Ellington

It's not exactly the '80s again. But there is a time warp-theme in Jackson theater right now (no, not Rocky Horror) with lots days-gone-by fare offered this spring. If you want a weekend with a truly historic feel, head on down to the river city for the Vicksburg Theater Guild's production of "Our Town" about early 1900s small-town life.

"It's a fantastic play," says co-director Georgia Grodowitz. "Vicksburg public school students read it in the 11th grade—my son brought it home and made me and my husband read it, and it touched us. Yes, it takes place in the 1900s, but the themes of birth, love, marriage, death are timeless—a lot of things change, but those concepts are still relevant, today and always." Grodowitz shares the directorial duties with her husband, Michael Grodowitz. With a minimal set, the focus is centered on the script and the actors' efforts in bringing the story to life. Performance dates are Friday and Saturday, May 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 9 and 16, at 2 p.m.

You still have some options here in… um, our town. Art and history merge in New Stage's "The Drawer Boy," which runs May 4-16. Helmed by New Stage veteran director Ivan Rider, "The Drawer Boy" is about a young actor shadowing two World War II veterans for a play-writing project. During his time with them, he begins to uncover their history and secrets. Though New Stage is nestled right in Belhaven, the play is set in rural Canada in 1972. Regardless of time and place, the themes of generations learning from one another and the past becoming present makes a powerful show relevant anytime, anywhere.

Another timeless theme—sibling rivalry—is brought to life in Brick Street Players' production of "Daddy's Dying… Who's Got the Will?" The show runs two weekends, May 14-16 and May 20-22, just down the road in Clinton. Directed by Michael Chittom, the play is set in "anytime small-town Texas" and chronicles four squabbling siblings who reunite at their father's deathbed. It's a comedy poking fun at things we can all laugh at—family, greed and Texans