WOMEN OF WILL Tina Packer’s combination of performance and discussion distills her life’s passion — the study of Shakespeare — into a five-part exploration of women and the feminine principle in his work. From women warriors to redeeming daughters, she embodies them and talks about what they mean, to themselves and to us. A marathon presentation at summer’s end will expand each part into a full performance. “Women of Will’’ May 28-July 24, “Women of Will: The Complete Journey’’ Aug. 25-27. Shakespeare & Company, Lenox. 413-637-3353, www.shakespeare.org
OTHELLO Commonwealth Shakespeare, now once again established as a freestanding company, keeps up its excellent tradition of free Shakespeare on Boston Common. It will be interesting to see how director Steven Maler, who’s done some highly entertaining comedies the past few years, handles the challenges of staging this tragedy outdoors. July 28-Aug. 15. Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, Boston. 617-532-1212, www.commshakes.org
SWEENEY TODD Tony Award winner Harriet Harris, one of the treasures of summer in the Berkshires, plays Mrs. Lovett, opposite Jeff McCarthy as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Julianne Boyd, whose love of musicals is apparent in every one she directs, takes the helm. June 17-July 17. Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield. 413-236-8888, www.barringtonstageco.org
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM For his final season as artistic director of Williamstown Theatre Festival, Nicholas Martin directs the show he’d always wanted to do at the Huntington Theatre Company — and even scheduled, until Brooks Ashmanskas bolted for Broadway. Ashmanskas won’t make it this time, either, but don’t worry: Martin’s plan to use an all-male cast and his knack for comedy promises plenty of fun. June 30-July 11. Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown. 413-597-3400, www.wtfestival.org
OUR TOWN Another Martin production — but heck, it is his last season. And recent stagings of this Thornton Wilder classic, both in New York and at Providence’s Trinity Rep, have shown it to be fresher and more astringent than you might think. Look forward to the elegiac side of Martin’s sensibility for this one. July 28-Aug. 8. Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown. 413-597-3400, www.wtfestival.org
IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY Yes, that is really what it’s about, and, yes, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater really did snag the first New England rights. WHAT’s full-out, full-throttle style seems like an excellent fit for Sarah Ruhl’s Tony-nominated play. Aug. 5-Sept. 11. Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Wellfleet. 508-349-9428, www.what.org
THE TASTER Rocco Sisto, one of Shakespeare & Company’s cofounders, returns to Lenox to star in this new play by Joan Ackermann. It interweaves the story of a contemporary couple and the characters in a medieval play that the husband is translating from the Basque — with unexpected resonances between the two worlds. July 29-Sept. 4. Shakespeare & Company, Lenox. 413-637-3353, www.shakespeare.org
AN IDEAL HUSBAND Karen MacDonald directs the Oscar Wilde comedy at Gloucester Stage. Boston audiences may know her best as an award-winning actress, but MacDonald has also established herself as a subtle and perceptive director. Aug. 12-29. Gloucester Stage, Gloucester. 978-281-4433, www.gloucesterstage.org
GYPSY North Shore Music Theatre returns to life with a classic — and is this a great summer for Sondheim, or what? It’s heartening to see the Beverly venue back on the scene, and to know that Evans Haile (who also runs the Cape Playhouse, where “
POOL BOY In another bit of good news for musicals, Barrington Stage Company’s Musical Theater Lab is celebrating its fifth anniversary. This new piece by Nikos Tsakalakos is described as “a rocking new musical set poolside at the Hotel Bel-Air.’’ July 13-Aug. 8. Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield. 413-236-8888, www.barringtonstageco.org
ART Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play, about an extravagantly expensive white-on-white painting and its effects on the friendships of the man who buys it, promises another stimulating night of pointed comedy at Barrington Stage. July 22-Aug. 7. Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield. 413-236-8888, www.barringtonstageco.org 
