Stage

BEST BET: Innocence, love, betrayal, vengeance, jealousy and redemption – the 1841 ballet “Giselle” has it all. Ballet Northeast brings the powerful work to the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center in Wilkes-Barre this weekend with Julie Degnan in the title role and professional guest artist Nikolai Morschakov as her love Albrecht. The ballet tells the story of a peasant girl who falls for a nobleman disguised as a peasant. She dies when she learns his true identity but her ghost protects him from the Wilis, female spirits who rise from their graves seeking vengeance on men by dancing them to death. Tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $20, $15 seniors, students and children. 639-1303.

THIS WEEK: MARCH 11 to 17, 2011

Brannigan’s Blarney, two acts of Irish music and Celtic comedy done in Irish Music Hall style and set on the Auld Sod and in a Boston pub. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Through March 20: Fridays and Sundays at 2 p.m.; Saturdays at 8 p.m. $18, $10 children. 421-5093.

Frankenstein, an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 story of romance and science fiction. Performed in conjunction with the “Wyoming County Reads” program. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. $10. 996-1500.

Grease, the 1950s rock-and-roll musical about young love and fast cars. Performed by students at Meyers High School, 341 Carey Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. $8, $5 students. 690-1128.

Emma, based on the classic Jane Austen novel about a spirited heroine who insists on managing everyone’s love lives. Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. Through March 20: Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $24, $19 seniors, $11 students. Related events include “Costume Design for Emma” Saturday, 1 p.m. ($10), a free screening of the movie “Clueless” following the Saturday performance, “Daily Life in Jane Austen’s Time,” a tea at the Inn at Turkey Hill, Sunday at 11 a.m. ($20); and “Who Needs Vampires? Jane Austen’s Wit Was Biting Enough!” Sunday, 1 p.m. at the Moose Exchange, 203 Main St., Bloomsburg. ($10). 784-8181 or bte.org.

The Phantom of the Opera, the long-running Broadway musical about the secret denizen of the Paris Opera House. Presented by Valley View High School, 1 Columbus Drive, Archbald. Tonight at 8; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $10, $8 students. 876-4110.

Rounding Third, the heartwarming play about a win-at-all-costs Little League coach who teams up with a new-to-town father whose son has never played baseball before joining the team. Electric Theatre, 326 Spruce St., Scranton. Through March 27: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $24, $16 seniors, $8 students. Discounts on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 558-1515.

The Life and Music of Billie Holiday, a musical drama with jazz singer and actress Jacque Tara Washington and the Presbybop Quartet led by the Rev. Bill Carter. First Presbyterian Church, 300 School St., Clarks Summit. Sunday at 4 p.m. Free-will offering. 586-6306.

Nunsense, the hilarious off-Broadway musical about the misadventures of the Little Sisters of Hoboken who stage a musical to raise money to bury their dearly departed. Performed by the Corner Bistro Dinner Theater at Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Airy. Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. $20. 866-468-7619.

The Vagina Monologues, presented in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month by members of the student chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Educational Conference Center, Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. Wednesday at 3 p.m. Free. 740-0429.

FUTURE

Showcasing Creativity, a variety show of community talent, co-hosted by Verve Vertu and Arts YOUniverse, 47 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. March 18 at 6 p.m. 208-5305.

Bella’s Big Fat Mystery Wedding, an interactive comedy mystery about a TV reality series about to stage a nationally telecast wedding – when the groom disappears. Corner Bistro Dinner Theater, 76-78 Main St., Carbondale. March 18 to 26: Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. $23 includes the Bistro buffet. Reservations: 282-7499.

American Stars of Tomorrow, a musical revue of pop songs, Broadway hits and popular patriotic tunes by the Music Box Youth Players. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. March 18-19 at 7 p.m.; March 20 at 2 p.m. $12, $10 children. 283-2195.

The Wizard of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road for a night of classic fantasy at Lakeland Junior Senior High School, 1593 Lakeland Drive, Jermyn. March 19 at 7 p.m.; March 20 at 3 p.m. $8, $5 students. 254-9485.

