"The Diaries," by John Strand. A novelist, pacifist, butterfly collector and German officer in occupied Paris records all he sees around him, providing a fascinating portrait of a city under siege. A world premiere starring Edward Gero and Broadway veteran Sybil Lines at Signature Theatre, 3806 S. Four Mile Run Drive, through July 14, Tuesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Call 703-218-6500. Visit www.sig-online.org.
"The Cocktail Hour," A. R. Gurney's comedy, presented by the Arlington Players opens July 12 at 8 p.m. At Theatre 1 at the Gunston Arts Middle School, 2700 South Lang St. The show runs through July 27. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees July 14 and 21 at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $12 and senior and junior (under 18) tickets are $10. Call for reservations 703-549-1063.
"The Bridges of Arlington County" is on exhibit at the Margaret W. & Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N. Beauregard St. in Alexandria, through July 31. Call 703-524-7049.
"Antigone" A timeless re-telling of Sophocles' tragic masterpiece written 2,500 years ago, in true Greek tragic style, this action is the catalyst for a series of discussions and deaths as the characters try to deal with life, death, happiness, love, honor and duty. Directed by Yuriy Kordonskiy, at Classika Theatre, 4041 S. 28th St., through July 13, on Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. Call 703-824-0660 or visit www.classika.org.
"Thumbelina" at Classika Theatre, 4041 S. 28th St., in the Green Puppet Theatre. A puppet version of the classic tale about a girl no bigger thana thumb. Ages 4 and up. Show runs through June 30 on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Discounts available. Call 703-824-6200.
Peter and the Wolf, an original play based on Sergei Prokofiev's original score, written and directed by Inna Shapiro. With this classic story of the true meaning of friendship, Shapiro introduces children to classical music, helping them to understand the link between music and emotions. She is the Artistic Director and founder of the Arlington based Classika Theatre, which produces theatre for the whole family. Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m, Wednesday matinees at 1 p.m. $15, $12, $10. 703-824-6200.