THE STRANGE UNDOING OF PRUDENCIA HART By turns high-spirited, deftly satirical, and eerie, this immersive-
theater quest narrative (right) chronicles the adventures of an academic (played by the appealingly soulful Madeleine Worrall) whose scholarly interest in “the topography of hell’’ takes on a whole new dimension over one tumultuous night. Through June 30. Production by National Theatre of Scotland. Presented by International Festival of Arts & Ideas. At Wicked Wolf Tavern, New Haven. 888-736-2663, www.artidea.org
TOTEM Virtuosity topped with Vegas cheese: It’s the tried-and-true Cirque du Soleil recipe, and it works well in “Totem,’’ written and directed by the ubiquitous Robert Lepage, a man who knows a thing or two about juggling. Through July 29. At Big Top, Boston Marine Industrial Park. 800-450-1480, www.cirque
dusoleil.com/totem
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 July 1. Lyric Stage Company, Boston. 617-585-5678, www.lyricstage.com
CAR TALK: THE MUSICAL!!! Based on NPR’s popular call-in program, this show might seem an unlikely proposition. But with the help of Tom and Ray Magliozzi, who contributed their voices to the project, Wesley Savick has cobbled a wacky plot, clever song parodies, the brothers’ trademark outrageous puns, and a fine cast into a production that’s running like a top. Through Aug. 12. Presented by Underground Railway Theater and Suffolk University. At Central Square Theater, Cambridge. 866-811-4111, www.central
squaretheater.org