Stacy Raphael

In Slow Food by playwright Wendy MacLeod, New York empty-nesters Irene and Peter head to Palm Springs to celebrate their anniversary. They are envisioning a carefree trip full of rest and relaxation but instead, they get stuck with a cargo van as their rental car, a nonfunctioning hot tub at their hotel, and Stephen, a waiter at the only restaurant that seems to be open late on a Sunday evening. While vans and hot tubs are minor hiccups on their anniversary trip, Stephen proves to be a formidable obstacle to their marital bliss when it becomes clear that their food will not be coming anytime soon.

Nearly 60 years after Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF first premiered to rave reviews, Weston Playhouse Theatre Company's production, directed by Mike Donahue, breathes new life into the play, playing up the better angels of both George and Martha's natures through sustained, nuanced subtext that is in constant interplay with the nonstop onslaught of verbal ammunition being hurled across the living room late into the night.

'Mrs. Christie' by Heidi Armbruster runs August 1 - 17 at the Dorset Playhouse, 104 Cheney Road, Dorset, VT 05251 $48-$58. For tickets or information, call (802) 867-2223 ext. 101, or visit www.dorsettheatrefestival.org.

"Private Lives," by Noel Coward at Dorset Theatre Festival plays June 20 - July 6 at Dorset Playhouse, 104 Cheney Road, Dorset, VT 05251 $48-$58. For tickets or information, call 802-867-2223, or go online to dorsettheatrefestival.org.

Middlebury Actors Workshop presents Henry James' 1898 gothic horror story The Turn of the Screw, adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Hatcher. Playing at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury through November 4th and then at the Flynn Center in Burlington November 15th & 16th.

Directed & Choreographed by Gary John La Rosa and featuring Broadway's Ken Prymus (Cats, The Wiz), this moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned -- only to discover a more mature, meaningful love -- is punctuated by a bountiful series of catchy, memorable songs, many of which have become classics. Now through September 29th.

'Pride & Prejudice,' by Kate Hamill at Dorset Theatre Festival plays August 9-25 at Dorset Playhouse, 104 Cheney Road, Dorset, VT 05251 $48-$58. For tickets or information, call 802-867-2223, or go online to dorsettheatrefestival.org.

BWW Review: SKELETON CREW at Dorset Theatre Festival receive a standing ovation

CRY IT OUT: A laugh-till-you-cry comedy for anyone who's ever known a baby. Jessie can't find any Mom Friends in her new Long Island neighborhood until she and larger-than-life Lina start sneaking out for coffee between their duplexes during nap times. When a wealthy neighbor comes down from the hill overlooking their hangout, the sleep-deprived comedy of new parenthood shows a different side of itself. CRY IT OUT is an honestly absurd look at the dilemma of returning to work after childbirth and how class impacts parenthood and friendship.

Saint Michael's Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Chuck Tobin opens the Playhouse's 71st summer theater season of live professional theater with the Tony Award-winning Musical Once, based on the Academy Award-winning Irish independent film of the same name.

Anne of Green Gables opens Weston Playhouse Theatre Company's 81st season, featuring the eight members of the Young Company on the Second Stage at Walker Farm. Now through June 30.

Three acts, three directors, three approaches to the same play script. Vermont Stage Company's annual season closer allows artists to play and experiment--this year, with Noel Coward's 1930 play Private Lives. Larry Connolly, Chris Caswell and Abbie Tykocki direct the three acts independent of one another with unique casting and directorial conceits.