Signature Theatre's re-worked production of the formerly troubled musical The Visit is sensational. True, this gothic tale of murder and vengeance mingled with a lyrical essay of love and loss -- adapted by Terrence McNally from Friedrich Durrenmatt's classic play -- might strike some as off-balance. But thanks to the pleasant score by John Kander and the late Fred Ebb, Frank Galati's vibrant staging (aided by Ann Reinking's choreography), and the performances of those grand Broadway stars, Chita Rivera and George Hearn, in the lead roles, the show is a must-see event.

Rivera plays Claire Zachanassian, the "richest woman in the world," who returns home to the Swiss village she escaped [...]