There’s always something going on in the North Texas art scene, but springtime is especially busy. No doubt the brief window of mild weather has a lot to do with the annual bumper crop of outdoor festivals and other spring activities for the kiddos. But guess what? There is also a whole lot of inside stuff you’re going to want to check out, too!  Which is exactly why we’re shining a spotlight on all the fabulous theater productions going on right now. There is a whole range of shows coming up for every age group. Best of all, they’re fun for adults, too!

Photo: J Performing Arts Space

You and the littles can follow the Yellow Brick Road in this young performers version of “The Wizard of Oz.” The actors are made up of kids from J Performing Arts Space. It’s the perfect introduction for theater newbies because it’s a show by kids, for kids. You and the tinies can enjoy everything from the iconic film including classic songs, choreography, and Munchkins and flying monkeys, too! Catch Dorothy, Toto, and all their friends at the Jewish Community Center Thursdays and Sundays through April 14.

MPM Studio Theater in Mansfield is up to something completely different with their production of “The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet.”  The show takes Shakespeare’s classic love story and reworks it into a fast-paced, hilarious comedy in the style of Dr. Seuss. Romeo and Juliet fall deeply in love but must keep their forbidden love hidden from their feuding families: The Capitulates & The Monotones. It’s on stage weekends through April 14.

Photo: Outcry Theatre

Outcry Youth Theatre also does a modern day twist on a literary classic with the H.G. Wells science fiction novella “The Time Machine.” Travel into the future with Marie, a young scientist and her friend Jocelyn as they battle against the Morlocks–a brutal underground species of humans– to retrieve their stolen time machine. Will Marie and Jocelyn be able to recover the machine? Or will they be stuck in the future forever? Find out when “The Time Machine” takes the stage at the Addison Conference and Theatre Centre weekends through April 14.

Leapin’ Lizards! Everyone’s favorite orphan is coming to North Texas! That’s right, Denton Community Theatre presents “Annie” at the Campus Theatre in Denton. The beloved musical tells the story of plucky Annie, an orphan who escapes from the evil Miss Hannigan and finds a place to belong with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace, and a dog named Sandy. The family-friendly show is best for kids 4 and up. “Annie” ends its run this weekend and is likely to sell out fast so don’t wait until “Tomorrow” to get tickets.

Looking for some goofy family fun? Try Pocket Sandwich Theatre’s production of “Brandi The Vampire Staker” for a different kind of theater experience.  The silly farce is a loving homage to everyone’s favorite high school vampire killer, and it’s also one of the Pocket’s infamous audience-participation shows. That means booing for the bad guy, cheering for the good guy, and lots and lots of popcorn throwing. Be warned, if you sit in front you’re going to leave with a sizable amount in your hair and clothes. The show is rated PG 13 for adult innuendo, but overall it’s pretty tame. The show runs weekends through May 11. It’s a popular show and the Pocket is a very small house so be sure to call ahead for reservations.