ALOHA, SAY THE PRETTY GIRLS | The American Repertory Theatre/Moscow Art Theatre School institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University presents this 1999 Whiting Writers' Award–winning play by Naomi Iizuka, which it describes as "a hilarious romp that follows young Generation Xers in their quest for love and identity. Strangers, friends, lovers, and acquaintances travel the globe from Alaska to Hawaii and from New York City to Inner Borneo. A woman moves to Alaska after being dumped by her boyfriend. A writer struggles to write the great American Novel. A businessman misses his flight and ends up on the beaches of Hawaii. Oh yeah, and there's a hula dancer, an Incan mummy, a man that becomes a Komodo dragon, and a dog that becomes a man." The Elephant Theatre Company's Lindsay Albaugh directs. | Zero Arrow Theatre, Mass Ave + Zero St, Cambridge | 617.547.8300 | February 6-14 | Curtain 7:30 pm Thurs-Sun | $10; $5 students, seniors; free ART subscribers
AWAKE AND SING! | Trinity Repertory Company stalwart Fred Sullivan Jr. directs this much-praised Gamm Theatre revival of Clifford Odets's classic 1935 drama about a fiery Jewish family struggling through the Great Depression. | Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St, Pawtucket, Rhode Island | 401.723.4266 | Through February 15 | Curtain 7 pm Wed | 8 pm Thurs-Sat | 2 + 7 pm Sun | $24-$39
BAD DATES | Lenox-based Shakespeare & Company kicks off its first winter season with theater and television writer Theresa Rebeck's engaging one-woman comedy. Adrianne Krstansky directs Elizabeth Aspenlieder in the show, whose focus is a Manhattan single mom with a job managing a restaurant and a serious shoe habit; she takes us into her confidence while preparing for and rehashing the social engagements of the title. | Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble St, Lenox | 413.637.3353 | Through March 8 | Curtain 7 pm Fri-Sat | 2 pm Sun | $28.80
BAD JAZZ | Zeitgeist Stage Company presents the New England premiere of Brit writer Robert Farquhar's assault on a "theatrical world gone mad." On board are "a maniacal British director, a suicidal playwright, a male hustler named Elvis, and two 'Method' actors who immerse themselves into their characters' maladjusted worlds" a bit too much. David J. Miller directs. | Boston Center for the Arts Plaza, 539 Tremont St, Boston | 617.933.8600 | Through February 21 | Curtain 8 pm Thurs-Fri | 4 + 8 pm Sat | 4 pm Sun | $35; $25 seniors, students
THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS | Turtle Lane Playhouse revives the 1978 Broadway musical by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, set at Miss Mona's Chicken Ranch, a Texas bordello in operation since 1850. James Tallach directs. | Turtle Lane Playhouse, 283 Melrose St, Auburndale | 617.244.0169 | February 13–March 15 | Curtain 8 pm Thurs-Sat | 2 pm Sun | $25-$27.50
THE BLACK JEW DIALOGUES | Boston natives Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish make a home-town stop with their touring comedy "that explores the history and absurdity of prejudice, hate, and racism in America." Born of three days spent discussing the subject in a cheap hotel room, the show has been touring for two years. "Our new president has even found his way into the show that leaves the audience in stitches." | Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St, Boston | 617.933.8600 | February 13 | Curtain 8 pm Fri | $20-$25
