Quantum Theatre stages the American premiere of the latest from acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower (Knives in Hens; Kill the Old Torture Their Young). Ciara is a monologue by the adult daughter of a Glasgow mob boss who left the criminal underworld for the art world. Local favorite Mary Rawson stars. Jan. 27-Feb. 14. Javo Studios, Lawrenceville. www.quantumtheatre.com
If it’s Nathan Detroit, Sky Masterson, Miss Adelaide and Nicely-Nicely Johnson, it’s gotta be Guys & Dolls. Pittsburgh Public Theater stages the classic musical based on the underworld stories of Damon Runyon, with Frank Loesser tunes including “Luck Be a Lady” and “Marry That Man Today.” Jan. 28-Feb. 28. Downtown. 412-316-1600 or www.ppt.org
This is not your dad’s Swan Lake: Dada Masilo’s version re-imagines the classic ballet through a South African lens, incorporating such contemporary issues as sex, gender, homophobia and the AIDS crisis. The score combines Tchaikovsky and African rhythms. Jan. 30. Byham Theater, Downtown. 412-456-6666 or www.trustarts.org
Get “inside the minds and senses of the dancers to reflect on the difficult choices we make every day” with Five. The Point Park Conservatory Dance Company production is the first collaboration between dance-department chair Rubén Graciani and choreographer and faculty member Keisha Lalama. The show, at the Rockwell Theatre, features a live choir. Feb. 5-14. Oakland. 412-392-8000 or www.pittsburghplayhouse.org
The Community Supported Art Performance Series, the New Hazlett Theater’s initiative for new and emerging artists, features Richardo Iamuuri. The musician and audio-visual artist’s A BRAND NEW WORLD: kill the artist tells the story of a rebel on trial in a hyper-consumerist world. Feb. 11. North Side. 412-320-4610 or www.newhazletttheater.org
“Making America Great Again!” isn’t just a cynical campaign slogan. It’s also the ironic name for David Cross’ first tour in six years. The comedian, known for his work on Mr. Show and Arrested Development, hits the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall on Feb. 18. Munhall. www.librarymusichall.com
Pittsburgh Opera stages the local premiere of 27, Ricky Ian Gordon’s critically praised 2014 opera about Allegheny City native Gertrude Stein and her partner Alice B. Toklas. The show, staged at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, depicts the women’s shared lives in Paris, and famous visitors like Picasso and Hemingway. Feb. 20-28. Strip District. 412-281-0912 or www.pittsburghopera.org
The great Toni Morrison’s debut novel comes to the stage as Point Park’s Conservatory Theatre Company offers the local premiere of The Bluest Eye, Lydia Diamond’s 2006 adaptation. It’s the story of an African-American girl growing up in small-town 1940s Ohio who longs to be white. Feb. 26-March 13. Pittsburgh Playhouse, Oakland. 412-392-8000 or www.pittsburghplayhouse.org
Trevor Noah is the new face of late night’s The Daily Show, and though he isn’t from around these parts, he’s making a quick study of skewering American news, politics and culture. Catch the South African-born comedian in person at the Carnegie Music Hall. March 4. Oakland. www.ticketmaster.com
Dancers from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre perform in Mixed Repertory #2, comprising three unique, emotionally driven works: Antony Tudor’s “Jardin aux Lilas,” Michael Smuin’s “Eternal Idol” and James Kudelka’s “Man in Black,” the latter a tribute to the late Johnny Cash (and performed to his songs). March 10-13. Byham Theater, Downtown. 412-456-6666 or www.trustarts.org
In Miss Julie, Clarissa and John, local playwright Mark Clayton Southers’ new recasting of August Strindberg’s classic drama Miss Julie, the action reset in Reconstruction-era Virginia. And the forbidden lovers are a white landowner’s daughter and his African-American servant. Kevin Brown, Tami Dixon and Chrystal Bates star in this Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Co. production. March 12-27. Downtown. www.pghplaywrights.com
Laura Eason is known for her work on House of Cards, but meanwhile her Sex With Strangers is one of the nation’s most frequently staged plays this season. The comedy about fortysomething novelist Olivia getting snowbound with twentysomething sex blogger Ethan gets its Pittsburgh premiere at City Theatre. March 12-April 3. South Side. 412-431-2489 or www.citytheatrecompany.org
Acclaimed, Pittsburgh-based dance-theater company Corningworks returns with Right of Way. The collaboration between choreographer/performer Beth Corning and famed local drag queen Jezebel Bebbington D’Opulence is an original, full-length work that explores ideas of femininity, gender, identity and acceptance, with five performances at the New Hazlett Theater. March 30-April 3. North Side. 412-320-4610 or www.corningworks.org
