Theater: New and Noteworthy

All's Well That Ends Well

(Philadelphia Artists' Collective). Shakespeare's Helena, one of his best female characters, can do anything but make Bertram love her. Wednesday through Dec. 17.

Black Nativity (New Freedom Theatre). A reimagining of Langston Hughes' reimagining of the Nativity story - this time set in Darfur. Wednesday through Dec. 18.

The Carols (1812 Productions/Plays & Players Theatre). Jennifer Childs' original musical brings together some oddball folks at Christmastime 1943. Thursday through Dec. 31.

The Road: My Life with John Denver (People's Light). David Lutken stars as Denver in a road show of his greatest hits. Saturday through Jan. 15.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Camden Repertoty Theatre). They seem to be sleeping - but magically dance all night. Tuesday through Dec. 17.

Reviewed by Nancy Chen (N.C.), Bill Chenevert (B.C.), Julia M. Klein (J.M.K.) , Jim Rutter (J.R.), and Toby Zinman (T.Z.).

An American in Paris (Academy of Music). Built on the great tunes of the brothers Gershwin, a true winner. This dazzler is what every Broadway musical should be - wondrous. Ends Sunday. - B.C.

A Child's Christmas in Wales (Walnut Street Theatre Independence Studio on 3). The Irish Repertory Theatre of New York's beautiful adaptation of Dylan Thomas' memoir. Warm, full of nostalgia. Through Dec. 23. - J.R.

A Christmas Carol (Walnut Street Theatre). It wouldn't be the holiday season without it. Through Dec. 22.

Found (Philadelphia Theatre Company). A musical based on Davy Rothbart's mag/website of people's anonymous notes to self and the world. Polished, high-spirited fun. Through Dec. 11. - J.M.K.

Godspell (Eagle Theatre, Hammonton, N.J.). The famed musical on faith and theater, in the round. A fresh, inspiring production, centering on comedy. Through Dec. 11. - J.R.

Handle with Care (Montgomery Theater, Souderton). Christmas Eve in a seedy hotel. She has little command of English; he has little command of romance. A "Jewish Christmas story" that boils down to standard holiday fare. Ends next Sunday. - N.C.

An Iliad (Lantern Theater Company). The Muse sings of the wrath of Achilles, the Trojan Horse, and a lady named Helen. Harnesses the enthralling power of Homer's war poem. Through Dec. 11. - T.Z.

The Legend of Georgia McBride (Arden Theatre Group). An out-of-work Elvis impersonator finds occupational and personal salvation through drag. With Dito von Reigersberg of Martha Graham Cracker fame. A toe-tapping, tuneful joy. Ends next Sunday. - B.C.

Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto (People's Light). A reimagining of the British tradition of the panto, with song, action, and laughs. A charming production, visually and aurally dazzling. Through Jan. 15. - J.R.

The Wizard of Oz (Walnut Street Theatre). The great tunes, great lines, great story, plus a few surprises. Amazing special effects, fine singing, and a great get-away from a world of turmoil. Through Jan. 8. - B.C.

A Year with Frog and Toad (Arden Theatre). They're back again - grumpy Toad and can-do Frog in the popular family show. Wednesday through Jan. 29.