I Could Go On Singing: The Judy Garland Songbook
For one night only, the life and songs of Judy Garland will be brought to the Centerstage Theatre. Meg McLynn will be portraying the irreplaceable actress and singer as they cover her enormous songbook. - Rev. Adam McKinney

Sunday, Sept. 27, 2:30 p.m., Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, 253.661.1444, centerstagetheatre.com

The Birds
If you asked my mother about one of her most traumatic childhood experiences, I bet she'd direct you to Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. Though much of the iconic horror film about murderous birds is dated, the central concept of nature turning against man for unclear reasons still resonates. Lakewood Playhouse will be staging a live radio play of The Birds, along with other spooky treats for the Halloween season. - Rev. AM

Oct. 23-25, Lakewood Playhouse, Lakewood Towne Center, 253.588.0042, lakewoodplayhouse.org

Rabbit Hole
Losing a child is a parent's worst nightmare, and it's the subject of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Rabbit Hole. The play made the jump from stage to screen in 2010, but it's valuable to see the struggle of how two parents cope with grief differently on the small stage in a place like Tacoma Little Theatre. - Rev. AM

Oct. 23-Nov. 8, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 North I St., Tacoma, 253.272.2281, tacomalittletheatre.com

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  
Ian Fleming's break from the James Bond novels and foray into children's fiction, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang became hugely memorable musical film for many of a certain generation. It's a whimsical adventure story about a magic car and a character called the Child Catcher, who surely inspired his fair share of kids asking to sleep in their parents' bed. - Rev. AM

Nov. 27-Dec. 20, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, 7716 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6867, tmp.org

Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike
This Tony Award-winning play fuses Greek tragedy and B-movies in the story of siblings trying to figure out what to do with their childhood home. Their parents having cruelly named them after Chekhov characters, feelings are understandably mixed. - Rev. AM

Jan. 21-Feb. 13, Harlequin Productions, 202 4th Avenue E., Olympia, 360.786.0151, harlequinproductions.org

Night of the Iguana
Dukesbay Productions presents Tennessee Williams' intense drama, Night of the Iguana. While traveling through 1930's Mexico, disgraced ex-minister T. Lawrence Shannon retreats to a run-down hotel owned by an old friend. Suffering a breakdown, Shannon's ruin and redemption meet one fateful night. - Alec Clayton

Oct. 29-Nov. 15, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., Merlino Arts Bldg, 508 South 6th Ave., Tacoma, dukesbay.org

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
The town of Sumner may be off the beaten path for some Tacomans, but it's not that far, and it has a thriving community theater that doesn't get as much press as it probably should. This fall they're doing the rousing musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It's a rip-roaring Western musical with foot-stomping songs that will make you want to get up on stage and join in the exuberant dancing. - AC

Sept. 26-Oct. 11, Sumner Performing Arts Center, 1707 Main St., Sumner, manestagetheatre.com

A Few Good Men
One of the most anticipated theatrical events this autumn is the stage version of Aaron Sorkin's A Few Good Men, kicking off Lakewood Playhouse's 77th season and it's 50th anniversary in its present location. This is a must-see show. - AC

Sept. 17-Oct. 11, Friday and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., Lakewood Playhouse, Lakewood Towne Center, 253.588.0042, lakewoodplayhouse.org

Sleeping Beauty
Once again, Centerstage in Federal Way is doing the English Panto Sleeping Beauty, a fractured fairy tale played out for children and adults alike. Their Pantos are always the best holiday shows of any season. - AC

Nov. 28-Dec. 20, Fridays 7 p.m., Saturdays 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, 253.661.1444, centerstagetheatre.com

Recent Tragic Events
Harlequin Productions is presenting the bizarre comic drama Recent Tragic Events in October. Watch for hilarity, audacity, Joyce Carol Oates in Minneapolis, played by a sock puppet. - AC

Oct. 1-31 Thursdays-Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., State Theater, 202 E. 4th Ave., Olympia, 360.786.0151, harlequinproductions.org