Grease, with Taylor Hicks.

Would you rather get a history lesson, do the hand jive or sit trembling in the wake of the demon barber of fleet street? All are options on the D.C. stage in February.

On the history front, Shakespeare Theater Company will perform two of the Bard’s classics in repertory: Richard II and Henry V (Feb 2, 4).

If you’re a ’50s fan, there’s always Grease to provide flashback-fueled nostalgia; this time at the National Theater (Feb. 9).

And for the more Gothically inclined, don’t miss Sweeney Todd at Signature Theater, the masters of Sondheim (Feb. 9).