Jan 16-Feb 10: TheatreWorks presents Wendy Wasserstein’s Third, the final play from the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright. The story centers on the life of a feminist college professor, who faces a crisis when a new student shakes her conventions. Set in a vastly blue state, the presence of conservatism forces an examination of society, politics and our modern times. Balancing her roles as both a teacher and a mother, the professor is forced to examine her life, and the lives of modern-day Americans as well. Tues & Wed, 7:30pm; Thurs & Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm; Sun, 2 & 7pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/903-6000. www.theatreworks.org)
Jan 17-Feb 17: City Lights Theatre Co presents Boy Gets Girl, a thriller about a powerful woman being stalked by a frightening man. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm & 7pm. (San Jose: 529 S. Second St.; 408/295-4200. www.cltc.org)
Jan 19-Feb 3: Palo Alto Players presents the World War II drama Copenhagen, by Michael Frayn. Set in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, the story centers on two scientists racing to develop nuclear weapons. A Tony Award winner for Best Play. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm. (Palo Alto: Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd.; 650/329-0891. www.paplayers.org)
Jan 22-Feb 3: American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents a musical to die for: Little Shop of Horrors. This hilarious sci-fi comedy centers on an exotic plant from outer space that loves mankind – especially at mealtime. The show premiered in 1982 off-Broadway and has since gained a huge following, with productions still springing up nationwide. Award-winning actor Hal Linden of the television show “Barney Miller” stars as Mr. Mushnik in American Musical Theatre’s version of the play. The doo-wop musical features lively 1960s-style songs from the creators of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid.” Tues-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2pm & 8pm; Sun, 1pm & 6:30pm. (San Jose: Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.; 888/455-SHOW. www.amtsj.org)
Jan 26-Feb 24: San Jose Rep presents Tranced by Robert Clyman. This psychological thrill ride follows a psychologist as he uncovers a powerful secret that could ruin an African village. Tues, 7:30pm; Wed, 11am & 8pm; Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 3pm & 8pm; Sun, 2pm & 7pm. (San Jose Rep: 101 Paseo de San Antonio.; 408/367-7255. www.sjrep.com)
