Utility, Interrobang Theatre Projects at Rivendell Theatre, through May 4—The poverty of some Southern white folks may not be as dramatic as urban-industrial-sector poverty, but it’s the focus of playwright Emily Schwend’s work. MSB
Bright Star, BoHo @ the Greenhouse, through May 5—Although saddled with a predictable story, this tender and sincere musical soars with a wonderful, bluegrass-inspired score which a fine company plays, sings and dances to a “T.” JA
Cambodian Rock Band, Victory Gardens Theater, through May 12—By turns sassy and harrowing, Lauren Yee’s newest play intertwines the nightmare 1970s Khmer Rouge regime, with retro Cambodian rock music (songs by Dengue Fever) played live. Exciting theater! JA
Admissions, Theater Wit, through May 12—In this strongly acted dramedy, author Joshua Harmon challenges the good guys—i.e., people who look like us—to practice what we preach about equal opportunity for everybody; say, in college admissions. MSB
—By Mary Shen Barnidge and Jonathan Abarbanel