Now playing
TROJAN WOMEN
Director Ben Evett envelops the audience in an atmosphere of escalating dread as the women of Troy await their bleak fates at the hands of the conquering Greeks. The excellent ensemble includes Aimee Rose Ranger in four roles (Athena, Cassandra, Andromache, and Helen) and Rosalind Thomas Clark as a heartbroken but resolute Hecuba. Through June 2. Presented by Whistler in the Dark Theatre. At Factory Theatre, Boston. 800-838-3006, www.whistlerinthedark.com
WOODY SEZ: THE LIFE & MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE
A fine musical portrait of a groundbreaking folk singer (played by David M. Lutken with understated charisma), whose best songs speak for the dispossessed in all times and places. Through June 3. Presented by American Repertory Theater. At Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge. 617-547-8300, www.americanrepertorytheater
.org
XANADU
An indefensibly enjoyable romp on roller skates, with a superlative cast led by McCaela Donovan, who seizes the opportunity to fully showcase her musical and comedy chops as a Greek muse who falls in love with a (very) mere mortal. Through June 9. Presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company. At Roberts Studio Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.speakeasystage.com
AVENUE Q
Inspired by “Sesame Street,” the 2004 Tony Award winner for best musical is a dark story of growing up in the big city. With its adult themes and graphic puppet sex, it’s not for children. But adults will be able to access their inner child through this sunny-side-of-the-street production, in which it’s hard to tell who’s cuter and more lovable, the puppets or the humans. Through June 24. Lyric Stage Company. 617-585-5678, www.lyric
stage.com
Last chance
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
All the 1982 cult-classic musical about a ravenous flytrap really needs are four adorable incarnations of Audrey II and accomplished singer-actors to play Seymour, Audrey, Mushnik, Orin, and the girl-group chorus. This production delivers on every count; you even believe you’re watching a hip musical retelling of “Macbeth.” Through May 27. New Repertory Theatre, Charles Mosesian Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown. 617-923-8487, www.newrep.org