'SYLVIA'

Ten years ago actor Kirsten Frantzich put a memorably frisky stamp on the title role of "Sylvia," A.R. Gurney's comedy about a stray pooch that comes between a midlife couple. Now Workhouse Theatre, a young, Ivey Award-winning company, is hoping to strike comic gold with the show. Artistic director Cristopher Tibbetts stages the show that features Erin Duffy, Julie Ann Nevill, David Denninger and Jonathan Peterson.

  • 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., the Warren, 4400 Osseo Rd., Mpls. $12. 612-216-1583, or workhousetheatre.org

'ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL'

Tiny, Twin Cities-based Classical Actors Ensemble is hoping to put a unique spin on "All's Well That Ends Well," the convoluted Shakespearean tragicomedy. The relatively new company tackles a narrative that revolves around Helena, the orphan of a deceased doctor, who wants to marry high-born Bertram. After she helps the King of France heal, she is rewarded with her choice of a husband. Bertram, whom she chooses, does not want to be married to her. But she cleverly meets the seemingly impossible conditions he has set for her. Joseph Papke directs a production that includes Danielle Siver as Helena and David Darrow as Bertram.