Curtains — In 1959, a less than talented actress is murdered during the opening night of her new play. July 31 and August 1, 7, and 8 at Cleveland State University's Summer Stages, 1833 East 23rd Street. Call 216-687-2113 or visit http://www.csuohio.edu/theater/SummerStages for more info.
Hunter Gatherers — The weirdest dinner party you will ever attend. Pam and Richard have their friends over for dinner, complete with animal sacrifices, sex, and wrestling. Through August 14 at The Liminis, 2438 Scranton Road. Tickets are $12-$15. Call 216-687-0074 or visit convergence-continuum.rg.
King Lear — An aging king decides to distribute the land he rules over to his three daughters, giving the most land to whoever loves him the most. Through August 15 at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path in Akron. Tickets are $15-$30. Call 330-673-8761 or visit www.ohioshakespeare.com.
Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad — Madame Rosepette always buys three tickets wherever she goes: one for her, one for her son, and one for the body of her deceased husband. July 30 and August 6 at Cleveland State University's Summer Stages, 1833 E. 23rd St. Tickets are $10- $15. Call 216-687-2113 or visit www.csuohio.com/theater/summerstages.
The Merry Wives of Windsor — Shakespeare's story about a fat knight who, in a dire financial situation, decides to woo two wealthy married women. When they figure out his plan, they use the situation for their amusement. Hilarity ensues. Playing in rep with Titus Andronicus, through August 8 at various outdoor sites. Visit cleveshakes.org for schedule.
The Phantom of the Opera
— A phantom man in a white mask and cape tries to seduce a young girl who has just recently been selected to sing at the Paris Opera House Through August 22 at the Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $10-$87.50. Call 216-771-4444 or visit playhousesquare.org for more information.
The Producers — With more than 40 people in the cast, lots of set changes, and loads of costumes, Beck Center's well-paced production mostly succeeds and offers up plenty of laughs. (Howey) Through August 22 at Beck Center, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Tickets are $10-$28. Call 216-521-2540 or go to beckcenter.org.
Romance — This raucous one-act features all of David Mamet's trademark vulgarity, plus a load of anti-everything insults and some serious cocaine use. But the result is a dark comedy that's tighter than Snooki's tube top, thanks to a stellar cast. (Howey) Presented by None Too Fragile Theatre through August 7 at 2125 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. Tickets are $17 or pay what you can. Call 330-962-5547 for more info.
Titus Andronicus — Shakespeare's first play, Titus is a nonstop orgy of sex and violence, with multiple revenge plots being eagerly pursued in the bloody streets of ancient Rome. (Howey) Playing in rep with The Merry Wives of Windsor, through August 7 at various outdoor sites. Visit cleveshakes.org for schedule.
