New and Noteworthy: Theater

Baskerville

(Philadelphia Theatre Company) Heirs to the family fortune are being bumped off, and it's up to a certain deerstalker-topped sleuth to figure out who's doing it. Previews Friday-Dec. 1, opens Dec. 2.

The Book of Mormon (Forrest Theatre) "Best musical of the 20th century," back by popular demand. Preview Tuesday, opens Wednesday.

This Is the Week That Is (1812 Productions) As it does every year in this season, 1812's stalwarts offer their merry take on the highs and lows of current events. Previews Friday-Dec. 1, opens Dec. 2.

Reviewed by Wendy Rosenfield (W.R.), Jim Rutter (J.R.), David Patrick Stearns (D.P.S.) and Toby Zinman (T.Z.).

A Christmas Story (Walnut Street Theatre) If you loved the 1983 film version, you'll love this musical. And if you hated the 1983 film version, you'll love this musical. Through Jan 20. - J.R.

Becoming Dr. Ruth (Walnut Street Theatre/Independence Studio) A girl in Germany loses her family to the Nazis, finds a new life in Israel, and ultimately becomes America's most famous sex therapist. Through Dec. 27.

Billy Elliot (Media Theatre) His dad wants him to box, but this miner's son just wants to dance. Through Jan. 3.

Black Nativity (Theatre Horizon) This reimagining of Langston Hughes' powerful play ranges from Africa to New Orleans, employing gospel and dance to tell the Christmas story. Extended through Dec. 13.

Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical (Eagle Theatre) The thrill-seeking Depression-era duo sing their way down a criminal spiral to inevitable disaster. Through Dec. 12.

Brigadoon (Broadway Theatre of Pitman) Lerner and Loewe's misty, wondrous musical about two time travelers and a mysterious Scottish town. Ends Sunday.

Dracula (Hedgerow Theatre) Adapted from Bram Stoker's gothic novel in 1924, Dracula probes the darkest corners of humanity. Ends Sunday.

Equivocation (Arden Theatre Company) Bill Cain weaves a fascinating, funny, and terrifying Jacobean world of intrigue and intellectual entrapment, which the cast makes even better. Through Dec. 13. - W.R.

The Fox on the Fairway (Act II Playhouse) A farce from usually masterly Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), this one about dueling country clubs, doesn't measure up. Ends Sunday. - J.R.

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical (Montgomery Theater) The beer-drenched holidays cast their spell on the denizens of Armadillo Acres. Through Dec. 13.

Lafferty's Wake (Society Hill Playhouse) Charlie Lafferty's (still) dead, and you're invited to join the memorializing, storytelling, and imbibing at his favorite pub. Through Dec. 20.

Lights Rise on Grace (Azuka Theatre) Three people are entangled by issues of love, incarceration, and sexuality in this implausible, illogical drama. Ends Sunday. - T.Z.

Matilda (Academy of Music) There's tremendous talent on stage in this story of a mistreated girl who has powerful inner resources - but there's little joy. Through Nov. 29. - T.Z.

Menopause the Musical (Penn's Landing Playhouse) To classic tunes from the '60s and '70s, four women of a certain age bond over the one thing they share. Extended through January.

Mountain (Bristol Riverside Theatre) This engaging biopic about Justice William O. Douglas presents much anecdote, but insufficient plot or conflict. Ends Sunday. - J.R.

The Three Musketeers (People's Light) In this year's holiday panto, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and a chicken hunt for justice against the evil Lord Mazorotti. And, yes, there's a guy in a dress. Through Jan. 10.

Underneath the Lintel (Lantern Theater Company) A librarian dedicates his life to solving the mystery of an overdue book in this entrancing show. Through Dec. 6. - T.Z.

Watership Down (Simpatico Theatre Project) Alan Radway's direction and Collen Hughes' choreography lift this entertaining adaptation of Richard Adams' novel about the odyssey of a troupe of brave rabbits. Ends Sunday. - W.R.