Theater spotlights: Steve Martin's 'The Underpants' and Michele Riml's "Sexy Laundry'

Opening Friday: Gender politics, bourgeoisie mores and naked lust get a salacious sendup in "The Underpants," Steve Martin's comedy adapted from Carl Sternheim's 1911 work, "Die Hose." The play centers on Louise, an attractive twenty-something married to a mid-level clerk. She's way too pretty for him. When her underpants fall down as they watch a parade, lots of men become interested in renting an apartment from the couple, as the dropped bloomers scandalize her husband. This production, directed by Brave New Workshop alum Shanan Custer, kicks off the 63rd season of Theatre in the Round. Amy Pirkl plays Louise while John T. Zeiler plays her husband. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., ends Sept. 28, Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., $22, 612-333-3010 or www.theatreintheround.org.)

ROHAN PRESTON

Opening Friday: You don't have to be a long-married couple to relate to Michele Riml's "Sexy Laundry." The comedy centers on Alice and Henry, who, after raising kids and tending to their careers, find that they need to relight their fire. They check into a hotel, ready to explore leather and tantric massage. Mary Finnerty's production, which kicks off Park Square Theatre's 39th season, stars real-life couple Charity Jones and John Middleton. (7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., ends Sept. 28, Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul, $25-$58, 651-291-7005 or www.parksquaretheatre.org.)