CRITIC'S PICKS
Theater
"How Shakespeare Won the West"
Engaging, energetic, and in love with storytelling, the world premiere of Richard Nelson's play about a troupe of actors during the Gold Rush marks an auspicious start to Peter DuBois's tenure at the Huntington Theatre Company. Through Oct. 5 on the BU stage. 617-266-0800, www.huntingtontheatre.org
"Let Me Down Easy"
Diffuse but fascinating, Anna Deavere Smith's latest one-woman kaleidoscope examines suffering and grace. The ART production runs through Oct. 11 at the Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge. 617-547-8300, www.amrep.org - Louise Kennedy 