Weekend Theatre: July 17-19

ALSO PLAYING

The Elephant Man @ Strawberry Theatre Workshop. "Not knowing much about the play, we went because we saw the cast included David Pichette, MJ Sieber, and Alexandra Tavares, who consistently bring a snap, crackle, and pop (respectively) to whatever they're in. The show is an hour and forty minutes with no intermission--the audience last night was glued to the stage the whole time." [Read our review.] (Fri. & Sat., 8:30 p.m. 1524 Harvard Ave. $10-$54.36.)

Othello @ Intiman. "We blame the New York Times for some of the letdown; they told us to expect one of the "most sensitively directed, eloquently designed and impeccably acted productions of a Shakespeare tragedy that the city has seen in years." Wow, we thought, even better than Transformers 2! And in fairness, Arin Arbus' direction has more wins than losses--though in one too many scenes, people just stood there until their line." [Read our review.] (Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Tix $10/$42-$54.)

CLOSING Orange Flower Water @ ACT. "Orange Flower Water is the second play by hot local theatre group New Century Theatre Company (the first was last December's much-lauded The Adding Machine). With two shows under their belts, a pattern is emerging: For the second time, the company has worked wonders with an inherently weak script, on the strength of innovative design and powerhouse performances. There is a glaring difference, though. Whereas Elmer Rice's 1929 play aimed for the moon by tackling a host of complex issues, Craig Wright's Orange Flower Water aims far lower and still comes up wanting, and manages to be offensive in the process. We can wholeheartedly recommend this production for showcasing four brilliant actors, but the choice of play is extremely disappointing." [Read our review.] (Fri. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. 700 Union St. Tix $25.)