Is it hyperbole to say that David Byrne has reinvented the stage musical with his thrilling “Here Lies Love” at The Public Theater? Byrne’s foray into the theater world is a breath of orchid-scented fresh air as he recounts the story of everyone’s favorite Filipina, the ever-fascinating fashionista Imelda Marcos, with a disco-infused beat and help from co-composer Fatboy Slim. Jumpsuited young traffic cops shepherd the dancing audience – seating is nonexistent in the main section – out of harm’s way as the shoulder-level turntable swings round to accommodate the flow of actors between the two stages at either end of the rectangular space and on to the catwalks on the side.

Virtually sung-through, “Love” follows its heroine from her early days as a rural beauty queen to her zenith as jet-setting first lady and subsequent fall from grace. We learn that she was first the girlfriend of Ferdinand Marcos’ most strident opponent, Benigno Aquino, and that she suffered deeply through her husband’s much-publicized affair with American actress Dovie Beams. We feel for Imelda when she plaintively asks, “Why don’t you love me?”

As if the driving music were not enough of an invitation, the MC encourages the audience – strongly – to dance along, but don’t be intimidated. If you can do the bunny hop at a wedding, just jack up the rhythm and you’ll be fine. Director Alex Timbers and his crackerjack design team execute Byrne’s vision with breathtaking flair. It’s a hell of a good time.

If you go

‘Here Lies Love’
Through June 2
The Public Theater,
425 Lafayette St.
$89-$94, www.publictheater.org

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There’s certainly something to be said for the fresh dialogue, zippy zingers and well-drawn characters in Manhattan Theater Club’s “The Madrid” at City Center. They make for striking interchanges and more than a few good laughs. But ultimately Liz Flahive’s latest doesn’t add up to much. A black hole at its center drains its energy and marginalizes its impact.

Martha (Edie Falco) is a kindergarten teacher who one day tells her class she’ll be “right back.” She disappears. Her husband John (John Ellison Conlee) and daughter Sarah (Phoebe Strole, reminiscent of Ellen Page at her strongest) are confused and cope as best they can. Her mother (a droll Frances Sternhagen) drives her car into a tree. Neighbors Becca (Heidi Schreck) and Danny (Christopher Evan Welch) try to help, but fail. Then Martha shows up at the Starbucks where Sarah works, and Sarah soon starts seeing her on the sly at her sparsely furnished apartment in a building called The Madrid.

Unfortunately, we never get even a whiff of what motivated Martha to fly the coop or, for that matter, who she is. Not that we need to see a blueprint – a little mystery is fine. But we should have some idea of what makes her tick. Her underwritten character seems like an afterthought, which is especially bizarre since the other characters are so well-developed. We keep waiting for a revelation, but it never comes — and its absence leaves the entire production hanging, its potential unrealized.

If you go

‘The Madrid’
New York City Center, Stage I,
131 West 55th St.
$85, www.nycitycenter.org.

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Credit: Josh Lehrer

The cynic’s pick: ‘PASSION’

“Passion” is a twisted love story about a relationship founded on obsession and manipulation. The antithesis of a rom-com, this dark musical will appease those who are intrigued by the intensity of infatuation and the complexities of newfound love. For Sondheim fans, it’s a no-brainer. And those who like to be first-to-know will be impressed that you heard about this under-the-radar restaging that’s new to town as of this weekend (Feb. 8). www.classicstage.org

Credit: Joan Marcus

The confident choice: ‘PICNIC’

No matter who you are, it takes a lot of courage to bring your date to a play where Sebastian Stan spends half the time onstage shirtless and gleaming with sweat. Here he’s a down-on-his-luck drifter who falls for a small town’s most prized bachelorette. We won’t tell you how that seemingly doomed affair turns out, but we will guarantee that you’ll earn major points for being bold enough to stare at Stan while sitting next to your SO. www.roundabouttheatre.org

Credit: Michael Brosilow

The long-term ticket: ‘WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?’

Committed couples get comfortable with one another; they operate in a language that only they can understand. This production takes that kind of long-haul love to the next level, showcasing theater’s most cohesively dysfunctional husband and wife as they bait and mock a newly married duo over a long night of cocktails. And it’s all in the name of breaking familiarity and pushing their relationship to the next level. Despite the epic levels of gamesmanship to which this particular pair have taken their matrimony, the play’s still recognizably romantic in a way that many longtime lovers will understand. www.virginiawoolfbroadway.com

Credit: Joan Marcus

The introductory date: ‘THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD’

Isn’t it great at the start of a relationship, when there’s still a lot of excitement and, well, mystery? If you’re just starting out with someone new, a musical comedy is the perfect pick that will let you relax together and laugh. With audience participation and surprise endings that change every night, there’s plenty within this uproariously convoluted plot for you to talk about. And regardless of the twists and turns this choose-your-own-adventure might take, you’ll be good to go knowing that every single performance is going to end in a love song. www.roundabouttheatre.org

Credit: Joan Marcus

The safe bet: ‘ONCE’

As the top Tony winner of 2012, “Once” is likely to hit the mark for even the hard-to-please theatergoer. Romantic and haunting, the story follows musicians who realize they each bring out just what the other person needs most. If all else fails, there’s a bar right onstage so you can grab a glass of wine to smooth over any misgivings about your taste in musical theater. But in our professional opinion, if your date doesn’t like “Once,” you should probably just reconsider the relationship. Unfortunately, this is also one where it might be hard to score tickets — but if you can, you really can’t go wrong. www.oncemusical.com

Follow Metro’s theater editor via Twitter: @TMichelleMurphy.

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