Critics' picks - theater

OPENING

"Assassins"

and "After School Special"

Company One's production of the Stephen Sondheim musical opens today and runs through Aug. 9 in the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre. In the same spot, the company presents a late-night show of John Kuntz's comic sendup of teenage angst, Fridays and Saturdays (and one Thursday, July 31) through Aug. 8 at 10:30. 617-933-8600, bostontheatrescene.com

"Bye Bye Birdie"

Hello, bargain. Beverly's North Shore Music Theatre offers "Rock 'n' Roll Back" ticket prices for Tuesday and Wednesday performances of the family musical, which runs Tuesday through Aug. 3. 978-232-7200, nsmt.org

NOW PLAYING

"All's Well That Ends Well"

If music be the food of love, it's also Tina Packer's solution to some of the knottier problems in this "problem play." Treating the young lovers like young idiots helps, too. Through Aug. 31 at Shakespeare & Company, Lenox. 413-637-3353, shakespeare .org

LAST CHANCE

"According to Tip"

Ken Howard's charm and wit as Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill overcome the occasional awkwardness of Dick Flavin's play about the legendary speaker of the House. New Rep's premiere, directed by Rick Lombardo, is now extended through Thursday in Watertown. 617-923-8487, newrep.org

- Louise Kennedy

For complete listings, visit boston.com/ae/events.