"The Three Musketeers" at Lakeshore Players Theatre

Lakeshore Players Theatre's ambitious 71st season began in August with the one-weekend-only regional premiere production of the smart, funny, poignant play What the Constitution Means to Me (which is being remounted tomorrow, September 17, and for a few dates in January). They're following up that excellent debut with a super fun swash-buckling spectacular - The Three Musketeers. Playwright Ken Ludwig, whose adaptations of the Robin Hood legend and Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express have been seen around town lately, applies his trademark wit and speed to this story for a fun, fresh, and modern take on the 19th Century French novel that is a familiar part of pop culture. The large and talented cast performs some mightily impressive fight scenes in this simple story of good vs. evil, with a true spirit of "all for one, and one for all." See it at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center in charming White Bear Lake now through October 1.

"Sherwood" at Theatre in the Round

Closing out their fantastic six-show 71st season, Theatre in the Round is bringing us Ken Ludwig's swashbuckling comedy based on the familiar story of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. Sherwood is a refreshingly modern take on the legend, with female characters given more agency, and Robin Hood espousing kindness and justice. The design of the show extends to the walls, ceilings, and even into the lobby, as if we're stepping into Sherwood Forest itself, and the large and talented cast bring great energy and playfulness to the story, making the show feel like a fun summer popcorn movie. Theatre in the Round just announced their eight-show 72nd season, which also looks fantastic, including classics and newer works. But in the meantime, visit Sherwood Forest in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, weekends through July 2.