THE WINTER’S TALE Portraying a king unhinged by jealousy, Allyn Burrows (far right) heads a topnotch cast that includes Marianna Bassham (near right), Nigel Gore, and Steven Barkhimer. Director Melia Bensussen smoothly navigates the mood swings of Shakespeare’s play, which transitions from brooding tragedy to larky comedy, swooning romance, and a bit of transformative magic — or is it? Through Jan. 3. Actors’ Shakespeare Project at Willet Hall, United Parish, Brookline. 866-811-4111, www.actors shakespeareproject.org

BUYER & CELLAR Phil Tayler delivers a confident performance as a struggling actor hired to work for Barbra Streisand in an underground mall the singer-actress has built on her Malibu estate. Written by Jonathan Tolins and directed with a sure hand by Courtney O’Connor, it’s a breezy fantasia on Streisand’s mystique and on the ever-fraught relationship between fan and star. Through Jan. 3. Lyric Stage Company of Boston. 617-585-5678, www.lyricstage.com

THE 5TH ANNUAL BOSTON ONE-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL This year’s festival will be presented in two series, organized under a pair of themes: “Where Have We Been?’’ and “Where Are We Going?’’ Fifty plays will focus on the history of Boston, area communities, and the nation, and 50 other plays will focus on what the future might hold. Through Jan. 5. Presented by Boston Public Works Theater Company and Boston Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. 866-811-4111, www.bostonpublic works.org DON AUCOIN

Don Aucoin can be reached at aucoin@globe.com.