CRITICS' PICKS

Juno, TimeLine Theatre, through July 27. Marc Blitzstein’s rarely seen musical of Sean O’Casey’s Juno and the Paycock preserves all O’Casey’s brooding tragedy but jettisons much of the character comedy. It’s a problem, although this production is beautifully sung, acted, played and staged. JA

The Last Ship, Bank America Theatre, through July 13. Sting’s robust score, sung by a band of hearty men and women—not to mention a scenic design as big as the Ocean Blue—adds up to a successful launch for this Broadway-bound musical. MSB

Monstrous Regiment, Lifeline Theatre, through Aug. 3. A platoon of irrepressible cross-dressing military recruits led by the formidable Christopher Walsh make for gleefully giddy fun in this page-to-stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s satirical fantasy. MSB

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Drury Lane Theatre, through Aug. 17. The hit 2005 Broadway musical about quirky kid spellers played by adults receives an outstanding production in Oakbrook Terrace that highlights the under-the-surface serious drama amid the expected silliness and flights of fancy. This is also one of the more lavishly produced productions you’ll see of the show. SCM