Live theater overflows this weekend, with nearly a dozen productions around the Island. Parents, take note: Half are especially suitable for youngsters and, even better, they offer enduring lessons that you can discuss with your little ones long after the curtain has fallen. Here's a look at what's playing.

'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST'

What: The musical based on the Disney animated movie, presented by the Saint Louis Players

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, through March 18, at Mamiya Theatre (tonight's show is a $100-per-ticket gala benefit)

Tickets: $22 general, $18 students, military, seniors, $15 kids under 12; 550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com

The lesson: Love transcends physical appearance.

'JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT'

What: The Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical based on the biblical tale, presented by Army Community Theatre

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through March 10, at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter

Tickets: $20 and $28 general, $15 and $22 children; 438-4480, www.squareone.org/act

The lesson: To forgive is divine.

'THE WIZ'

What: A musical version of "The Wizard of Oz"

When, where: 7:30 p.m. today (for alumni) and 3 p.m. Sunday, at Kaimuki High School theater

Tickets: $10 general, $5 children, high-schoolers and those older than 65, free for preschoolers; 733-4913

The lesson: Look within yourself for fulfillment.

'HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL'

What: Two productions are based on the super-popular Disney Channel movie.

When, where: 7 p.m. today and tomorrow and March 9-10, at Nanakuli High & Intermediate School's multipurpose building, presented by the NHIS Arts and Communication Learning Center; $8 general advance, $10 at the door; $5 students, $3 for children younger than 12; 668-5823, ext. 351. And 7 p.m. today, at Hawai'i Theatre, presented by 'Iolani School Performing Arts Department; $12; 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com

The lesson: People are different, but they have a lot in common, too.

'THE STONES'

What: A prank becomes a deadly crime; inspired by a true story, presented by Honolulu Theatre for Youth (recommended for those 10 and older)

When, where: 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. today and March 10, 7:30 p.m. Friday, at Tenney Theatre

Tickets: $16 general, $8 for those 18 and younger and older than 60; 839-9885, www.htyweb.org

The lesson: Actions have consequences.