On Stage at area theaters in June

Tiny Beautiful Things, based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted by Academy Award nominee Nia Vardalo (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), plays at Open Stage through May 7. It follows the relationships between an anonymous advice columnist and the many real-life readers who pour their hearts out to her. Tissues are recommended.

Also at Open Stage is Poirot investigates!, the farcical adaptation of a short story by Agatha Christie, directed by Stuart Landon. Christie’s famous sleuth brings his wits to bear to solve the mystery of the Western Star, a rare gem, and protect its unsuspecting owner. May 27June 17. openstagehbg.com.

Lady Windermere’s Fan concerns a woman who strives to be a paragon of morality. Suspecting her husband is having an affair, she rashly decides to abandon her secure position for an affair of her own. The lady soon learns the difference between good and bad people isn’t as straightforward as she may think. Fastpaced repartee and pithy epigrams abound in this Victorian comedy-of-manners by Oscar Wilde. May 5-21. Oyster Mill Playhouse. oystermill.com.

It’s 1945. American soldiers return home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families. Private Donny Novitski, a singer/songwriter, hopes to rebuild his life with just the shirt on his back and a dream in his heart, in Bandstand. Music by Richard Oberacker, who also wrote the book and lyrics with Robert Taylor. May 25-June 5. Hershey Area Playhouse. hersheyareaplayhouse.com.

Steve Martin, popular actor/screenwriter, shows his ability to write for the stage in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. In this long-running Off Broadway absurdist comedy, Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein meet in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg. May 26-June 11. ltmpa.com.

Continuing through May 14 is Theatre Harrisburg’s Side Show, about conjoined twins. theatreharrisburg.com.

Shrek: the Musical Jr. at Susquehanna Stage. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring songs from Jeanine Tesori and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire, proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. May 12-21. susquehannastage.com.

Through May 20 is Footloose: the Musical. Based on the 1984 movie, the hit musical tells the story of Ren McCormack, moving from Chicago to small-town Bomont, where the Reverend has convinced the town to ban dancing. Ren must teach them the wisdom of listening to young people – and dancing. PG13. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. dutchapple. com.

Also at Dutch Apple is Elvis; A Musical Revolution, the official Elvis Presley biomusical that takes a closer look at the rock star and cultural icon and his impact on the history of music and culture. It features such hit songs as “All Shook up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Are you Lonesome.” Also PG-13. May 26-June 24.

The Honky Tonk Angels is the hilarious story about three gutsy gals determined to better their lives and follow their dreams to Nashville. From the creator of Always, Patsy Cline, it combines 30 classic country tunes (including “Stand by Your Man and” “Harper Valley PTA”). May 26-June 11. Totem Pole Playhouse. totempoleplayhouse.org.

a t tells ” and so many more!

Rated PG-13

May 26

Barbara Trainin Blank is a freelance journalist, book author, editor, and playwright. She grew up in New York City in a house rich in the arts, which are a major focus of her writing. She lived in Harrisburg for 24 years and continues to contribute to regional publications.