FIFTY CENTS A CAP The classic children’s book, “Caps for Sale,’’ will be presented as a musical in a world premiere by the Boston Children’s Theatre March 5 through 13.

Local young actors featured in the show include Zehava Younger of Beverly; Hattie Mae Rich of Gloucester; Margaret McFadden of Manchester-by-the-Sea; Jenna McLaughlin and Sarah Pollock of Medford; Michael Saracco of Melrose; Megan McMahon of Saugus; Brigit Smith of Wakefield; and Caraline Shaheen of Portsmouth, N.H.

Boston actor Steve Gagliastro plays the role of the Peddler.

Based on a folk tale, “Caps for Sale’’ is about a salesman who wears his inventory of caps on his head as he strolls through villages chanting, “Caps for sale, caps for sale, 50 cents a cap.’’

When he sits under a tree for a nap, some monkeys steal his caps. The story goes from there.

“Having read this book to my own children, I was thrilled to have this opportunity to work with co-writer Gabriel Carbajal and Boston Children’s Theatre to adapt this wonderful story into a musical,’’ said playwright and composer Paul Lewis. “We spent a great deal of time examining the book’s protagonist and his world, and imagining an expanded narrative arc which would incorporate themes that all of us can relate to: overcoming obstacles and following our dreams.’’

The show is directed by Burgess Clark, executive director of Boston Children’s Theatre, with musical direction by Austin Davy and choreography by Nicole Soriano.

Performances at Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston, are 2 and 7 p.m. March 5; 2 p.m. March 6 and 13; and 7 p.m. March 11 and 12.

Tickets are $20 to $35. Call 617-933-8600 or visit bostonchildrenstheatre.org. School groups can reserve tickets for weekday performances by calling 617-424-6634.

WHAT IS ART? Arts After Hours in Lynn presents the Tony Award-winning comedic play “Art,’’ by Yasmina Reza, March 4 through 19 at the Rantoul Black Box Theatre at LynnArts.

The play is a funny, moving look at a friendship put to the test by conflicting opinions about a minimalist modern painting. It explores the question, “What is art?’’

“This play has some of the best designers, actors, and directors that we have ever assembled, ’’ said Corey Jackson, managing director of Arts After Hours.

The production is directed by Fran Weinberg and stars Thomas Grenon, Anthony Mullin, and Jason Myatt.

Prior to each performance, the LynnArts gallery features an exhibit of modern works from local artists, free to all theater ticket-holders.

The play and exhibit converge on March 13 with a talk-back featuring the cast, director, and gallery artists.

Performances are at 8 p.m. March 4, 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19; and 4 p.m. March 6, 13, and 19. Tickets range from $15 to $30. The theater is at 25 Exchange St., Lynn.

Call 781-205-4010 or visit artsafterhours.com.

FUNNY SCIENCE Tim Lee, who has a doctorate in ecology and evolution, has become a well-received comedian, selling out shows from Boston to Melbourne.

After years of developing simulation and analytical models of population dynamics, he discovered a calling to comedy.

He’s currently featured on “Beasts Behaving Badly’’ on Discovery Family and “How Do They Do It’’ on Discovery Science.

Lee performs at the Davis Square Theatre, 255 Elm St., Somerville, at 9 p.m. March 4, and 5 and 7 p.m. March 5.

Tickets are $38 for VIP seating; $24 general admission; $9 for students. The event is for ages 21 and older.

Call 617-684-5335 or visit davissquaretheatre.com.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BAG Realistic painter Peggie Bouvier began a series of large-scale works depicting paper bags as an artistic challenge to make the mundane interesting.

“I was intrigued by how invented color brought life to the lifeless objects,’’ she said. “Quickly, the bags became characters in an ongoing scenario.’’

Bouvier has a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, and works out of Western Avenue Studios in Lowell.

Her work is on display at Mandarin Asian Bistro, 24 Market St., Lowell, March 2 through April 30.

A reception with the artist is 4 to 6 p.m. March 6. Call 978-677-6777 or visit mandarinasianbistro.com.

Wendy Killeen

Wendy Killeen can be reached at wdkilleen@gmail.com