A RAISIN IN THE SUN All the passion Lorraine Hansberry poured into her 1959 masterpiece comes surging through in Liesl Tommy’s stirring production. LeRoy McClain, Kimberly Scott, Ashley Everage, and Keona Welch deliver piercing performances as the four adult members of the Younger family, facing the chance for a new start but divided on what that means. Through April 7. Huntington Theatre Company. At Boston University Theatre. 617-266-0800, www.huntingtontheatre.org Don Aucoin

THEATER

OPERATION EPSILON A satisfyingly taut and well-acted production of Alan Brody’s fine, historically based new drama about German nuclear scientists held captive at the end of World War II in a British country house, where they confront — and evade — their moral responsibility. Directed by Andy Sandberg, with standout performances by Will Lyman, Diego Arciniegas, Ken Baltin, and Robert D. Murphy. Through April 28. Nora Theatre Company. At Central Square Theater, Cambridge. 866-811-4111, www.centralsquaretheater.org

CLYBOURNE PARK The fuse is always lit in M. Bevin O’Gara’s sharp and penetrating production of Bruce Norris’s drama about race and gentrification, inspired by “A Raisin in the Sun.’’ A skilled ensemble ensures that the play registers with full force. Extended through April 6. SpeakEasy Stage Company. At Roberts Studio Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.speakeasystage.com DON AUCOIN

THE IRISH … AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY Frank McCourt’s celebration, through story and song, of the Irish-American experience and a heritage that confronts adversity with determination, good humor, music, and a love of life. Through April 28. At Davis Square Theatre, Somerville. 800-660-8462, www.frankmccourtstheirish.com TERRY BYRNE

DANCE

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY This Petipa masterpiece, one of Boston Ballet’s largest and most lavish productions, beautifully showcases the dancers’ classical style, from the traditional mime, which adds detail, to the breathtaking solos, big ensemble numbers, and lively character dances. March 22-April 7. $29-$142. Boston Opera House. 617-695-6955, www.bostonballet.org

CAITLIN CORBETT DANCE COMPANY The choreographer’s intriguing, often quirky movement explorations are the stars of this concert featuring three brand-new works, including a love duet to the croons of Elvis and the premiere of “I’m Like, No Way,” set to the experimental music of Icelandic band múm. March 22-23, $25, $12 seniors and students. Boston University Dance Theater. 617-353-8725, www.caitlincorbettdance.org

AGAINST THE ODDS: IMPERFECT(IVE) EXPERIMENTS Monkeyhouse members’ own medical anomalies spurred this festival, in which more than 30 performers explore how choreography is often inspired by physical limits and imperfections. The aim is to foster dance that is more relevant to people’s lives, offering sometimes playful ways to embrace limitations. March 21-24. $20, $15 seniors and students. Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford. 617-535-1942, www.monkeyhouselovesme.com

DANCE UNITES FESTIVAL This daylong affair hosted by Ballet Arts Centre of Winchester begins with a variety of classes and culminates in two wide-ranging concerts that include center affiliates as well as guests from Lorraine Chapman, the Company; Benkadi Drum and Dance; Sidestreet Crew; and North Atlantic Ballet. March 23, 6 and 7:30 p.m. $15. NextDoor Center for the Arts, 40 Cross St., Winchester. 781-729-8556, www.bacw.com Karen Campbell

Quilting ‘Bird’

CLARA WAINWRIGHT: 1000 HOURS WITH A DEMANDING BIRD Wainwright, founder of First Night, tireless collaborator and artist, exhibits contemplative quilts in part inspired by Paul Klee’s self-portrait “Lost in Thought.” Birds appear, and agitated patterns, in a purple palette. Through March 30. Mobilia Gallery, 358 Huron Ave., Cambridge. 617-876-2109, www.mobilia-gallery.com Cate McQuaid

GALLERIES

HOWARDENA PINDELL: VIDEO DRAWINGS 1973-2007 Pindell, long known for her focus on process, oddball materials, and societal critique, displays layered photographs of television screens shot through transparent drawings. The works utilize abstraction to comment darkly on the power of mass media. Through April 16. Howard Yezerski Gallery, 460 Harrison Ave. 617-262-0550, www.howardyezerskigallery.com