"Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" at Penumbra Theatre

A piece of musical theater trivia that I learned several years ago is that the first Broadway musical with book, music, and lyrics written by a woman is the 1973 Tony-nominated Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. It was written by Micki Grant, a Black woman, who also starred in the show (we would have to wait over 50 years for the next Broadway musical with book, music, and lyrics written by a woman who also starred in it - Shaina Taub's Suffs, coming to the Orpheum next month). I couldn't understand why, in 15 years of seeing pretty much everything in #TCTheater, I had never seen this show; no theater company has produced it locally in my memory, and it's never been revived on Broadway after its two-and-a-half-year original run. That glaring omission has finally been rectified with Penumbra Theatre's joy-filled production of this historically significant gem of a musical. It's playing through April 5, and if you're a fan of musical theater history, or just music and/or history in general, do not miss this show.

"Once on This Island" at Artistry

It feels like last week's very late summer heat wave was just to usher in the warm breezes of Artistry's production of Once on this Island, the first regional production since it won the Tony in 2018 for Best Revival. That too-warm-for-fall weather has thankfully left us, but you can still feel the joy and warmth of the island inside Bloomington Center for the Arts for the next few weeks. Based on a book that's based on The Little Mermaid, it tells the familiar story of a young woman who falls in love with a man she rescues on the beach, giving up her life for him, only to be rejected. But here the twist is that this young woman's love changed the world for the better. The beautiful thing about Once on this Island is the storytelling employed; it starts with a community gathered around a common space and telling a story to a frightened little girl. The musical (by the creators of Ragtime) has a score with fabulous Caribbean and African sounds, and features an uber talented local African American cast. Get your tickets now to see this excellent 90-minute show, continuing through October 26.

"Sister Act" at Lyric Arts

The 1992 Whoopi Goldberg hit comedy movie Sister Act was adapted into a stage musical in the late aughts, with music composed by frequent Disney composer Alan Menken. Lyric Arts is bringing it to their stage this season, and it's a whole lot of fun, with a wonderful message of sisterhood, faith, friendship, community, and standing up for what's right. What's not to love about that?! Lyric's production features a large and talented cast (many of them newcomers to Lyric's stage) and is a joyful and high energy celebration. It's playing through May 11, but musicals do well at Lyric Arts, especially a known name, so don't wait too long if you want to experience the joy.

"The Gift of the Magi" by Skylark Opera Theatre at the Lowry Lab Theater

Last weekend, Skylark Opera Theatre presented an opera based on the classic O. Henry story The Gift of the Magi. It's a simple story of love and sacrifice, but one that's stood the test of time and receives a beautiful musical treatment in this opera adaptation by David Conte (music) and Nicholas Giardini (libretto). Unfortunately it was a short run that has now concluded, but with any luck they'll bring it back next holiday* season. And mark your calendars for next June when Skylark will be presenting the Sondheim revue show Marry Me a Little, featuring songs cut from some of his musicals