Local artists Joel L. Schindlbeck and Sarah Stark present an original play written by the local playwright, Randy Wyatt. His play follows a family dealing with the loss of a father, a mother suffering from a mental collapse, and the young son Charlie who desperately wants to get on with his life. His Aunt Sheralyn, an evangelist Christian, moves in and directly clashes with Charlie when she discovers his lifestyle choice, which thwarts the very foundation of her evangelical beliefs.

Steel Magnolias
Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids
June 3-5, 9-13, 16-19 7:30 p.m,
$23
circletheatre.org, (616) 456-6656

Truvy runs a beauty salon down in Chinquapin, Louisiana. Any lady who is "somebody" comes to Truvy to get their hair done. With the help of her new assistant (a woman who isn't sure whether she is married or not), Truvy shampoos and offers advice to the most prestigious individuals in town. Only these individuals display queer neuroses like being in a bad mood for 40 years, a raging sweet tooth, or the fear of losing a beautiful daughter to a "good ole boy." Steel Magnolias is a laughable comedy abruptly struck with tragedy and the realization of mortality, yet the characters remain amiable in good times and in bad.

Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah
Jewish Theatre, Grand Rapids
June 17-27, shows at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
$18, $12 seniors, $5 students
jtgr.org, (616) 234-3595

In this zany, offbeat musical comedy, wacky characters and hilarious song parodies tells the story of Berry Bockman and his beloved Sarah Jackman. The story begins with birth, ends with retirement, and focuses on summer camp, marriage, and suburbia in between. It's a laugh a lot dance off at a nutty musical party!