OPENING
The always-boundary-pushing dramaturgs of Ballet of the Dolls are back with another new production, adding their signature, oh-so-twisted twist to a classic fairy tale. Presented in two separate variations, the family-friendly "Cinderella" and the decidedly edgier "SINderella," the tale gets retold as only the Dolls can. While the clean version stays fairly true to the original story -- with the added inspiration of Charles Addams' whimsical illustration work -- the adults-only production is set in a brothel where Sinderella is forced to work for her stepmother, the brothel's madam, and her two prostitute stepsisters. Take advantage of a special deal to get both shows for $15, available during box office hours only at the box office or by calling 612-436-1129. ("Cinderella": 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun.; various times through Dec. 23. All ages. "SINderella": Dec. 7-31. 18 & older. $10-$27.50. Ritz Theater, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. www.ritzdolls.com.) JAHNA PELOQUIN
'A Behanding in Spokane'
Playwright Martin McDonagh always has favored the gritty side of the tracks, and he pulls no punches in this darkly humorous piece. David Tufford plays a gun-toting maverick who is on a many-years search for his missing left hand. He terrorizes characters played by Brian Evans and Sara Marsh. Luverne Seifert portrays a hotel clerk who appears timid but rises to the occasion. Matt Sciple directs the production for Gremlin Theatre. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 4 p.m. Sun. $18-$20; under 30 pay half your age. Ends Dec. 16. Gremlin Theatre, 2400 W. University Av., St. Paul. 651-228-7008 or www.gremlin-theatre.org.) GRAYDON ROYCE
THURSDAY
Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre
Herrera's company is one to watch, and one that ably represents Miami's increasingly dynamic arts scene. The troupe delivers Herrera's delightfully iconoclastic perspective, encompassing influences from modern dance, ballet, drag, burlesque, theater, hip-hop and opera -- all reflected in her diverse, boundary-busting casting. The evening features two works, "Dining Alone" and "Various Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret." The latter unfolds like a "series of dreams inspired by water," Herrera said in a recent phone interview. "There's no other way for me to be honest than to be a surrealist," she added. (7:30 p.m. Thu. $14-$31. The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Av., St. Paul. 651-690-6700 or oshaughnessy.stkate.edu.)CAROLINE PALMER
