Education of the Modern Doctor: Marcus Welby vs. House 
If you’ve been hanging around the San Diego Repertory Theatre’s website lately, you’ve probably noticed that Hairspray, the Broadway Musical is first up for the Rep’s 35th season. What you may not have paid any mind to is the fine print in the middle of the artwork that reads, “In Partnership with the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.” Turns out the Southern California regional premiere is also the area’s first show to feature a slate of high-school students on an Equity-driven stage. That’s as it should be—in the story, portly, gawky senior Tracy Turnblad is set upon by her classmates as she turns racial stereotypes on their ears in 1962 Baltimore, one of that era’s most racially divided cities. A gala to benefit the Paradise Hills arts facility, whose 72 teachers instruct 1,500 students, will be held prior to the play’s July 23 opening. The show is in previews at The Lyceum, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. $34-$45. For more on the gala, see sdrep.org.
OPENING
Robin and the 7 Hoods: The Robin Hood legend is transplanted to a 1930s Chicago gangland setting. Now in previews, it opens July 30 at The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $68-$81. oldglobe.org
NOW PLAYING
Parasite Drag: Two estranged brothers are forced to make arrangements for their sister, a homeless drug addict. Produced by Ion Theatre Company, it runs through July 21 at BLK BOX @ 6th & Penn, 3704 Sixth Ave. in Hillcrest. $15-$25. iontheatre.com
[title of show]: Four wannabes slave away on a new musical in homage to Broadway. Through Aug. 8 at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. See our review on this page. $33-$35. diversionary.org
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: Six would-be spelling champs prove that the only thing worse than being 13 is being 13 and having to spell “chthonic.” Through Aug. 14 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987- D Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. $32-$50. northcoastrep.org
Harvey: Can Elwood P. Dowd help it if his best friend happens to be a 6-foot-tall invisible rabbit? Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it runs through Aug. 22 at the Ione and Paul Harter Stage, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado. $28-$56. lambsplayers.org
Night of the Laughing Dead: A bunch of crazoids need your help in solving a murder on the set of a horror flick. Produced by Mystery Theatre Café, it runs though Aug. 28 at Imperial House Restaurant, 515 Kalmia St. in Bankers Hill. $59.50 including dinner. mysterycafe.net
King Lear: The aging regent seeks to bequeath his kingdom to his three daughters in proportion to their love for him. Through Sept. 23 at The Old Globe Theatre’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $29-$56. oldglobe.org
The Madness of George III: The King of England slides into insanity following his country’s defeat by the colonists. Through Sept. 24 at The Old Globe Theatre’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre,1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $29-$56. oldglobe.org.
The Taming of the Shrew: Petruchio has all sorts of tricks to tame Katherina and woo her to the altar. Through Sept. 26 at The Old Globe Theatre’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $29- $56. oldglobe.org
