Between the Lines Studio Theatre delivers a deliciously wicked satire with its premiere of "The Thanksgiving Play" through Nov. 19 at its theater at 725 N. 15th St., Allentown.

Playwright Larissa FastHorse, a member of the Sicangu Lakota nation and the first Native American woman to have a play produced on Broadway, has written a smartly clever play about four white, well-intentioned artists who want to create a respectful and politically correct Thanksgiving play at an elementary school. As they attempt to avoid offending anyone, they encounter minefields of white privilege, historical accuracy, the lack of indigenous casting and the challenges of accurately representing Native Americans.

Northampton Community College Theatre Departments "Blood Brothers," is emotionally gripping, funny and ultimately devastating. The Bethlehem Township college's poignant production of the tragic show is in NCCs Lipkin Theatre, through Oct. 29.

Civic Theatres production of "The Little Mermaid" can be described as a giddy, colorful cartoon come to life. The fun, energetic musical is at the 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown through Oct. 22.

Big, bold performances recreate the beloved characters from the Disney film effortlessly.

The titular mermaid Ariel is played with amazingly bubbly enthusiasm by Katie Semon. Semon channels the Disney princess so well, she seems to have literally leapt out of the film on to the stage. Her big belty voice satisfies on the shows big song "Part of Your World" and she throws herself whole-heartedly into every scene.

Pennsylvania Playhouse has delivered a darkly delightful production of the Stephen Sondheim musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," at 390 Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem through Oct. 22.

The show creates a slightly ominous environment before the production even begins as the downtrodden appearing cast members prowl the stage and among the audience.

"The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" begins with the cast as a grim Greek chorus, singing Sondheims distinctive harmonies from all over the theater for an immersive effect.