Coronado, Steep Theatre, through Nov. 3. If you liked Mystic River, you’ll find Dennis Lehane’s gritty accounts of modern-day desperados just as engaging on the stage when realized by this inexplicably underrated storefront ensemble. MSB
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, St. Sebastian Players, through Nov. 11. Sweating mares, virgins, courtesans, love potions, erotic pottery and a braggart soldier assemble in one of the all-time funniest musicals, drawn from Roman comedy. JA
Love is Dead: A NecRomantic Musical Comedy, Annoyance Theatre; through Jan. 4. Halloween is the perfect time to see this fun and peppy musical that spoofs forensic dramas like CSI while tapping into the popularity of Six Feet Under and Pushing Daisies. SCM
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan