The Rep brings a classic to its 10th Street Stage

Suzanne Jennens plays Linda Loman and Michael Searle is Willy Loman in the Rep's production of 'Death of a Salesman.'

A despondent businessman will examine his life choices this weekend when the Toledo Repertoire Theatre opens Death of a Salesman on its 10th Street Stage.

‘‘It's probably the greatest play from American literature. I was very excited to have the opportunity to work on it even though it's been 60-some years since its 1949 premiere,’’ said director F. Scott Regan. ‘‘It still deals with issues that I'm sure the audience will find relevant as well.’’

Directing this Pulitzer Prize-winning Arthur Miller drama is a welcome change for Regan, who last directed the two-act comedy The Foreigner in the Rep's 2010-2011 season. ‘‘I guess a different kind of challenge is to try to find moments of humor in a sad play and to clarify the complex issues that you don't usually have in a farce.’’

‘‘Death of a Salesman" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through April 27 and at 3 p.m. Sunday and April 28 at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for students ages 14 and older, and $5 for children. Information: 419-243-9277 or toledorep.org.

Funny Falling

BOWLING GREEN — The Black Swamp Players will go for belly laughs this weekend as it opens the slapstick Ken Ludwig comedy Moon Over Buffalo at the First United Methodist Church on East Wooster Street.

“I like the physical comedy. I take it upon myself to add a little extra to that to get the extra laughs,’’ said veteran director Bob Hastings. This is Hastings' 27th show with Black Swamp and his third Ludwig comedy.

This 1995 comedy involves two wannabe Broadway stars performing in a small repertoire theater alternating nights with two different shows. Kent McClary as George Hayes plays the male lead who has strayed from his wife, gets drunk, and is confused about the performances. Deb Shaffer as Charlotte Hayes is the female lead who finds out about her husband's infidelity and must perform with him on the night they believe a Broadway director is in the house.

“I've always liked this show. I've seen it two or three times but have never directed it or been in it... with all the problems that happen around tax day April 15 this will bring a smile back on their faces,’’ Hastings said.

“Moon Over Buffalo’’ will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through April 27 and at 2 p.m. Sunday and April 28 at First United Methodist Church. 1526 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and are available at Grounds For Thought coffee shop, 174 S. Main St., Bowling Green. Information: 419-352-1358 or blackswampplayers.org.

Family Frenzy

Oregon Community Theatre springs on stage this weekend with the lively and endearing comedy Are We There Yet? at Fassett Middle School. A series of musical numbers and vignettes both funny and poignant are about all types of families in various situations from road trips to sex after a certain age.

“Are We There Yet?" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through April 27 and at 3 p.m. Sunday in Fassett Middle School Auditorium, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Information: 419-691-1398 or oregoncommunitytheatre.org

One Acts

The Lourdes University Drama Society this weekend will present its sixth annual Festival of One Acts at the Franciscan Center in Sylvania. Nine plays will be performed including the top three winners selected during the Lourdes University Drama Society's One Act Playwriting Competition held in the fall.

Eternity by Elan Garonzik of New York, The Shakespeare Critiques by Louis Felder of Studio City, Calif., and Couples Therapy by Matt Crowley of Brooklyn, N.Y., took first, second, and third place respectively.

Festival of One Acts performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Franciscan Theatre and Conference Center at Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors. Information: 419-824-3999 or www.lourdes.edu.

Please send theater items at least two weeks in advance to jnjaim@theblade.com.