| theater openings |

Ride the Red Mare Sat 1pm. Adapted from an Ursula K. Le Guin story, this Tears of Joy production is performed with bunraku style puppets and shadow puppets. Sophia’s little brother Leo has been stolen by trolls. The small wooden horse she takes to show her the way is transformed into a magnificent red mare and together they reach the high house of the trolls. Her courage and heroism is not of the battling variety, her strength comes through her ability and desire to give.  $6/advance; $10/adult; $8/youth. Morgan Stock Stage at the MPC Theatre. 646-4213 or www.TicketGuys.com/MPC.

| theater ongoing |

The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? Fri-Sat 8pm; Sun 5pm. Martin, a hugely successful architect who has just turned 50, leads an ostensibly ideal life with his loving wife and gay teenage son. But when he confides to his best friend a secret that could destroy him, he sets in motion events that will destroy his family and leave his life in tatters. The Goat is a passionate play that explores the nature of love and the limits of compassion and understanding, while remaining wickedly funny. $20; $17/student and seniors. Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel. 626-6796 or www.ticketguys.com. Ends 3/20.

The Maiden and the Tar: A Gilbert and Sullivan Folly Thurs 7:30pm; Sun 4pm. KE Productions present an assortment of favorite tunes and characters from the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by Barney Hulse, Eleanor Wylde Morrice and Kevin Hanstick. $10. The Barbary Coast Theatre. 320 Hoffman at Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 424-2568 for more info. Ends 4/20.

M. Butterfly Fri-Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm. The bizarre true story of a French diplomat and his complex love affair with a Chinese opera star, including the deceptions and stereotypes that destroy his career and shatter his notions of love, loyalty and pride. $22-$30/adults; $15-$25/seniors and students; $6 for children under 12. The Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde between 8th and 9th, Carmel. 622-0100 or www.Ticketguys.com. Ends 3/26.

Noises Off! Fri-Sat 7pm; Sun 2pm. A troupe composed of has-been, never-was and wanna-be actors led by a somewhat pretentious director tours through the hinterlands of the outer regions of Britain. As the show progresses from one town to the next, the little romances, intrigues and foibles of the cast begin to wear on them until all semblance of the play that they were rehearsing has vanished into the mayhem of their vendettas. $15/24 hours or more in advance; otherwise $25/adults; $20/seniors; $15/youth; $10/children. Morgan Stock Stage, Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., Monterey. 646-4213 or www.Ticketguys.com. Ends 3/20.

Shooting of General Anesthesia Fri-Sat 8pm. The story of a local mercury mine, a sinister confederate spy, a plot twisting telegram, and the murder of none other than Union Colonel Olly Northgate on a secret mission for President Lincoln. $14; $13/seniors; $8/students; $6/active military. The Barbary Coast Theatre. 320 Hoffman at Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 655-4992. Ends 4/30.