Sweet Charity, the Broadway musical about a taxi dancer ever hopeful that her life will change for the better. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. March 19 to 27: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. Also: the unveiling of the new lobby renovations by Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2011 on opening night. 823-1875.

Avenue Q, the Tony Award winner about a bright-eyed college grad trying to make it in New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. March 22 at 7:30 p.m. $53.50, $43.50, $25. 826-1100.

The Champagne Pool, a reading of John O’Hara’s elegantly comic look at the ordeal endured by an autobiographical playwright trying to get his work staged. Olde Brick Theatre, Rear 126 W. Market St., North Scranton. March 23 at 7 p.m. Free. 344-3656.

Dial M for Murder, the classic mystery about a washed-up tennis player hoping to murder his wealthy adulterous wife. Actors Circle, Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Preview performance March 24 at 8 p.m. ($8). Continues March 25 to April 3: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 342-9707.

Vincent, a theatrical portrait of the life of Vincent Van Gogh as told by his brother Theo (played by John Schugard). Canteen 900, 900 Rutter Ave., Forty Fort. March 25-26 at 8 p.m. $45 with dinner (served 90 minutes before show time); $12 show only. Reservations: 338-2547.

The Skyscraper, comedy-drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Auburn about the fates of six strangers on the rooftop of a historic building targeted for demolition. Performed by the Worthington Players at the Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. March 25 to April 3, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $18. 421-5093.

Rioult Dance Company, the 10-member American modern-dance ensemble known for its sensuality. Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. March 26 at 8 p.m. $30. 389-4409.

Ensemble Evening, student dance performances at the Lemmond Theater, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. April 1 at 7:30 p.m. Free. 674-6719.

Fame: The Musical, the stage show about the last group of students and teachers at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts. Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 411 Main St., Duryea. April 1 to 10: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 students. 457-3589.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s fantastical comedy about confused lovers, fairies and sprites and a troupe of actors rehearsing a play for the king. Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, West South Street at South River Street, Wilkes-Barre. April 7 to 9 at 8 p.m.; April 10 at 2 p.m. $15, $7 seniors and students. 408-4540.

Monty Python’s Spamalot, Eric Idle’s adaptation of the cult comedy classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. April 8 at 8 p.m.; April 9 at 2 and 8 p.m.; April 10 at 1 and 6 p.m. $59, $49, $37. 342-7784 or broadwayscranton.com.

Spring Awakening, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical depicting an honest portrait of adolescence. Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. April 8 at 8 p.m. 389-4409.

Love, Sex and the IRS, a wild comedy by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore about what happens when you try to cheat the IRS. Presented by Prestige Productions at the Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. April 8 to 17, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $18. 421-5093.

Little Shop of Horrors, an affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies about an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Performed by the Corner Bistro Dinner Theater at Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Airy. April 13 and 20 at 2:30 p.m. $20. 866-468-7619.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a fresh high-tech twist on the Shakespearean comedy of magical and mystical confusion. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. April 14 at 7:30 p.m. $27.50, $20, $14. School performances April 14 at 10 a.m. 826-1100.

Love Letters, A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize-winning romance about lovers who share a lifetime of letters. Performed by Center Stage Players at the Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. April 22 to May 1, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $18. 421-5093.

Ghost-Writer, Michael Hollinger’s play about a deceased novelist’s assistant trying to complete his “masterpiece” through inspiration from the beyond. Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. April 28 to May 15, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $24, $19 seniors, $11 students. 784-8181 or bte.org.

A Man’s a Man, the war-themed drama by Bertolt Brecht performed by the University of Scranton Players. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, Monroe Avenue between Linden and Mulberry streets, University of Scranton. April 29 to May 8: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. 941-4318.

The Seafarer. A friendly game of cards takes a devilish turn in Conor McPherson’s chilling play about the sea, Ireland and the power of myth. Performed by the Center Stage Players at the Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. May 6 to 15, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $18. 421-5093.

American Homicidal, an interactive murder mystery that takes place on the set of “American Idol” when one of the judges is murdered. Performed by the Corner Bistro Dinner Theater at Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Airy. May 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m. $20. 866-468-7619.

