"Elder Hostages," a trilogy of one-acts tells the stories of people coping with the indignities of aging, takes the stage for its first full production after an acclaimed reading in 2010. (Today)

ALL WEEKEND 'Hattie' on the Horizon New Horizon Theater's "Hi Hat Hattie" stars Shaunyce Omar in a musical biography of Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Academy Award. The "Gone With the Wind" supporting actress was celebrated by Hollywood for her portrayal of the O'Haras' house servant Mammy, but attacked by the NAACP and others for perpetuating stereotypes. (Today)

The final scene of "Ruthless! The Musical" is so brazenly depraved, you probably should know about it in advance, but that would be like giving away the big reveal of "The Sixth Sense." So, for those of you who would be easily offended by a wicked child gone wild, consider yourself warned. (Yesterday)

For anyone who has ever squeezed into the sausage skin of a leotard, hobbled funk-less through a hip-hop combination or been chastised for poor posture in a ballet class, comedian Jen Childs has a soft spot for you. These are just a few of the scenarios she cites in her one-woman show "Why I'm Scared of Dance," which continues Thursday through Sunday at City Theatre, South Side. (02/07/2012)

Nothing seems as fascinating to a middle-aged American male as the guy himself. Examples abound, so I'll leave Charlie Sheen alone, but for an evening's immersion in this area of self-absorption, try "Mid-Strut" at The REP, Point Park University's professional company. (02/07/2012)