From left: Michael Dukakis (Nick) and Dylan Griner (Damon) in "Punish Me" at Hudson Backstage Theatre (Photo by Avi Kaye) Michael Dukakis’ world premiere psychological thriller “Punish Me,” directed by Monique Sorgen at Hudson Backstage Theatre, follows Nick (Dukakis), a Greek screenwriter who comes to Los Angeles chasing a dream that feels within reach. This desire feels almost certain when he meets Damon (Dylan Griner), a charismatic stranger who offers romance, access and

Eddie Izzard in "The Tragedy of Hamlet" (Photo by Carol Rosegg) You may know Eddie Izzard for comedic performances, which may be why she (Izzard’s preferred pronoun, according to the director’s note ) had to make very clear at the start of her one-person show “The Tragedy of Hamlet” that it is indeed a tragedy … albeit with some funny moments. Izzard’s performing genius is on full display in this show, delivering lines for 23 characters of William Shakespeare’s play, as adapt

Shara Kirby in "The Miraculous V: he Bizarre Awakening of a Virgin Witch" at Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre (Photo courtesy Shara Kirby) Shara Kirby’s “The Miraculous V: The Bizarre Awakening of a Virgin Witch,” directed by Kaylie Flowers and part of the “30-Minutes or Less Festival” at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre, is a one-woman show that’s funny, honest and way more layered than the title suggests. The short play follows V (Kirby), a Black, plus-sized, quirky virgin