Two architects design groundbreaking buildings that inspire the world. But who was most responsible for these works of genius? And why was the family of one of the architects so troubled? Richard Greenberg's "Three Days of Rain" answers these questions in a clever and entertaining way.

Downtown Modesto just got a little bit hipper thanks to the arrival of a black box theater at 11th and J streets. The Center Stage Conservatory is launching an adult season featuring challenging, thought-provoking plays. The first show is Nobel Prize-winner Harold Pinter's 1978 drama "Betrayal."

The big hair, outrageous costumes and screaming guitars of 1980s rock are hard to take seriously all these years later, so the Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” which plays tonight in Modesto wisely doesn’t. It presents the era as a joke that was also a heck of a lot of fun.

Irving Berlin wrote some of the best-loved American pop standards during a lengthy career that spanned the first half of the 20th century.

Written just five years ago, David Mamet's cynical comedy "November" already seems dated. The farce, running at Stage 3 Theatre through Oct. 7, centers on a fictional unpopular president trying desperately to make a last-ditch attempt to win an election. One of the big running themes is how daring and politically suicidal it would be for him to support gay marriage. It's hard to relate to that attitude now, with President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party proudly touting their support for letting anyone marry whom they love.

With seven adorable children who sing in harmony, a fun-loving nun and stunning mountain scenery, "The Sound of Music" provides a nice break from the crassness and coarseness of modern life.

You never have to wait too long before some scandal involving a church and betrayed trust hits the news. There are countless stories of people putting their faith in a minister who turns out to have lower moral standards than the sinners he counsels.

By the title, you might think Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical "Carousel" is a lighthearted romance set at the fairgrounds. You would be wrong.

Raw, aggressive and twisted, the dark comedy "Fuddy Meers" comes at audiences with the force of a hurricane and doesn't let up until the end.

The main reason to see the 1934 musical "Anything Goes" is to enjoy Cole Porter's time-tested, catchy hits such as "You're the Top," "It's De-Lovely" and "I Get a Kick Out of You." But if you're looking for an engaging story, you'll be disappointed.

Modesto Junior College is making a big splash with its new production of "The Metamorphoses," Ovid's collection of ancient Greek myths.

If you can't get enough of classic black-and-white movies and the elegant performers and witty banter that come with them, you won't want to miss Sierra Repertory Theatre's "The 39 Steps."

Bell bottom pants, feather boas and platform shoes are a good fit for the Gallo Center for the Arts. Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan Renner gives the touring production of the ABBA extravaganza "Mamma Mia" three stars.

Generations of comedians have made people laugh with stories about their wacky families. Steve Solomon follows in their well-trod footsteps with his one-man show "My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy."

With the economy still in the dumps and natural disasters in Japan, it can be hard to look at the bright side of life. Phoenix Entertainment’s touring production of “Spamalot,” now at the Gallo Center for the Arts, gives us the cheering up we need.