Commissioned by LCT3, the play is written by Kirk Lynn and directed by Shawn Sides. Performances continue through Feb. 23.
The cast features Thomas Graves, Heather Hanna, Joey Hood, Hannah Kenah, Lana Lesley, E. Jason Liebrecht and Paul Soileau.
Here's how the 90-minute production is billed: "Part Pygmalion, part Busby Berkeley, part self-help lexicon, Stop Hitting Yourself borrows from the plots of 1930's musicals to dig deep into the contemporary conservative dilemma: how to honor steely individualism without disavowing the virtue of charity -- all the while tap-dancing around a queso fountain.
"Once a year, at the Charity Ball, a single worthy cause is chosen to benefit from the Queen’s Annual Good Deed. Prominent families compete to find citizens deserving of assistance. This year, a Socialite has discovered a Wildman in the forest and tries to improve him. The Wildman’s desire to save the natural world and usher in an era of love and harmony is a sure-winner. Now the Socialite must teach him how to eat, dance and behave in society so that his cause can be victorious."
Rude Mechs productions seen previously Off-Broadway include Method Gun and Dionysus in 69.
The production has sets by Mimi Lien, costumes by Emily Rebholz, lighting by Brian H. Scott and original music and sound by Graham Reynolds.
Show times are Monday at 7 PM, Wednesday-Sunday at 7 PM with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.
Tickets, priced $20, are available at the Lincoln Center Theater box office, telecharge.com or by visiting lct3.org.
