Two productions grapple with pop culture icons; another is a friendly visit from shysters.

A not-quite alliterative round-up of these revisits, retoolings, and revitalizations—some of which fare better than others.

This H2$ si unapologetic, for sure, and that’s just how Music Theater Works artistic director Rudy Hogenmiller likes it and directs it, a gleeful sound in a season-long parting shot before he resigns.

Thankfully, director Rudy Hogenmiller trusts Into the Woods enough to direct the piece in a straightforward fashion that makes this production a solid Sondheim primer, for anyone ready for next-level musical theatre performance.

Here, the ethos is clear: don’t go for realism, go for what is most impressive for the audience to look at. The artistry is evident and sumptuous.

And when it glitters, be as gay as you want. This cast certainly does. Ben Barker and Cecilia Iole, respectively as the naive lovers Candide and Cunegonde, are dunderheaded and easily tossed about, but charming and sympathetic, and sing sing sing so well.