LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST A scholarly king and three studious lords learn there’s more to life than learning when a princess and three ladies arrive at court and turn their carefully arranged world upside down. Director Steven Maler augments Shakespeare’s wordplay with horseplay, and his strong cast is equal to both sides of that task, especially Remo Airaldi and Fred Sullivan Jr. Through Aug. 7. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company on Boston Common. Free. For reserved chairs, 617-426-0863, www.commshakes.org

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE As the Pirate King in Gilbert & Sullivan’s still-delicious operetta, Will Swenson delivers a performance that rivals Kevin Kline’s storied turn in the role 35 years ago. The rest of the cast is topnotch, too, especially Scarlett Strallen as fair Mabel. All in all, there’s not a better time to be had in the theater this summer than at this joyous and inspired production, directed by John Rando, with choreography by Joshua Bergasse. To borrow from W.S. Gilbert: It is, it is a glorious thing. Through Aug. 13. Barrington Stage Company at Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, Pittsfield. 413-236-8888, www.barringtonstageco.org

THE T PARTY A bracingly original take on gender identity by playwright-director Natsu Onoda Power, told in a whirling theatrical language that is all her own: playful, idiosyncratic, self-indulgent at times, often bursting with energy and ideas. Through Aug. 13. Company One Theatre at Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.bostontheatrescene.com DON AUCOIN

Don Aucoin can be reached at aucoin@globe.com.