Moonbox Productions has a knack for capturing the soul of diverse modern classics. Their recent staging of "Of Mice and Men" caught the gutsy essence of John Steinbeck's ode to true friendship.Now talented director Allison Choate has tapped into the sharp-eyed subtleties of "The Importance of Being Earnest." The result is the best local revival of this Oscar Wilde gem in many years. Ed Peed is a sublime hoot as outwardly tough-minded but somewhat soft-hearted Lady Bracknell. His demeanor and movement as the iconic Bracknell are alone worth the price of admission. Andrew Winson is delightfully adventurous as Jack, and Glen Moore wonderfully light-hearted as Algernon. Pormina Kirby has all of Cecily's spunk, and Cat Claus makes a properly strong-willed Gwendolyn. What is being civilized? Moonbox has the effervescent answer.
The Importance of Being Earnest, Plaza Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts, through December 14. 617-933-8600 or bostontheatrescene.com
Before the more complex emotional sparring of "August: Osage County," Tracy Letts was exploring a violent family dynamic in "Killer Joe," now in a riveting revival by Zero Point Theatre at the Arsenal Center. Company artistic director Emil Kreymer has tautly staged the warfare- verbal and physical-of the play's unabashedly dysfunctional family while never losing sight of its strikingly dark humor and ironies. Sean Stanco is a menacing standout as Joe, especially in understated moments when the title policeman-who moonlights as a hired killer--calmly outlines his and competing agendas with the chilling precision of a character in a Joe Orton play. Kelley Feetham has the right deceptive diffidence as daughter Dottie, who understands much more about family greed and antagonisms than her virginal past would suggest. "Killer Joe"'s candor -including nudity, seduction and spiraling violence- may be too much for some theatergoers, but Zero Point's strong staging provides valuable insight into Letts's sizeable talent.
Killer Joe, Zero Point Theatre, Arsenal Center for the Arts, through December 15. 800-734-8903 or zptheatre.com
Lucille Ball was a uniquely brilliant comic Everywoman. The regrettably unfunny " 'I Love Lucy' Live On Stage" tour at the Citi Emerson Colonial Theatre is both an insult to her considerable talent and a waste of time for her legion of fans. Rick Sparks, who co-adapted this surprisingly inept show (with new material) with Kim Flagg, should have chosen such chestnuts as the grape-stomping and Harper Marx episodes, but even those seemingly foolproof segments would probably have flopped here. Sirena Irwin may resemble Lucy but her Lucy Ricardo lacks vitality. Bill Mendieta has the right enthusiasm as Ricky and sings convincingly with the capable musicians serving as the Ricardo Band.
Joanna Daniels tries to be animated as neighbor Ethel Marz, but Kevin Remington proves totally wooden as her husband Fred. Tyler Milliron(stepping in for Jeffrey Christopher Todd) has his moments as jitterbugging King Kat Walsh, but the nostalgic commercials -including Brylcreem and Mr. Clean- are forgettable." 'I Love Lucy' Live on Stage " is dead on arrival.
I Love Lucy Live on Stage, presented by Broadway in Boston at Citi Emerson Colonial Stage, Boston, through December 22. 866-523-7469 or broadway.boston.com
David Coffee is celebrating his 20th anniversary playing Ebenezer Scrooge at North Shore Music Theatre, and the Dickens holiday classic is as fresh as the repentant businessman's delight in Christmas. No one captures the gradual transformation of Scrooge as winningly as Coffee, whose final schoolboy giddiness about the holiday and life itself is magical. Out actor Russell Garrett brings touching concern to Bob Crachit in caring for physically challenged Tiny Tim, and Leigh Barrett has the right skepticism about Scrooge as Mrs. Crachit .
A Christmas Carol, North Shore Music Theatre,Beverly, through December 22. 978-232-7200 or nsmt.org