Theater: New and Noteworthy

Reviewed by Bill Chenevert (B.C.), Hugh Hunter (H.H.), Wendy Rosenfield (W.R.), Jim Rutter (J.R.), David Patrick Stearns (D.P.S.), John Timpane (J.T.), and Toby Zinman (T.Z.).

As You Like It (Lantern Theater). Two cousins in the woods - and a lot more, from the silly to the profound. Played loud, with slapstick, music, and much, much noise. Through April 17. - T.Z.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Academy of Music). Broadway production, a tuneful celebration of King and other songwriters of her era. A rich, inspiring show propelled through the dynamic voice of Abby Mueller as King. Through April 3. - B.C.

Dr. Faustus  (Quintessence Theatre Group at Sedgwick Theater) The age-old struggle between good and evil, personified in a doomed genius. What happens when the human mind knows all but lacks a soul? Through April 24.

Heathers: The Musical (Eagle Theatre, Hammonton, N.J.) A stalker takes aim at the triple threat of Heathers who rule Westerburg High. An over-the-top, funny, and heartfelt treatment, based on the film, that really works. Through April 23. - J.R.

The Mousetrap (McCarter Theatre). Agatha Christie's durable thriller tracks a murder spree in an isolated manor as the snow falls all around. A well-oiled ensemble and an atmospheric setting keep this very well-established play vibrant and entertaining. Ends Sunday. - D.P.S.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hedgerow Theatre). Adaptation of Agatha Christie's first mystery novel. Begins with a slow, expository first act, and then really gets rolling. Through May 8. - J.R.

An Octoroon (Wilma Theater). The 21st-century sensibility of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins renovates Dion Boucicault's 1859 smash-hit antebellum melodrama about forbidden cross-racial love and its consequences. Through April 10.

Peter and the Starcatcher (Walnut Street Theatre). A prequel to the Peter Pan stories, based on the comic novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. A creative romp, with quite a set. Through May 1.

Red (Walnut Street Theatre, Independence Studio). Tony Award-winner about the troubled life and passionate art of painter Mark Rothko. It's heady, talky, overwhelming, and impressive. Ends Wednesday. - J.R.

Richard III (People's Light). Up close and personal with this most entertaining of stage villains. On the intimate Steinbright Stage. Daring, astounding, a joy to watch. Through April 24. - H.H.

Rumors (Bristol Riverside Theatre). Neil Simon takes us to one of the most hilariously unprepared parties in history - and spins out of control from there. Through April 17.

St. Joan (Quintessence Theatre Group). A farm maid who claims to talk to angels asks the King of France for permission to command his army. George Bernard Shaw's supremely ironic portrayal of the arc of Joan of Arc. Through April 22.

Too Much Sun (Isis Theatre Company at Walnut Street Theatre, Studio 5). An actress flees with her family to Cape Cod - and now they all have to live together. Some moments of humor, but it doesn't live up to the poetic script. Ends Sunday. - J.R.

Two Trains Running (Arden Theatre). August Wilson's play is set in Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1969, at a time of civil unrest in a rapidly changing world. Deft pace and timing, explosive humor, a sense of history, and a tremendous ensemble. Through April 10. - J.T.