'Hedda Gabler'

First published in 1890 by famed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, "Hedda Gabler" has long been a standard bearer of 19th-century realism. The title protagonist is often called "the female Hamlet," and the conflicted character has been alternately portrayed as sympathetic, heroic and villainous. In this new interpretation by promising local director Genevieve Bennett, the dynamic Gabler reportedly traverses from darkly funny, to ruthlessly ambitious, to charismatic in the space of five minutes. Local favorite Annie Enneking, regularly lauded for her gritty performances, plays the lead. An opening night reception is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Red Stag Supperclub.

Jahna Peloquin

'Blithe Spirit'

The Jungle Theater, which closed 2009 with a crackling production of "The Seafarer," turns toward lighter fare as it opens the new year with this classic Noël Coward comedy. Joel Sass directs a cast that includes Wendy Lehr as the bumbling psychic Madame Arcati, Michael Booth as the unfortunate Charles Condomine and Amy McDonald as his wife, Ruth. Kate Eifrig plays the ghost of Charles' first wife, Elvira, who is accidentally summoned by Arcati. More event details.

Graydon Royce

'Burial at Thebes'

Theatre in the Round presents the area premiere of this new adaptation of Sophocles' "Antigone" by Irish poet and Nobel Prize-winning author Seamus Heaney. Originally premiered to commemorate the centenary of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, "Burial at Thebes" offers his unique, contemporary take on this ancient tale of the conflict between individual conscience and societal good. More event details.

William Randall Beard

'Expecting Isabel'

Playwright Lisa Loomer co-wrote the Academy Award-winning film "Girl, Interrupted." She also had a career as a stand-up comedian. She brings both talents to bear on her award-winning play "Expecting Isabel," receiving its area premiere by Theatre Unbound. She tells the outrageous (and hilarious) tale of one couple's epic attempt to thread their way through the modern fertility industry and reach parenthood, all the while navigating the ethnically rich labyrinth of their oddball families.