Review
“The How and the Why” — Temple of Music and Art Cabaret, 330 S. Scott Ave. Something Something Theatre Company shows no fear: It has taken on Sarah Treem’s dense and challenging play, packed with biology and feminism and big ideas. Christine Peterson is Rachel, a graduate student in evolutionary biology; Kathleen McGrath is Zelda, a famous scholar in the same field. The story opens up with the two meeting for the first time. The tension is thick. Rachel is very angry; Zelda soft and almost contrite. Their discussions about menstruation, obligations and the grandmother hypothesis are never dull thanks to the well-rooted work these two actors have done. Director Jasmine Roth saw that the story moved swiftly and clearly. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 11. $22. 468-6111 or somethingsomethingtheatre.com.
Opening
“They Call Me Q” — Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Ave. Qurrat Ann Kadwani was born in Bombay and grew up in the Bronx. That made her life a bit of a conflict: her traditional parents expected her to follow the cultural norms of her native country, and she longed to be accepted in the culture of her adopted country. Oh, talk about angst. Those conflicts are at the root of Kadwani’s solo play, which she also performs. She transforms herself into 13 different characters, among them her parents, a racist teacher, and gals from the ’hood. The play ran off Broadway for seven months in 2014 and won her some solid reviews: “… this spunky monologue, equal parts stand-up comedy and reality confessional, delivers a winning tale,” said the Village Voice. And the Montreal Gazette called it “witty, polished and inspiring to young women in search of freedom and identity.” There are only three performances, so don’t wait on this one. It’s at 7:30 p.m. March 1 and 2, and 3 p.m. March 3. $34. 882-9721 or invisibletheatre.com.
“Godspell 2012” — St. Francis Theatre, 4625 E. River Road. The Gospel of St. Matthew is the foundation for this musical by Stephen Schwartz (he of “Wicked” fame) and John-Michael Tebelak. “Godspell” first hit Broadway in 1971, and it has had a life in theaters ever since. It also has had many tweaks — the “Godspell 2012” version pops with contemporary references and some new arrangements. The story of Jesus is told with a variety of music genres, including pop, reggae and gospel. Directing this production is Jose “Chach” Snook, who has proven he has a deft hand when it comes to shaping musicals. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 18. $20. 505-1856.
“Lost in Yonkers” — The Gregory School, 3231 N. Craycroft Road. St. Gregory students take on the Neil Simon autobiographical comedy. Performances are 7 p.m. March 2 and 3 and 2 p.m. March 4. $8 at the door; $6 in advance, and free for ages 60 and up. 327-6395.
A Night of Radio Classics — The Community Playhouse, 1881 N. Oracle Road. Radio Revival Theatre settles into the Community Playhouse space to bring back classic radio tales in a live theater format. H.G. Wells’ “Time Machine” and a “Fibber McGee and Molly” episode will be recreated at 7 p.m. March 2-3 and 2 p.m. March 4. $10. 329-4987 or thecomedyplayhouse.com
Odyssey Storytelling — The Sea of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. Seventh St. The theme for this evening of storytelling is sidekicks. Six people pull from their personal lives to tell 10-minutes tales. 7 p.m. March 1. $10. 884-5063 or odysseystorytelling.com.
Last chance
“Priscilla: Queen of the Desert The Musical” — Pima Community College Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road. “Priscilla” is based on the 1994 hit movie “The Adventures of Priscilla, the Queen of the Desert.” It’s about a couple of drag queens and a transgender woman who, with their bus, Priscilla, travel to an isolated Australian town to perform a drag show. As they cruise across the country, they run into some delicious characters — and some intolerant ones. The story practically bursts with heart and humor. Todd Poelstra directs and onetime Broadway hoofer Mickey Nugent does the choreography. Take note if you are easily offended: This one contains adult themes and language. Performances are 7:30 p.m. March 1-3; 2 p.m. March 3 and 4. $18. 206-6986 or www.pima.edu/cfa.
“Lost in Yonkers” — Arizona Rose Theatre, 4500 N. Oracle Road in the Tucson Mall. Arizona Rose remounts its production of this Neil Simon play about two brothers who are sent off to live with their stern grandmother and slightly batty aunt. Performances are 7 p.m. March 2 and 3, 2 p.m. March 4. $17. 888-0509 or arizonarosetheatre.com.
Continuing
“The Best Brothers” — Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway. Stephen Frankenfield and Steve Wood star in this comedy about two brothers dealing with their mother’s death and its aftermath. The Daniel MacIvor comedy isn’t profound, but in the actors’ hands, it is tender and heartfelt. Forgiveness and family are at the heart of this tale, directed by Sabian Trout. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays through March 24. $20. 327-4242.
“I Hate Hamlet” — Roadrunner Theater, 8892 E. Tanque Verde Road. A television actor has moved to New York and into an apartment once occupied by the great actor John Barrymore. Convenient, as our actor has been cast in “Hamlet.” Barrymore’s ghost is conjured up to give him some tips. Roadrunner’s production of the comedy, directed by Mark Klugheit, is wonderfully over the top. Cast members include Chris Koval, Lucas Gonzales, Ellie Vought, Clark Andreas Ray, Renata Rauschen and Andrea Hickey. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through March 11. $20. 207-2491 or roadrunnertheatrecompany.org.
“RAPunzel” — Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway. The tale of Rapunzel — she of the long locks — is given a rap turn by Tucson playwright Richard Gremel. It’s geared toward kids. 12:30 Sundays through March 18. $10. 327-4242 or livetheatreworkshop.org.
