South Pacific With a slew of awards tucked beneath its billowing grass skirts, the 2008 revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific sweeps into the Palace Theatre on Tuesday, February 1. Performed by the Lincoln Center Theater's national touring company, the lavish production features a cast of 34, accompanied by the largest orchestra of any touring Broadway show in the country. Directed by Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher, the play tells the story of two lovestruck couples whose happiness is threatened by the realities of World War II. With such iconic tunage as "Some Enchanted Evening," and "Bali Ha'i," the show is widely considered the best Broadway musical ever written. Through February 13 at 1511 Euclid Ave. Tickets start at $10 at 216-241-6000 or online at playhousesquare.org.Altar Boyz: Produced by Beck Center, Altar Boyz is an irreverent pop-music parody told by way of five musical heartthrobs trying to save the world, one fan at a time. Through January 30 at the Hanna Theatre, 2067 East 14th St. Tickets are $10-$39.50 at 216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.org.
And Her Hair Went With Her: Set inside a beauty parlor, this comedy by Zina Camblin highlights the many intricacies of black women's lives. January 28 through February 20 at Karamu, 2355 East 89th St. Tickets are $10-$25 at 216-795-7077 or at karamuhouse.org.
Backwards in High Heels: The Ginger Musical: Celebrate the life and times of Ginger Rogers in this song-and-dance extravaganza by Lynette Barkley and Christopher McGovern. Through January 30 at the Cleveland Play House's Bolton Theatre, 8500 Euclid Ave. Tickets start at $46. To order, call 216-795-7000 or visit clevelandplayhouse.com.
Golda's Balcony: Broadway's longest-running one-woman show comes to Playhouse Square for one night only. Award-winning Tovah Feldshuh recreates her riveting portrait of one of the greatest women of our time and encapsulates the dramatic story of Israel in the 20th century. January 29 at Playhouse Square's Palace Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave. Tix are $10-$44.50 at 216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.org.
Flanagan's Wake: A zany blend of written dialogue and improvised laughs, the interactive show transforms the audience into guests at Flanagan's wake in the fictional Irish village of Grapplin. Through April 30 at Playhouse Square's Kennedy's Theatre (beneath the Ohio Theatre lobby), 1511 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $20-$23. Learn more by calling 216-241-6000 or visit playhousesquare.org.
Scenery: Set in the dressing room of the Belasco Theater, circa 1970, this comic romp finds a pair of New York actors facing the decline of their craft's popularity, their own evolving relationship, and an opening night for which neither one has the heart. Presented by the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, complete with adult themes and language. January 21 through 30 at the Cleveland Play House's Brooks Theatre, 8500 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $15 general, $12 students; order at [email protected].
Find current reviews by Scene critic Christine Howey at raveandpan.blogspot.com.
