Civic Theater of Allentown is staging a hit rock opera and Act 1 DeSales University Theatre is presenting a classic drama.

Civic’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is Feb. 21 to March 9 at Allentown’s historic Nineteen St. Theatre.

Act 1’s production of “The Children’s Hour” is Feb. 20 to March 2 in Labuda Center for the Arts, Center Valley.

Act 1 DeSales University Theatre is staging Lillian Hellman’s searing drama “The Children’s Hour,” Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts.

Based on an 1810 Scottish court case, Hellman’s first play is set at the struggling Wright-Dobie School for Girls. When the two administrators of the school, Karen Wright (Lee Shaw) and Martha Dobie (Alison Ansorg), finally begin to see financial stability from cautious success, a rumor based in spite threatens to destroy everything they have worked for as well as their future happiness.

“I am excited to share this play with the Act 1 audiences,” said Jessica Bedford, DeSales artistic director, assistant professor of theater and director of the production. “It’s a fantastic story with a masterful plot and riveting characters. The powerful message of this play will stay with you long after you leave our theater.”

Andrew Mannion, assistant professor, DeSales School of Performing Arts and scenic designer for the production, created the set of a Massachusetts school where the drama takes place. Visiting artist and costume designer Janus Stefanowicz designed the costumes.

Bedford and dramaturg-assistant director Ryan Plunkett discuss Hellman and her life before Feb. 21 and 28 performance. Topics include the Scottish court case on which “The Children’s Hour” is based and how “The Maltese Falcon” author Dashiell Hammett helped spark the play.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, there’s a party after the Feb. 28 performance to celebrate trailblazing women in the arts, including Hellman. Refreshments will be served.

There are talk-backs with the cast after Feb. 23 and 24 performances.

The Feb. 22 performance has open-captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually-impaired. Tickets are half-price for patrons using these services. Call the box office at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for information.

The March 1 performance is pay-what-you-can night.

The production is recommended for ages 16 and up for mature content.

“The Children’s Hour,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, March 1; 2 p.m. Feb 23, March 2; 9:45 a.m. Feb. 24, Act 1 DeSales, Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. 610-282-3192, https://www.desales.edu

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, following the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The iconic 1970s’ rock opera is completely sung-through and features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.

The musical interprets the psychology of Jesus (Diego Subero-Butler) and other characters with much of the plot centered on Judas (Alejandro Rodriguez), who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples.

The main cast features Cathy Ritter (Mary), Shaun Hayes (Pontius Pilate), Nick Conti (Caiaphas), Cheryl Moritz (Herod), Sarai Misic (Peter), Andrew Galindez (Annas) and Chlóe Griffault (Simon).

The cast includes Ben Anderson, Michael Firuta, Ryan Zickafoose, Moriah Faith, Kelcie Kosberg, Marcell McKenzie, Cindy Cicconi-Ernst, Christine Ebert, Corey Pollitt, Paul Reed, Richie Warmkessel, Troy Brokenshire, Sam Levisay, Rose Fortcamp, Luci Loftus, Samantha Tempkin, Liv Behr, Maya Costanzo, Olivia Emens, Jordan Frantz, Mason McGowan, Dylan Miller and Dami Shote.

The 2 p.m. performances March 1 and 8 will feature Mason McGowan as Jesus, Chloe Griffault as Judas and Olivia Emens as Simon.

Direction is by Rae Labadie, Civic associate artistic director; music direction is by Nick Conti and choreography is by Mariel Letoureau.

Patrons are forewarned that a gunshot is fired during the show. Depictions of violence may be disturbing to theater-goers.

Ted Neeley, who portrayed Jesus in the 1973 film “Jesus Christ Superstar,” will attend a screening of the film, 7 p.m. Feb. 27, Civic Theatre.

Neeley, who is on his “2025 Farewell Tour,” will be available for photos and autographs, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 27. There will be VIP tickets available for a meet and greet with Neeley, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 27.

The film, directed by Norman Jewison, was nominated for an Academy Award. Neeley was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Jesus.

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 26, 28, March 6, 7; 2 p.m. Feb. 23, March 2, 9; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. March 1, 8, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-433-8903, https://civictheatre.com/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com.