Genre:

Writer Jonathan Karp and composer Seth Weinstein have accomplished an improbable feat: They've created a giddily irreverent musical comedy in which romance blooms despite the escalating threat of terrorism. Joyfully swinging from one kooky tune to the next, the envelope-pushing central love triangle involves a United Nations tour guide, his not-so-platonic gal-pal and a horny diplomat conflicted by her lust for a Third World revolutionary. By combining wide-eyed innocence with political world-weariness, How to Save the World stays true to the aw-shucks simplicity of its boy-meet-girl premise without sidestepping post-9/11 cynicism. In fact, tunes like "I'm Afraid of Everything" and "Only the Paranoid Survive" confirm that this particular ongoing national anxiety is no longer too heavy to make light of. Under David H. Bell's endlessly playful direction, the cast members defy you not to surrender to their charms—especially Michael McEachran in a breakout performance that's comically inspired.—Drew Pisarra

• Where: The Lucille Lortel Theatre
• When: Wed, Aug 25 at 1 p.m.; Thu, Aug 26 at 4 p.m.; Fri, Aug 27 at 5:30 p.m.; Sat, Aug 28 at 8:45 p.m.; Sun, Aug 29 at noon