The Bacchae -- A triumph for the Charles Playhouse and all concerned. Director Timothy S. Mayer has updated Euripides' play in translation and costumes, invested it with modern music, and staged it almost vertically. The devices are amazingly consistent with one another, also with the interpretation, and most of all with the play. The cast is fine. At the CHARLES, 76 Warrenton (542-3325).

Brecht on Brecht--A revue of sorts built around the plays, songs and other writings of The Man. At the THEATRE COMPANY OF BOSTON, 136 Mass. Ave. (426-6609).

The Children's Hour--Lillian Hellman tells a strange story. At the BU THEATRE, Comm. Ave. (353-3392).

Dear World--reviewed on page 2. At the COLONIAL (HA 6-9366).

Detective Story--Sidney Kingsley. At the NORTHEASTERN UNIV. ALUMNI AUDITORIUM (437-2192).

H.M.S. Pinafore--Julian Beck has been replaced by Gilbert and Sullivan. There is something in that. At KRESGE AUDITORIUM, M.I.T. (864-6900, ext. 2910).

The Imaginary Invalid -- Moliere. At Dunster House.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying--Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows musical on big business. At AGASSIZ, Radcliffe Yard (354-9175).

The Measures Taken -- Brecht. At the HARVARD EPWORTH CHURCH, 1555 Mass. Ave. (491-9579).

Oh, What a Lovely War -- In which World War I turns out not to be so lovely after all. At TUFTS ARENA THEATRE (628-5000, ext. 318).

The Proposition--Local satirical revue. At 241 Hampshire St., Inman Square, Cambridge.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown -- Which somehow works. At the WILBUR (426-9366).

The Zoo Story & Krapp's Last Tape--Albee, Beckett, three actors and a tape recorder. At the ATMA 496 Tremont (338-9791).

SCREEN

Angels from Hell--Adults only. At the CENTER, 686 Washington St. (426-0889).