National Repertory Theatre: Arabian Nights

Playwright Mary Zimmerman’s The Arabian Nights is making its Houston debut during a short run by the National Repertory Theatre. A reworking of the classic tale, Arabian Nights focuses on King Shahryar (played by Leraldo Anzaldua), who marries a new wife every night, only to have her killed before the morning. All that changes when he marries the lovely and intelligent Scheherazade (played by K. Claire Lake), who manages to stay alive by telling the king a story with a cliffhanger ending every night. Arabian Nights is storytelling at its best, pitting wit against power and imagination against hate. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Freneticore Theatre, 5102 Navigation. For information, call 832-421-5993. $20.