You’ve got to love a comedian who can quote Leonard Cohen and make it stick: “There is a crack, a crack in everything/That’s how the light gets in.” The irrepressible title character in Precious Chong’s solo show, who proudly bills herself as a former Yugoslavian television personality and current background performer, introduces us to other characters who are also simultaneously damaged and beautiful. Some portraits are more successful than others: the story about the young bride whose husband suffers a brain injury is achingly simple, while the rant delivered by the harried GM saleswoman is predictable. Presented on a too-small screen, the intervening video sequences shoot blanks. Overall, though, Zdenka’s quirky combination of comedy and compassion is charming.

At Performance Works on September 12 (6:05 p.m.), 13 (5 p.m.), 14 (7:45 p.m.), 18 (9:30 p.m.), and 19 (3:55 p.m.)