Third

These are political times, and Wendy Wasserstein’s Third (2005) speaks directly to the issues of today. Her story concerns Laurie Jameson, a left-wing professor teaching literature at an elite university. Her politics and her prejudices come front and center when she meets a young student/jock named Woodson Bull, III, or Third, who represents everything she hates about America (she thinks). When Third turns in a terrific paper on King Lear, the professor can’t help but believe the kid cribbed it. But should she formally accuse him of cheating? The accusation alone will cost him his scholarship. What if he’s innocent? Then again, what if he’s guilty and she doesn’t take action? Add to that a friend who’s got cancer and a father who might have Alzheimer’s, and Jameson has a lot on her plate. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Through September 21. Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Boulevard. For information, call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com. $20 to $36.
Sat., Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Starts: Aug. 30. Continues through Sept. 21, 2008