Even Washtenaw County sometimes has slim pickings when it comes to theater, and Independence Day weekend is one of those times. The flip side is that you can get caught up on some wonderful theater that you might not have had time for recently, and get some great deals, as two fine productions are running promotions this weekend.

This week features Independence Day deals on both “Next Fall” and “Consider the Oyster,” listed below under “special offers.” Both shows have received critical praise, so these are some of the best entertainment deals to be had in Ann Arbor.

If you need a culture break from the all of the parades and fireworks this weekend, check out one of these equally exhilarating (but not quite as loud) shows.

Theater listings for the week of June 27- July 3

Show: “Uncle Vanya” by Anton Chekhov, through July 2
Company: Carriage House Theatre
Type of Company: Pre-professional
Recommended ages: 12+
Description: On a rundown and remote farm, Uncle Vanya and niece Sonya have worked for years to maintain the declining estate. When Professor Serebryakov and his wife, Yelena, come to visit, chaos and disruption comes with them, and the resulting disarray spawns three love affairs, each destined to wither on the vine. In this climate of thwarted hopes, the Professor announces a shocking plan.
Preview article from AnnArbor.com
Fun fact: Fans of the very intimate theater experience will definitely want to check out The Carriage House Theatre. You can view some production photos from “Uncle Vanya” on its Facebook page. Due to limited seating, guests are urged to arrive early.
For tickets and information: www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=195441910502329

Show: “Next Fall” by Geoffrey Nauffts, now extended through July 10.
Company: Performance Network Theatre
Type of Company: Equity SPT
Recommended ages: 17 +
Description: Do opposites attract? Adam and Luke certainly do. Luke is a young, Southern Christian, and Adam is an aging, neurotic atheist. When they meet at a mutual friend's party, sparks fly—in more ways than one. When a serious accident lands Luke in the hospital, Adam must decide what their complicated life together adds up to, and whether their love truly can conquer all.
Review from the Detroit Free Press
Fun fact: A report by the Independent Democratic Conference estimates that more than 21,000 gay and lesbian couples from New York will marry within the first three years after the recent passing of the marriage equality law, signed by Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo late on Friday. In addition, nearly 42,000 gay and lesbian couples from out of state will travel to New York for a "destination wedding" adding an estimated $284 million to the state’s economy.
For tickets and information: 734-663-0696, www.performancenetwork.org/
Special offers: All tickets just $20 for July 2-3 performances. Discount code JULY4.

Show: “Consider the Oyster” by David MacGregor, through September 3
Company: The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Type of Company: Professional Equity
Recommended ages: 16+
Description: During the celebration of a Detroit Lions Super Bowl victory, Gene Walsh impulsively proposes marriage to the love of his life. When she joyously accepts, he tumbles over the coffee table. This chance fall begins a hilarious cascade of startling twists that turn the happy couples’ future upside down and inside out.
Fun fact: Jonathan Wilker, an inorganic chemist at Purdue University, recently discovered the unique adhesive that oysters use to bind themselves to reefs and even to each other. In “Consider the Oyster” the fantastical use of a surgical adhesive made from ground up oyster shells causes its main character to take on other, life-changing characteristics of the versatile mollusk.
Special offers: 50 percent off tickets all performances July 1-3. Discount code OYS-JUL4.

Did you know that...?: “1776” is a musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. Based on the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it focuses on, and partly fictionalizes, the efforts of John Adams to persuade his colleagues to vote for American independence and sign the document.