Actor, writer, composer, producer and general-purpose theater geek Justin Huertas has carved out a unique niche by incorporating relatable coming-of-age themes into fantasy settings. His first high-profile show, 2015’s Lizard Boy, developed and then staged by Seattle Repertory Theatre, imaginatively morphed Huertas’ own coming-out experience into a comic-book superhero origin story; it won four Gregory Awards and moved on to a production in San Diego. The Pacific Lutheran University grad’s follow-up was an adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’ magical adventure novel Howl’s Moving Castle, staged by Book-It Repertory Theatre in fall 2017. Now, ArtsWest is premiering his new musical, The Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion, the story of a high school student who discovers, and must contend with, a secret from her mother’s past (the title may or may not be a spoiler), which results in “the arrival of strange new abilities.” 6/20–7/28. Times and prices vary. ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery, West Seattle, 4711 California Ave. SW; 206.938.0963