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Theater: New and Noteworthy

New This Week Forever Plaid (Montgomery Theater). The Plaids, an old-time doo-wop group, get a chance to return from the afterlife and sing the great old hits. Starts Saturday, through May 8.

"Peter and the Starcatcher": The Walnut Theatre production is creative romp, with quite a set.
"Peter and the Starcatcher": The Walnut Theatre production is creative romp, with quite a set.Read moreMARK GARVIN

New This Week

Forever Plaid

(Montgomery Theater). The Plaids, an old-time doo-wop group, get a chance to return from the afterlife and sing the great old hits. Starts Saturday, through May 8.

Sex with Strangers (Philadelphia Theatre Company). Laura Eason's play about two people who don't really get along - until one night they're forced to share a bed, and . . . bingo. Starts Wednesday, through May 8.

They're Playing Our Song! (Center City Theatre Works). In Neil Simon's two-hander with songs by Marvin Hamlisch and Carol Bayer Sager, a composer finds a lyricist who is . . . not perfect. Starts Monday, through April 26.

Twelfth Night (Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre). Disguise, mistaken identity, music as the food of love, a poignant symphony of miscommunication. Starts Friday, through May 22.

Continuing

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.).

Always . . . Patsy Cline (Walnut Street Theatre). A musical biodrama of one of the great personalities in country music, with dozens of her songs. Through July 3.

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 next Sunday. - T.Z.

Dr. Faustus (Quintessence Theatre Group). The age-old struggle between good and evil, personified in a doomed genius. This production has all the magic a great cast and imaginative staging can bring. Through April 24. - J.R.

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.

Macbeth (Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre). The nightmare of having murdered - and never being able to wash off the stain. Through May 21.

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.

The Nether (InterAct Theater Company). A near-future dystopia in which Internet addiction can lead to perversion and violence. This production has grand moral themes but allows the sensational to get in the way. Through next Sunday. - B.C.

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. - 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. This sure-footed production is full of hilarious entertainment. Through next Sunday. - J.R.

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. This production is a powerhouse, bringing the play into the present. Through April 22. - J.R.

Two Trains Running (Arden Theatre). August Wilson's play is set in Pittsburgh in 1969, at a time of civil unrest. Deft pace, explosive humor, history, and a tremendous ensemble. Ends Sunday. - J.T.

WaistWatchers The Musical! (Penn's Landing Playhouse). A wacky musical with food obsessions, poundage, gym rats, and parodies of 22 pop tunes. Through May 29.