Carapace

Here, David Pierini plays an arguably successful longtime sports anchor on a local TV news station, but early on, we sense that this is a cautionary tale, not a comedy, with a tragic outcome in store. Pierini seizes the opportunity and mounts one of the best performances we’ve seen him give. Pierini’s character is likeable, but he drinks too much. He can hide it from most people, but his family isn’t fooled—they eventually cut him off. Th 2 & 7pm; F 7pm; Sa 8pm; Su 1pm; T, W 7pm Through 2/24. $23-$35. B Street Theatre, B3 Stage, 2727 B St.; (916) 443-5300; www.bstreettheatre.org.