Heaven Can Wait, a comedy about a young New Jersey palooka “collected” by heaven 60 years before his allotted time, then allowed to return to Earth in the body of a recently murdered crooked banker. Actors Circle, Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. May 13 to 22: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 342-9707.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s tale about a magical night of moonlit merriment in the Forest of Arden. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. May 14 to 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m. 823-1875.

River’s Edge: The Story of Shawnee, memorable music of the past 100 years to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Shawnee Inn. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. With 8 p.m. shows on May 20-21, 27-28; June 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26; Sept. 2, and 2 p.m. matinees on May 22, 29; June 16, 19, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23; Aug. 6, 13, 20. $18. 421-5093.

Sisters of Swing: The Story of the Andrews Sisters, a musical about the female singing group from its early days on the road through its meteoric rise as recording stars. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. With 8 p.m. shows on June 4, 11, 15, 22, 25; July 23, Aug. 24, Sept. 3, and 2 p.m. matinees on June 1-3, 5, 8-10, 12, 15, 22, 30; July 3, 7-8, 13, 17, 21, 18; Aug. 5, 10, 18, 21, 28; Sept. 2. $28, $15 children. 421-5093.

This Is New York, a comedy about a couple and their daughter, headed to Florida but stranded in New York City during a layover that provokes a series of hilarious adventures. Performed by the Corner Bistro Dinner Theater at Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Airy. June 8 and 15 at 2:30 p.m. $20. 866-468-7619.

Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, a musical comedy about the singing Little Sisters of Hoboken. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. With 8 p.m. shows on June 18, 29; July 9, 13, 30; Aug. 13, 17, 20, and 2 p.m. matinees on June 17, 23-24, 26, 29; July 15, 20, 24, 27, 29; Aug. 4, 7, 11, 17, 26, 31; Sept. 1, 4. $28, $15 children. 421-5093.

Annie, the Tony Award-winning Broadway smash about the spunky orphan who escapes her hard-knock life, foils some fortune hunters and finds a family of her own. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. With 8 p.m. shows on July 2, 6, 16, 20, 27; Aug. 3, 6, 10, 27 and 2 p.m. matinees on July 1, 6, 10, 14, 22, 31; Aug. 3, 12, 14, 19, 24-25. $28, $15 children. 421-5093.

Post Mortem, a clever thriller about an actor having a cast party at his Gothic mansion only to discover that someone is trying to murder him. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. With 8 p.m. shows on Sept. 23-24, 30; Oct. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and 2 p.m. matinees Sept. 25, 28-29; Oct. 2, 5-6, 9, 12-13, 16, 19, 20, 23. $18. 421-5093.

Hallowed Wedding, a Brydie Jacques Production about an average couple ending up at a castle with Dracula, Frankenstein and his bride. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Oct. 28-29, 31 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. $18. 421-5093.

Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s comedy about two pairs of contrasting lovers: one full of adoring love and the other proclaiming their scorn for each other. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Nov. 4 to 13, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $18. 421-5093.

Home for Christmas, a holiday revue of traditional Christmas favorites. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. With 8 p.m. shows on Nov. 25-26; Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 18-19, 20, 25-27; Dec. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16-18, 21-22. $28, $15 children. 421-5093.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Auditions for the Actors Circle May production of the comedy “Heaven Can Wait.” Roles: males and females age 20 and older. Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. 871-1440.

Auditions for the Music Box Dinner Playhouse’s April production of the children’s musical “Pinocchio.” All roles available. 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. March 20 at 7 p.m. 283-2195.

The Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre is seeking a director, technical director and costumer for its May presentation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Send letter of intent and resume to artisticdirector@ltwb.org. 823-1875.

Theater Bus Trip to the Dutch Apple Theater in Lancaster for a performance of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Sponsored by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary on May 18. Reservations: 825-5747.

Capture the Flag! Civil War Kids Tell Their Stories, the 33rd annual Theatre in the Classroom presented by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Available to schools and community groups from April 4 to May 27. Booking dates now available at 458-4075.