So much theatre, so little time. With festivals, numerous companies small and large, new plays, old plays, student plays and more, this city is brimming with theatrical events.

Peering deep into our creative crystal ball, we’ve come up with some highlights of the season. Will they all be winners? Probably not, but if you’re limited for time this season, these shows are some of the best bets on Calgary’s stages.

• The Penelopiad (Alberta Theatre Projects, Sept. 21 to Oct. 9)— Based on the book by Margaret Atwood, this play focuses on Odysseus’ wife and her maidens. Featuring a cast of 11 women onstage, including Meg Roe of The Syringa Tree fame.

• Blood: A Scientific Romance (Sage Theatre, Sept. 30 to Oct. 9) — OK, so this one doesn’t sound so light. It opens with two girls lying on the side of the road in a pool of blood. The rest is hard to summarize, but the play questions the bonds between people and whether those bonds physically create others. And no, not in that way. Written by Meg Braem, this play has garnered a lot of recognition at readings. This is the world premiere.

• John and Beatrice (Oct. 9 to 30, Verb Theatre) — Director Jamie Dunsdon describes the lead character, Beatrice, as “a kind of Rapunzel… with narcolepsy.” Sold.

The aforementioned Beatrice locks herself in a room and puts out a call for a man to “interest, move and seduce her.” A bounty hunter takes up the challenge and I’m sure hilarity will ensue.

• In Flanders Fields (Lunchbox Theatre, Oct. 18 to Nov. 13) — A departure from the light, comedic musicals that Lunchbox tends to show, In Flanders Fields is based on the life of John McCrae in First World War, leading up to him writing his famous poem.

• Lost (Theatre Calgary, Oct. 19 to Nov. 7) — One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest or Lost at Theatre Calgary this season? Tough call, but this one gets the nod for innovation and a local story. Based on the book by local writer Cathy Ostlere, this is a one-woman, multimedia show about loss and searching. This is a world premiere.

• Nevermore (Vertigo Theatre, Jan. 6 to Feb. 6) — Watch out! Goth stampede! Yes, the black lipstick crowd will likely be beating down Vertigo’s doors for this look into the life of Edgar Allan Poe. Biography, excerpts from his work and music come together in this dark and stormy tale.

• Circa (Theatre Junction, Feb. 1 to 5) — How can you resists a circus? What’s that? Animal abuse? Oh, don’t worry, this isn’t that kind of circus. Circa (it’s the name of the company and the show), from Australia, pops into The Grand to show off its blend of dance, comedy and acrobatics. “Vaudeville with a contemporary twist.”

• Kung Fu Panties (Ground Zero Theatre and Hit & Myth Productions, March 18 to April 3) — I’m sorry, you need more than the name of the show for incentive? Fine. Rebecca Northan. What? You don’t know Rebecca Northan? A trio of female super-agents fight crime in this comedy from Northan’s twisted and hilarious brain. Panties. Go.

• And So It Goes (Downstage, March 31 to April 9) — Celebrated Canadian playwright George F. Walker hasn’t penned a new play in a decade, until now. Focusing on economic turbulence in the lives of a middle-class couple, this black comedy even features an appearance by Kurt Vonnegut (I know he’s dead, but it’s theatre. There are actors in theatre, smartass).

• Reverie (Ghost River Theatre, May 13 to 18) — Collaboration is key at Ghost River and this new experiment in creation — part music video and part theatre performance — features writing by David van Belle and Eric Rose, music by Kris Demeanor and visual and sound designs by Kerem Cetinel and Matthew Waddell.