Best of the Week: 'Romeo and Juliet,' Wynton Marsalis, Zakk Sabbath, 'The Abominables,' more

The famous balcony scene in director Joesph Haj's rich, free-spirited production of "Romeo and Juliet" at the Guthrie Theater becomes an erotic dance with words. Haj's ambition, wit and sense of play hit a new mark in this Shakespeare classic. He's refreshed it with contemporary stage business, from dances to beatboxing to a trimmed text. Even with all the modern elements, this gorgeous, stirring "Romeo and Juliet" retains its essence. ROHAN PRESTON

Ends Oct. 28, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., $29-$77, guthrietheater.org

Wynton Marsalis has parlayed his impeccable jazz scholarship and masterful mien to where he arguably is the foremost ambassador of American jazz for mainstream audiences. Marsalis' outsized influence can obscure his prodigious chops on trumpet, plus how the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has thrived under his sway. It's a polished, veteran big band full of remarkable instrumental voices, ideal to do justice to the Duke Ellington on this program.

BRITT ROBSON

7:30 p.m. Sun., Orchestra Hall, Mpls., $43.50-$93.50, minnesotaorchestra.org

Erin Paradis' elaborate, hulking ceramic forms take up space in a good way. In this solo exhibition, she also displays drawings, textile wall hangings, three-dimensional textile forms and other surprise materials. Paradis and fellow ceramics artist Brittany Trushin will soon be opening Lacuna Gallery, a space in south Minneapolis. This show inaugurates Hair & Nails Art's second season.

Alicia Eler

Black Sabbath fans have two special chances to rock out this week. First is the local debut of Zakk Sabbath, the tribute band led by Ozzy Osbourne's longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, with Oz bassist Blasko and ex-Danzig drummer Joey Castillo. Then movie theaters (including Minneapolis, Oakdale and Shakopee) will be screening for one night only "The End of the End," documenting Black Sabbath's final shows.

Chris Riemenschneider

Concert 9 p.m. Tue., Fine Line, Mpls., $25-$40, finelinemusic.com; film 7 p.m. Thu., blacksabbathfilms.com

"The Abominables," the Minnesota-made hockey-themed musical, is engaging, funny and insightful. The show zeros in on youth sports, a subculture where investment, expectations and pressures have forced things out of bounds. The pucksters are imbued with character and heart, and the adults around them are a hoot. Still, "Abominables" blows the whistle, sweetly, on an aspect of our culture that needs a timeout.

ROHAN PRESTON

When Benjamin Britten was just 23 he wrote a dazzling tribute to his mentor, a work for strings called "Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge." It forms the centerpiece of a St. Paul Chamber Orchestra program also featuring Schubert's ebullient Third Symphony along with selections from Mozart's "Don Giovanni."

TERRY BLAIN

7:30 p.m. Thu., Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater; 8 p.m. Fri., Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata; 8 p.m. Sat., St. Paul's United Church of Christ, St. Paul; 2 p.m. Sun., Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, Arden Hills; $11-$26, thespco.org

After a run of festival gigs from Coachella to Lollapalooza, Glass Animals are taking their psychedelic, electronic pop-funk show back indoors as its rising star shows no sign of fading. A discovery of Adele producer Paul Epworth, the British band hit it big with its peanut-buttery 2014 hit "Gooey" and continued to add momentum with another ubiquitous food-themed hit this year, "Pork Soda," from its sophomore album, "How to Be a Human Being."

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

"The Nether" is a disturbing new drama in which it's difficult to tell the difference between reality and the virtual world. Think of it as a completely immersive "World of Warcraft" programmed by the Marquis de Sade. The play is split between the interrogations of the creator, and a frequent user, by a shadowy agent. The actors, especially Mo Perry and Stephen Yoakam, expertly play these moments in this nightmarish work.

ED HUYCK

Ends Oct. 15, Jungle Theater, Mpls., $35-$45, jungletheater.com

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week and National Public Lands Day with a day of outdoor activities at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Breathe in the crisp air surrounded by fall color and nature, while learning about conservation. Hike the new granite hiking trails or take a wagon ride. Featured programs include live raptors and wildlife artist Gary Moss.

Melissa Walker