Theater: New and Noteworthy

School Play

(St. Peter's School). Tribe of Fools' show about how school is just, well, comically painful for many kids; you'll recognize a lot of the stories. June 9-12, 11-12, 15-18, and 22-25.

Dogs of Rwanda (InterAct Theatre). Dan Hodge in a National New Play Network world premiere about the darkness and dangers of war. Sunday and Monday, and June 10-12 and 17-18.

Reviewed by Tirdad Derakhshani (T.D.), Jim Rutter (J.R.), and John Timpane (J.T.).

The American Revolution (Arden Theatre Company / Studio Theatre). Seven actors zip through the country's story in a little less than an hour. Ends next Sunday.

Brighton Beach Memoirs (Act II Playhouse, Ambler). Neil Simon's first "Eugene" play follows a teen stumbling toward manhood in Depression-era Brooklyn. Through June 18.

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope; Perelman Theater) Buddy returns with a rockin' ride on the meteor of Holly's career. First the Bucks County Playhouse, then south on I-95 to the Kimmel Center to resume rocking. (Bucks County Playhouse, through June 17; Perelman Theater, June 24-July 9). - J.T.

Denial (Playcrafters, Skippack). Peter Sagal's play about the First Amendment and the limits of free speech. Next Sunday and June 15-17.

The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord (Lantern Theater Company). Three greats of the 19th century compare notes in the afterlife. Through July 2.

Gypsy (Arden Theatre Company). Gypsy makes her way through the last days of vaudeville. A disappointingly provincial production, with lovely costumes and good moments, but lacking energy. Through June 19. - J.R.

HIR (Simpatico Theatre Company). A woman is set free to help a child transition - and to dismantle the patriarchy. Through June 25.

How to Use a Knife (InterAct Theatre Company). In a busy Wall Street restaurant, a master chef and an immigrant forge a singular bond. Powerful, perplexing in parts, with a great turn by Scott Greer. Through June 18. - T.D.

Intimate Apparel (McCarter Theatre, Princeton). Pulitzer-winner Lynn Nottage's play on the working life and women's place, 1905. Deeply moving, somewhat predicatble, with touches of genius. Ends Sunday. - J.T.

The Little Mermaid (Steel River Playhouse, Pottstown). The Disney version of the beloved tale, featuring the best in local talent. Ends next Sunday.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (Hedgerow Theatre). Summer is a time for love, lunacy, ass' ears, and laughs. Ends next Sunday.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (People's Light). A dignified china rabbit embarks on an epic journey from a child's arms to worlds beyond. Ends Sunday.

Motown the Musical (Academy of Music). The most classical - and most danceable - of American pop. Nearly 60 pulsing tunes, with incredibly talented singers and dancers. Ends next Sunday. - J.T.

One More River to Cross (Latvian Society). World premiere of Pulitzer-winner Lynn Nottage's music/drama piece based on late-1930s WPA interviews with former slaves. A powerful, sweeping production that transcends a few flaws. Ends next Sunday. - T.D.

Peter and the Starcatcher (Eagle Theatre, Hammonton, N.J.). The grown-up's prequel to Peter Pan. Ends next Sunday.

Project Dawn (People's Light, Malvern). A revolutionary court in Philly serves a passionate and shockingly funny group of women. Through June 27.

Saturday Night Fever (Walnut Street Theatre). In 1979 Brooklyn, Tony and Stephanie train together for a dance competition. You'll sing and dance the rest. Tremendous talent, and a worthwhile story arc, about the dark side of working-class life. Through July 16. - T.D.

Uncle Vanya (Quintessence Theatre Company). Thwarted ambition, thwarted loves, a certain gun, and classic Chekov. Through June 18.

West Side Story (Media Theatre). Warring street gangs and an unlikely romance. Ends next Sunday.