Dating Walter Dante, Raven Theatre Studio, through March 24. The always-contrary Jon Steinhagen asks how far we can suspend our prejudices in his provocative allegory of star-crossed lovers fleeing the court of Public Opinion. MSB
Orpheus Descending, Shattered Globe Theatre at Stage 773, through March 11. Tennessee Williams’ Southern tragedy may have flopped on Broadway in 1957, but Shattered Globe offers up a strong and enjoyable production of this symbol-laden rarity. SCM
Show Boat, Lyric Opera, through March 17. I have some nits about this new production, but the bottom line is that it’s a brilliantly-sung, colorfully-staged and engaging version of a justifiably legendary Broadway show. “Old Man River,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man,” “You Are Love” Go, hear. JA
Six Characters in Search of an Author, The Hypocrites at Chopin Theatre, through March 11. Steve Moulds’ modernized update of Luigi Pirandello’s massively influential play-within-a-play drama is full of laughs and chills as it explores the “realities” of theater and bringing stories to life. SCM
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge
and Morgan