Stage Capsule Reviews

A Dog's LifeWhile we remain skeptical that theme — as opposed to stories or characters — is where a playwright should strike first in search of heart and humor, the American Heartland's long string of themed shows — marriage, menopause, Christmas — has boasted big hits and, in last month's Leaving Iowa, at least one critical darling. A Dog's Lifeis its latest low-concept stab at sitcom universality, promising whatever "foibles and follies" of dog ownership aren't copyrighted by Marmaduke. But we'd be lying if we didn't admit to having hope: The hilarious Jessalyn Kincaid, who had us eating up Leaving Iowalike Puppy Chow, is here cast as "Little Dog." Through April 22 at the American Heartland Theatre at Crown Center, 2450 Grand, 816-842-9999. (Alan Scherstuhl)

The Full MontyHere comes the area's most ambitious community theater company, this time taking a swing at the old will-they-or-won't-they male-stripper comedy. It's the kind of ribald musical that the Barn Players have made their niche: something too rough for the New Theatre but not anything you couldn't take your mother to. Advance word is that Chris McCoy's choreography is worth the drive to Mission. Through April 29 at the Barn Players, 6219 Martway, 913-432-9100. (Alan Scherstuhl)

Disney's High School MusicalLike it or not, this Cosmo Teenpop-show — a gruel-thin young-adult novel soundtracked, it seems, by Lou Pearlman and Diane Warren and performed by a flock of grinning Sanjayas — is the face of musical theater in 2007. (you thought it would be The Light in the Piazza?) Here's your latest chance to ponder whether it's a one-time fluke or the way of the future. The good news: Act One mounts exciting productions with well-trained kids. Through April 14 at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 1600 S. Withers Rd., Liberty, 816-401-0040. (Alan Scherstuhl)

QED Physicist Richard Feynman was long known for his inspired teaching, his bongo-playing, his fight with cancer and his love of titty bars. He also came up with QED — quantum electrodynamics — and was instrumental in the development of the atomic bomb. Peter Parnell's drama is challenging but accessible; it's a bit of a fugue, exploring all these layers of life. Feynman is played by Richard Alan Nichols, a craftsman we don't see enough of, so count us in — a serious play, somewhere other than the Unicorn! Through April 22 at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 1824 Walnut, 816-536-9464. (Alan Scherstuhl)

The WTF ShowAs always, we have no idea what to expect from this anything-goes comedy throwdown, so, again, we've asked head WTF guy Dale Hilton to set us straight. His itinerary for this month's "Crime & Punishment" show: "Short movies, short skits and short-'n'-fat stand-up comedians." Also: "La Candid Costa Nostra," a short film about mobsters punking each other and, maybe coolest of all, comic James Inman's multimedia "Greyhound Diary," a slideshow and monologue about the holy hell of an American bus trip. Saturday at 10 p.m. at Comedy City, 300 Charlotte, 816-842-2744. (Alan Scherstuhl)