Critic's picks - theater
Opening
"According to Tip"
Ken Howard plays Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill in this world premiere of Dick Flavin's play about the legendary speaker of the House. Directed by Rick Lombardo, the New Rep production opened Friday and runs through July 13 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown. 617-923-8487, newrep.org
"When It's Hot, It's Cole"
Using the same cabaret setting and fizzy quartet from last summer's American Repertory Theatre Noel Coward party - Thomas Derrah, Will LeBow, Karen MacDonald, and Remo Airaldi - Scott Zigler directs an assortment of Cole Porter songs. Opened officially last night and runs through July 20 at Zero Arrow Theatre, Cambridge. 617-547-8300, amrep.org
Last chance
"Contact" North Shore Music Theatre's crisp, classy production of "Contact" is faithful to Susan Stroman and John Weidman's original show while adding a little urgency with an in-the-round staging. Fueled by a score that ranges from Bizet to the Beach Boys, "Contact" offers three short stories of men and women making contact with each other, told through the language of dance. Closes today. 978-232-7200, nsmt.org
- Terry Byrne 