The Arabian Nights, Lookingglass Theatre, through July 12. Storytelling becomes a matter of life and death as the tales of Scheherazade postpone her execution. Intricate, intriguing and oh-so-easy on the eyes, the production provides a glimpse into a land that today is (sadly) known more as a war zone than a trove of mesmerizing lore. CS
Graceland, Profiles Theatre, through August 16. The death of a parent can be tough on the surviving children, but Ellen Fairey’s mischievous look at cross-generational coping methods and the goofy kindness of strangers is efficient, compassionate and very, very funny. MSB
The History Boys, TimeLine Theatre, through Aug. 2. Two teachers duel over eight bright British boys bound for Oxford U. in this dazzling examination of education with a strong gay subplot. Now extended, maybe you can score some rare tickets. Do try! JA
A Minister’s Wife, Writers’ Theatre, through Aug. 2. This new musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Candida has just extended. Go now to see a work that compellingly stretches the boundaries of both musical theater and chamber opera. SCM
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge,
Morgan and Sullivan