Defacing Michael Jackson, Flying Elephant Productions at Stage 773, through Aug. 12. It takes a village to raise, or reject, a child—and Aurin Squire’s memory play recalls a pivotal moment in 1984 when four youths looked to the rock superstar to deliver them from a hostile Florida ghetto. MSB

The African Company Presents Richard III, Oak Park Festival Theatre, through Sept. 1. The great director Ron OJ Parson helms an outstanding ensemble to tell the 1821-set story of a revolutionary theater troupe comprised largely of escaped slaves. CES

Buddy, American Blues Theater @ Stage 773, remounted through Sept. 15. Far more concert than story, the short, mostly-sweet life of Buddy Holly is presented by 16 rocking vocal and instrumental stars. Don’t miss! JA

—By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Sullivan