PROVING THE POWER of one comes in all shapes, sizes and ages, the Metropolis Port Theatre brings two one-man shows to town over the next three weekends that tackle subjects ranging from teen crushes to culture clashes.

Metropolis Port Theater Company (ENLARGE)
Jason David's 'Waiting for My Growth Spurt' is one of two one-man plays about growing up at the 14th Street Playhouse.
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In the world premiere of "Waiting for My Growth Spurt," local teen Jason David makes his writing debut in a one-boy one-act about subjects as trivial as his admiration for famous Jessicas (Simpson, Biel, Alba) to more serious topics such as dealing with his Jewish heritage. And his insightfully witty observations about talking to girls, understanding the world and that awkward thing called becoming an adult will remind audiences of all ages that growing up really is hard to do.

Running concurrently is another look at growing up, this time from the point of view of the son of Sicilian immigrants with a little more life experience. Though it is a solo show, "Blood Type: Ragu" is a similarly humorous autobiographical look at more than 20 eccentric characters New York native Frank Ingrasciotta has encountered throughout his life. Intended for a slightly older audience than "Waiting for My Growth Spurt," Ingrasciotta's tales are a bit more emotionally compelling as they look at a family trying to maintain its Italian heritage and the ups and downs that come with that struggle.

Despite the hardships and emotional depth of these plays, each one ultimately provides humorous insight into subjects most people of all ages have dealt with in some way. And though there's plenty of room for other characters on the stage, there's enough storytelling talent between these two to fill any gaps.

• THE 411: "Waiting for My Growth Spurt." $20.50; $15 for students, senior citizens, military and groups. 7 p.m. April 24-26; May 1-3, May 8-9. "Blood Type: Ragu." $23.50; $15 for students, senior citizens, military and groups. 9 p.m. April 25-26, May 2-3, May 9-10; 3 p.m. April 27, May 4, May 11. 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th St., Midtown. 404-733-4738, www.14thstplayhouse.org.