“Sweeney Todd”

“Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a great show with a compelling cast that draws audiences in as the efficient barber cuts a bit too close from time to time and turns his former customers into, well, just try to watch the show and then eat a turkey pot pie. I dare you.

[Capital Playhouse, through Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $21-$33, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.2744, capitalplayhouse.org]

Scott Turner Schofield

Never underestimate the power of a gender-bending play to draw a crowd. “Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps" promises to be just such a show as Scott Turner Schofield, a transgender performance artist, previews his new works.

[The Evergreen State College Recital Hall, Friday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., $5-$10, 2700 Evergreen Parkway N.W., Olympia, 360.867.6833, www.BuyOlympia.com]

“Into The Woods”

Ever wonder what happens to fairy tales after "happily ever after" is read and the book is closed? Wonder no more. “Into the Woods” answers those questions with a spin on traditional fairy tales when it takes to the stage in Seattle.

[5th Avenue Theatre, Oct. 19-Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday, $20-$77, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle, 206.625.1900, www.5thavenue.org]