Teenage Misery: A Horror Musical

Stephen King and Stephen Sondheim allusions run fast and furious in this merry musical spoof of America's cultish obsession with shallow celebrity. Teen college student 'Carrie' Ann Black (Kelly Houlehan), her best female friend and their gay twink sidekick abduct teen idol Shane West and commit illegal acts upon his person. As they blithely quip, sing, and assault, the cosmos concocts a hilariously mystical retaliation. The vocally proficient cast's giddy but focused high energy align nicely with Keith Hovis's clever music and lyrics. Caution: all that fake blood is appropriately corny. (5:30 p.m. Sun., Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Av.)

John Townsend

A Woman's Work

Threads Dance Project, led by choreographer Karen L. Charles, shows three premieres in this celebration of the female perspective. The best is "Sacred Feminine," performed by Karen Gullickson and Kara Motta. It throws a harsh spotlight on rigid gender roles. "Limitless" is lightweight and lacks Charles' sense of social justice. "Bootyful" is a playful exploration of a body part burdened with symbolism — positive and negative. Charles and her dancers poke fun but also make a serious point. No woman is defined by just one aspect of her anatomy. (8:30 p.m. Sat., 1 p.m. Sun., Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Av. S.)

Caroline Palmer

Dear Madde

Madde Gibba wrote and starred in this one-woman show about letters to an editor of an advice column. We hear from a 5-year-old boy, mascot man, unicorn, Taylor Swift lover, audience members and more. The clever music that accompanies different characters will set your feet tapping, and the catchy melodies will get stuck in your head. The audience laughed throughout, and so will you. This hour long giggle-fest is a must-see. (1 p.m. Sat., 5:30 p.m. Sun., Red Eye Theatre, 15 W. 14th St.)

Bartley Stratton

“A Woman’s Work” by Threads Dance Project.

Tizi Ouzo

Taous Khazem explores her Algerian heritage with a universe of characters who alternately argue for the city that is the center of Berber culture, or look to Europe and American for fulfillment. The glitter of Paris and the fortunes of Algerian basketball players with NBA aspirations tempt certain women in Khazem's portrayals. Beggars and traditional folk are grounded in the streets of Tizi Ouzo. Give yourself time with this piece, directed with a sharp eye by Zaraawar Mistry. The vignettes fell choppy, but ultimately cohere to make an aromatic statement about Khazem's longings for her father's homeland. (2:30 p.m. Sat., 4 p.m. Sun., New Century Theatre, 615 Hennepin Av. S., in City Center.)

Graydon Royce

Occupy This!

Tommy Nugent tells a personal story of his experience as part of the Occupy movement in Detroit. He first attends a rally just to hold a silly sign promoting his theater gig, but then he starts getting more involved. Along the way he makes friends who become his allies for life. He encourages the audience to use the gifts we are given along with the underlying message, "how can I serve you?" Somewhat of a jigsaw puzzle to navigate, but interesting nonetheless. (5:30 p.m. Fri., 1 p.m. Sat., New Century, 615 Hennepin Av. S., in City Center.)

Bartley Stratton