Best of the Week: 'The Boy and Robin Hood,' Winstock, John Legend, Tool, NPG salutes Prince, more

"The Boy and Robin Hood" is playwright Tyler Mills' striking and violent new take on an old legend. It's a coming-of-age play about a lad (Peder Lindell, 14, who has stage chops and charisma) who suffers misfortune and ends up in the forest, where he's adopted by Robin's men. This is the first production by Trademark Theater, founded by Twin Cities actor Tyler Michaels, who directs the show.ROHAN PRESTON

Ends June 11, Ritz Theater, Mpls. $15-$20, trademarktheater.org

Little Big Town is one of the most musical acts in country music. That's apparent every time the harmony-loving coed quartet appears on TV and in concert, as they did in 2016 with Luke Bryan at U.S. Bank Stadium. They've got a powerhouse vocalist in Karen Fairchild (above), a slew of hits (love "Girl Crush" and "Pontoon") and a slot on tour with Keith Urban. They are headed to Winstock, the summer's first country fest, along with Brantley Gilbert and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

JON BREAM

Fri.-Sat., Winstock airport, Winsted, Minn. $125-$310, winstockfestival.com

John Legend received more attention for his involvement with "La La Land" (he was an executive producer and actor, playing the bandleader of the group Ryan Gosling joined) than for his latest album, "Darkness and Light," which arrived in mid-December. For the velvety piano balladeer, the new album stretches his emotional range, thanks to producer Blake Mills. Still, the always suave, Oscar- and Grammy-winning Legend is, at heart, the "All of Me" romantic.

JON BREAM

Austrian violinist/conductor Thomas Zehetmair concludes his seven-year artistic partnership with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra during this season finale. The centerpiece is the world premiere of a violin concerto by Houston composer Pierre Jalbert, with SPCO concertmaster Steven Copes as the soloist. But a performance of Beethoven's Dionysian Seventh Symphony ensures that Zehetmair will exit in a blaze of adrenaline and raw elation.

TERRY BLAIN

11 a.m. & 8 p.m. Fri., 8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ordway, St. Paul. $15-$53, thespco.org

While its long delayed follow-up to the 2006 album "10,000 Days" has turned into this decade's "Chinese Democracy," Tool itself has maintained a certain mystique and fanatical cult status. The thundering prog-metal quartet rolls into St. Paul four years after its epic Harriet Island performance and just 11 dates into a summer tour. So far, the shows have included one new song and one old rarity along with the usual awesome visual production.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

Last June seemed too soon for the New Power Generation to salute their recently departed leader, Prince. Now Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson, Tommy Barbarella and other NPGers will team up with versatile Twin Cities vocalist Julius Collins and guests Dave Pirner, Jamecia Bennett and Margaret Cox to present the music of Prince for a second tribute timed to his birthday. Let's hope this abundantly talented band skips the photo/video backdrop and focuses on the music.

JON BREAM

8 p.m. Thu.-Sat. Fine Line, Mpls. $45-$55, finelinemusic.com

The Twin Cities hold a special place in the heart of playwright-turned-Hollywood honcho Craig Wright ("Dirty Sexy Money," "Six Feet Under"). He studied at St. John's University and United Theological Seminary. And he got early support for his career at age 21, when he won a Jerome Foundation fellowship. Wright's plays, including "The Pavilion," were produced at the Jungle Theater. He returns for a public conversation with theater critic Dominic Papatola.

ROHAN PRESTON

Omar El Akkad brings his highly praised debut, "American War," to the Twin Cities, courtesy of Subtext Books. In this futuristic novel, he imagines a new civil war in the United States, this one caused by the need for oil. El Akkad is Canadian-Egyptian and a former reporter for the Toronto Globe and Mail. The event includes an interview and book signing.

LAURIE HERTZEL

7 p.m. Thu. St. Paul Athletic Club, St. Paul. subtextbooks.com

With warm weather months in short supply, it's time for communities to make their best attempts to get families outdoors to enjoy all their cities have to offer. Champlin's annual Father Hennepin Festival has fun with a family bike ride, craft, car and lumberjack shows. Taste local and regional beverages at the Lakeridge Beer and Wine Fest and hear live music. Other attractions include a parade, fireworks, princess party and more.

MELISSA WALKER