arsenal St, Watertown | 781.245.0500 | April 30–May 8 | Curtain 8 pm Wed + Fri-Sat | 2 pm Sun | $20
