8 DAYS A WEEK:
Entertaining “Business”: Frankie Grande stars as J. Pierrepont Finch, opposite Meredith Kate Doyle as Rosemary Pilkington in the Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre (MSMT) production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” through July 29, Baker Theater, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance, Muhlenberg College, Allentown. MSMT co-founder Charlie Richter directs the musical. Muhlenberg dance program director and founder Karen Dearborn choreographs the production, with music direction by Bryan L. Wade, scenic design by John Raley, costume design by Hunter Kaczorowski, and lighting design by Gertjan Houben. “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” with music by Frank Loesser and book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same title. Tickets: Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance box office, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew St., Allentown; muhlenberg.edu/smt; 484-664-3333
Creating “Shakespeare”: Luigi Sottile stars as William Shakespeare, opposite Mairin Lee as Viola De Lesseps. Viola becomes Shakespeare’s muse for the writing of “Romeo And Juliet,” even though Viola is promised in marriage to Lord Wessex (Christian Coulson of “Harry Potter” movie fame). The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival production of “Shakespeare In Love” continues through Aug. 5, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley. PSF Producing Artistic Director Patrick Mulcahy directs “Shakespeare In Love” in its Pennsylvania premiere. The stage adaptation by Lee Hall is based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard for the 1998 film of the same title. The music by Paddy Cunneen was written for the stage show’s 2014 London West End premiere. Scenic Designer Daniel Conway evokes The Globe Theater. There’s courtly dancing by Dance Choreographer Erin Sheffield and sumptuous costumes by Costume Designer Lisa Zinni. Tickets: Labuda Center for the Performing Arts lobby box office, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley; pashakespeare.org/psf_tickets.php; 610-282-WILL (9455)