AUGUST WILSON’S HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED Eugene Lee captures Wilson’s seriousness of purpose but also the capacity for joy and wonder possessed by the playwright who gave us “Fences,’’ “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,’’ “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’’ and other landmark dramas that chronicled African-American life in the 20th century. Co-conceived and directed by Todd Kreidler. Through April 3. Huntington Theatre Company at BU Theatre, Boston. 617-266-0800, www.huntingtontheatre.org

SORRY The personal overlaps with the political in Richard Nelson’s quietly wrenching drama, set on Election Day 2012, about four siblings preparing to move their beloved uncle to a nursing home. The third installment of Nelson’s remarkable Apple Family series, it features a blue-chip ensemble (Karen MacDonald, Joel Colodner, Laura Latreille, Sarah Newhouse, Bill Mootos) directed with a sensitive touch by Weylin Symes. Through March 13. Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham. 781-279-2200, www.stonehamtheatre.org

BOOTYCANDY Robert O’Hara’s comedy about growing up African-American and gay, based on his life and constructed as a loosely connected series of vignettes. Directed by Summer L. Williams, with a talented cast that includes Johnny Lee Davenport, Maurice Emmanuel Parent, John Kuntz, Jackie Davis, and Tiffany Nichole Greene. Contains nudity; recommended for adult audiences. Through April 9. SpeakEasy Stage Company at Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.speakeasystage.com DON AUCOIN

Don Aucoin can be reached at aucoin@globe.com.