Theater

"Going to St. Ives"

Eric Engel's crisp direction and the powerful performances of two fine actresses, Lindsay Crouse and Jacqui Parker, breathe humanity into Lee Blessing's sharp but slightly schematic drama, about a British surgeon, the mother of an African dictator, and the startling ways in which their lives entwine. At Gloucester Stage, Gloucester, through Aug. 3. 978-281-4433, gloucester stage.org - Louise Kennedy

"Bye Bye Birdie"

Silly musical comedy gets a delightfully fresh production at the North Shore Music Theatre, thanks to director Michael Lichtefeld and his terrific cast. It really is "Sincere." Through Aug. 3 in Beverly. 978-272-7200, nsmt.org - Terry Byrne

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