On stage in April

April is shaping up to be a magical month on stage. A man morphs into a bug in Synetic Theater's take on the Kafka classic, a car ride turns into a time-warping trip at Studio Theatre and alchemist Edward Kelley tracks down the philosopher's stone -- or does he?

"The Liar" makes its way to Lansburgh Theatre this month. (Scott Suchman)

But first, "Three's Company"-worthy mix-ups are good for some laughs in Shakespeare Theatre Company's "The Liar." The 17th-century farce was adapted by playwright David Ives, the man behind the reworked "A Flea in Her Ear" staged by Constellation Theatre in October. Free open rehearsals take place Sunday at 2:30 and 4 p.m. (April 6-May 23)

Taking a break from Shakespeare, Synetic is giving "Kafka's Metamorphosis" a moving treatment. The company, which infuses classic stories with its trademark dance-inspired movement, is working with Derek Goldman, who directed last year's sumptuous "Lysistrata." A pay-what-you-can preview is scheduled for 8 p.m. on April 8. (April 8-May 22)

Tony-winning stage veteran Harvey Fierstein is headed this way with the 1964 hit musical "Fiddler on the Roof," bringing with him such infectious ditties as "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Matchmaker, Matchmaker." Fierstein revisits the role he played on Broadway of Tevye the milkman, who struggles to reconcile his religious traditions with his headstrong daughters and his increasingly prejudiced turn-of-the-century Russian village. (April 13-May 9)

A restaging of Edwaard Liang's heartbreakingly beautiful "Wunderland" would be enough of a reason to check out the Washington Ballet this month. But the company's program "Bolero(+)" also includes Nicolo Fonte's critically acclaimed choreography set to Maurice Ravel's evocative piece. (April 14-18)

Studio Theatre is putting on a show that's a trip in more ways than one. "Sixty Miles to Silver Lake" takes place in the front seat of a car, moving back and forth in time to examine the roots of a father and son's fractured relationship. This staging of Dan LeFranc's play is good news for theatergoers who had hoped to catch his "Bruise Easy," which was to be staged by the now-defunct Catalyst Theater. (April 14-May 9)

"Hamlet" again? Yes, the famously indecisive prince is taking the stage at Folger Theatre. But he won't be the only draw. In conjunction with the performances, Folger is putting on "Hamfest," featuring actress Kate Eastwood Norris, author Sarah Schmelling and British acting legend Derek Jacobi for various programs examining one of Shakespeare's best-known works. There will be a pay-what-you-can preview of "Hamlet" on Wednesday, April 21. (April 21-June 6)

Fresh from the success of "Suicide.chat.room," experimental theater company Taffety Punk returns to the stage with "Burn Your Bookes," a look at 16th-century alchemist and alleged charlatan Edward Kelley. Pay what you can for the performances on Wednesday and Thursday April 28-29. (April 28-May 22)

-- Stephanie Merry