Two Gentlemen of Verona
It's not too late to catch a performance of Two Gentlemen of Verona, the Shakespearean comedy that wraps up Great Lakes Theater Festival's 49th season. Like all of the Bard's best, the romantic romp asks a question that resonates down through the ages: Bros before hoes, or vice versa? In this instance, you'll have to buy a ticket ($15-$70) to see what protagonists Valentine and Proteus decide, as they jeopardize their bromance in the pursuit of pretty girls. Director Charles Fee updates the setting and puts singers and a band onstage for music that ranges from folk to indie rock. The upshot is intended to offer a fresh take on a funny coming-of-age classic. The run continues through Saturday, April 23, at the Hanna Theatre, 2067 East 14th St. Snag tickets at greatlakestheater.org or by phone at 216-241-6000. — Elaine T. Cicora
The Excavation: "The best way to describe the show is as a play inside a fun house," says Theater Ninjas founder Jeremy Paul of this interactive exploration in the galleries of the 78th Street Studios. Blending live action, music, and visual art, the 80-minute experience aims at examining the way people reveal themselves in the process of digging into the past. Just don't go with the idea of occupying a seat: Attendees get up, move around, and choose their own adventure. Tickets are $15 to $18 at theaterninjas.com or by phone at 216-245-3514. Through April 23 at 1300 West 78th St.
Fever/Dream: Author Sheila Callaghan takes a whack at the rapacious monstrosities that corporations have become, and hits her mark quite often, thanks to a spirited CPT production helmed by Beth Wood. Due to some not-terribly-original takes on the business environment, this work (which debuted in 2009 in Washington, D.C.) at times feels dated. Though it's imperfect, the play still reveals the craven sneer lurking under the smiley face of many a corporation. And that's a good thing. (Christine Howey) Through April 23 at Cleveland Public Theatre's Gordon Square Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. Tickets are $10 to $25. Call 216-631-2727 or purchase online at cptonline.org.
Flanagan's Wake: This interactive comedy runs through April 30 at Playhouse Square's Kennedy's Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $20 to $23; Learn more at 216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.org.
I Hate This/And Then You Die: David Hansen performs his two award-winning solo shows in a single presentation. At CPT's Store Front Studio through April 23, 6415 Detroit Ave. Tickets are $10 to $25. Call 216-631-2727 or purchase online at cptonline.org.
Legacy of Light: Two women push the boundaries of physics and yearn for maternal fulfillment in this sweet, time-traveling comedy that anchors FusionFest 2011. See full review this issue. Through May 1 at the Cleveland Play House, 8500 Euclid Ave. Tickets start at $46 online at clevelandplayhouse.com or by phone at 216-795-7000.
The Real Americans: Author Dan Hoyle takes an alternately amused, angry, and baffled look at America's growing political polarization, in one of the final offerings from FusionFest 2011. April 22 and 23 at Cleveland Play House; tickets are $20 online at clevelandplayhouse.com or by calling 216-795-7000.
The Underpants: This bawdy and unrelentingly silly sex farce continues through April 23 at the Beck Center, 17801 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. Tickets are $10 to $28 at 216-521-2540 or purchase online at beckcenter.org.
