The Rover

This comedy by England’s first professional female playwright (a contemporary of William Shakespeare) is both timely and timeless in ways that are surprising. As ribald as anything by the Bard, it gives a new—or old—take on the idea that “girls just wanna have fun.” Gail Dartez directs an outstanding cast that features two remarkable characterizations, that of Ian Hopps as the charming rogue Wilmore and that of self-effacing Paj Crank as the hilarious Ned Blunt. Th, F and Sa 8pm. Through 5/28. $10-$20. Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Boulevard; (916) 960-3036; www.bigideatheatre.org. J.C.