Brian’s picks – March 2

In this age of online and other cruelty, I can think of few other current topics as important as confronting bullying. So kudos to the Columbus Area Arts Council for booking the New York City-based Stars Within Reach troupe locally. The group will present “Spaghetti in the Hot Dog Bun” at 6 p.m. Friday at Old National Bank’s First Friday for Families at The Commons, 300 Washington St. The children’s musical is free, and empowers children, when faced with bullying, to always do the right thing and to be proud of themselves. Information: 812-376-2539 or artsincolumbus.org.

So I met actress Jill Tasker just recently, and as difficult as it might be for me to imagine such a sweet person playing a cantankerous 90-year-old, I know she has the professional resume to do that and more. She and friend April Knox, playing the older woman’s hospice worker, will present the play, “Grace and Glorie” at 7 p.m. March 9 to 11 at the Harlequin Theatre inside FairOaks Mall, 2380 25th St. in Columbus. Tickets are $15 in advance at the venue, $20 at the door ($10 at the door for students). Information: 812-343-4597 or theharlequin theatre.com.