Rent or fly—some interesting openings

One of the most successful musicals ever gets its community-theater premiere this week when Runaway Stage Productions opens Rent. Expect the usual energetic choreography and first-rate singing. And who can pass up a chance to hear “Seasons of Love” sung by a bunch of talented young people? On the other side of edgy, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest opens in Nevada City this week for a limited run at the historic Nevada Theatre. They’ll be fitting performances in around other programming, so consult the theater’s calendar before making the drive. And aren’t you just dying to see Nurse Ratched and McMurphy go at it? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Rent, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, $15-$20. Opens Friday, September 3. Runaway Stage Productions at the 24th Street Theatre, 2791 24th Street; (916) 207-1226; www.runawaystage.com. Through September 26.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; 8 p.m. September 1-4, 11, 16-18, and 23-25; and 2 p.m. Sunday, September 12; $20. Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad Street in Nevada City; (530) 265-6161; www.nevadacitycuckoo.com. Through September 25.