Critic's Choice

"The Laramie Project": While this Brechtian-styled production won't appeal to everyone, it is a probing examination of the effects on a small town of a brutal hate-crime murder. The death of a gay college student triggers a media frenzy and illuminates the extremes of the wider American character. Repeats 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 3 at Manoa Valley Theatre. Tickets are $25 general; discounts for seniors and military; $10 for those 25 and younger. 988-6131.

"Aloha Las Vegas": Edward Sakamoto's comedy is revived from last year's successful run at Kumu Kahua. Like oxtail stew, the story about moving to the gambling mecca gets even better when it's reheated. Excellent characterizations make for laughs. Repeats at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 3 at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Tickets are $5-$16. 536-4441.