On the Boards is presented by the Irish Classical Theatre Company. To be considered for On the Boards, submissions must be received by 5pm on Wednesday one week prior to publication. Send notice VIA e-mail to: ontheboards@artvoice.com.

Your last chance to see Saul Elkin in "The Merchant of Venice" is this Sunday, July 10.

Opening

CLINTON’S DITCH: the Story of the Building of the Erie Canal, historical drama by Anne Porter Paris and Hugh Pratt, presented by The Erie Canal Drama Theater, directed by Dan Shanahan, starring Richard Lambert, Tilke Hill, Carman Swans, James Wild, Stephanie Dale, G. Anton Moore, Joseph Westphal, Elise Hoffman, Danica Riddick, James Heffron, Eyton Robinson, Andrew Kotter, James Steiner, Elizabeth Oddy, Dinah Iglesias. Jul 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24 at 8. Canalside on the Buffalo Harbor, free admission. Read more in this week's Theater Week.

HAIRSPRAY, musical presented by Curtain-Up Performers. Jul 7-17, Thu & Sat at 7:30, Sun at 3 & 7:30. Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave. Lockport (438-1130).

PETER PAN, family play by J.M. Barrie presented by Wee-Folk Little Theatre. Jul 7 & 8 at 6:30. Gateway Building Auditorium 3556 Lakeshore Blvd., Blasdell (392-0267).

THE SYRINGA TREE, drama by Pamela Gien starring Olivia Olsen. Jul 13-15 at 7:30. Alt Theatre, 255 Great Arrow Ave., 3rd floor (868-6847).

THREE SISTERS, drama by Anton Chekhov, presented by Chautauqua Theater Company, directed by Brian Mertes, starring Vivienne Benesch. Jul 6-17. Bratton Theater, Chautauqua Institution (357-6250).

Ongoing

ONE MORE FOR MY BABY, world premiere of the revue conceived by David Grapes, John Fredo and Randall Kramer, directed by Kramer, starring John Fredo, Don Gervasi. Through Aug 6, Wed & Thu at 7, Fri at 8, Sat at 4 & 8. MusicalFare Theatre, 4380 Main St., Amherst (839-8540).

RECOVERY MODE, comedy by Matthew Burlingame presented by Buffalo United Artists, directed by Joey Bucheker, starring Gary Andrews, Matthew Crehan Higgins, Sean Murphy, Marc Sacco, Victoria Perez. Through Jul 17, Sat at 8, Sun at 7. BUA Theater, 119 W. Chippewa (886-9239).

SUBVERSIVE SHORTS 2011, annual showcase of new short political plays presented by Subversive Theatre. Through Jul 17, Thu-Sat at 8. Sun at 6. The Manny Fried Playhouse, 255 Great Arrow Ave., third floor (408-0499).

Closing

INSIDIOUS, play by Ibn Shabazz, directed by Doug Zschiegner, starring Greg Howze, Xavier Harris, Adrienne Lewis, Carlton Franklin, John Vines. Through Jul 10, Thu-Sun at 7:30. Road Less Traveled Theater, Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre, 639 Main St. (629-3069).

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, tragedy by William Shakespeare presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, directed Brian Cavanagh, starring Saul Elkin, Sudan Drozd, Peter Palmisano, Adriano Gatto, Kay Kerimian, Leah Russo, David Autivino. Through Jul 10, Tue-Sun at 7:30. Shakespeare Hill, Delaware Park, behind the Rose Garden (856-4533).

Upcoming

AS YOU LIKE IT, comedy by William Shakespeare presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, directed Eileen Dugan. Jul 21-Aug 14, Tue-Sun at 7:30. Shakespeare Hill, Delaware Park, behind the Rose Garden (856-4533).

FOLLIES, concert version benefit performance for Buffalo United Artists, starring Kerrykate Abel, Kelli Bocock-Natale, Lou Colaiacovo, Lisa Ludwig, Debbie Pappas, Marc Sacco, Jul 27 at 7:30, BUA Theater, 119 Chippewa St. (886-8239).

THE WORLD GOES ’ROUND, musical revue by Kander & Ebb presented by Niagara University Theatre, directed by Derek Roland, starring Michele Roberts Benzin, Lou Colaiacovo, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Paschal Frisina, Vanessa Gawinski. Jul 21-31, Thu at 7, Fri & Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Leary Theatre, Clet Hall, on the NU campus (286-8685).