WEDNESDAY 10/1 WEDNESDAY 10/1 Cabaret Elvis ...
Cabaret
Elvis Has Entered the Building! Catch dead-on impersonators of the side-burned king of rock 'n roll, occasionally all jazzed up in glitter & gold; Trailer Park Lounge, 271 W. 23rd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-463-8000; 8:30 & 10.
Lucky Stiff It's like Barnum & Bailey on acid. Yeah, that's what it is; Pussycat Lounge, 96 Greenwich St. (Rector St.), 212-726-1935; 9, $11, $6w/flyer.
Not Me Hector Coris' musical revue feat. 14 original comedy songs; Rose's Turn, 55 Grove St. (betw. 7th Ave. & Christopher St.), res. req. 212-366-5438; 7, $10 & 2 drink min.
Comedy
American Standard Written and perf. by Jessica Allen. A true story about a Latino woman held up at gunpoint, and the hillaious inner workings of her mind; People's Improv Theater, 154 W. 29th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-563-7488; 8, $6.
Comedy Therapy Maureen Marren cures you w/laughs from nationally known comics; Otto's Shrunken Head, 538 E. 14th St. (betw. Aves. A & B), 212-228-2240; 10.
Hopscotch: The New York City Sex Comedy Like Sex and the City, only downtown and dirtier. Wendy William's play about the sex lives of three women who move to New York; the Red Room, 85 E. 4th St., 3rd fl. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), res. 212-868-4444; 8 & 10, $15.
Colin Quinn Kiss him he's Irish! Not true of fellow stand-upers Robert Kelly, Adam Ferrara, Greg Giraldo, Godrey & Jim Norton; Comedy Cellar, 117 MacDougal St. (betw. Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts), 212-254-3480; 9 & 11, $10 & 2 drink min. [through ] [repeats Thurs. at 9 & 11, Fri. at 9, 10:45 & 12:30 a.m., Sat. at 7:30, 9:15, 11 & 12:45 a.m.].
The Second Show Onion writer Joe Garden hosts an evening of comedy, music, film, and sketch feat. Andres Du Bouchet and Andrew J. Lederer; Water Street Bar, 66 Water St. (Main St.), DUMBO, 718-625-9325; 8, $7.
Dance
"All is Full of Love" Josh Walden's ballet, set to music by Bjork, is a "marriage of contemporary music w/the traditions of musical theater choreography"?feat. dancers Gavin Esham, Lea Kohl, Rebecca Brettel & Enders Groff; the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (betw. Union & President Sts.), 212-462-3002; 8, $20 [repeats Sun.-Tues.].
The Razbar Ensemble What do Little Miss Muffet & Town Hall's tech crew have in common? They both have Kurds in their way?mystical melodies, classical Persian music & Kurdish dance; Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-840-2824; 7:30, call for prices.
Carlotta Sagna brings her first opus to the U.S. after years of collaberating w/Needcompany; Kitchen, 512 W. 19th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-255-5793; 8, $20 [repeats Thurs.-Sat.].
Tere O'Connor Dance New multimedia work "Lawn" adds video to O'Connor's masterful blend of theater & choeography; Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-924-0077; 7, $20-$25 [repeats Thurs.-Sat., through 10/18].
THURSDAY 10/2
Cabaret
To My Chagrin Obie-Award winner Peggy Shaw explores race & gender through James Brown, vintage cars & her relationship to her mixed-race grandson; P.S. 122, 150 1st Ave. (9th St.), 212-477-5288; 7:30, $20 [repeats Fri.-Sat. at 7:30, Sun at 5:30].
Fisherman's Famous Burlesque feat. Fritzi Collins & sultry chanteuse Lex Grey; Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 212-691-1900, www.thcuttingroomnyc.com; 10, $10.
The Lounge-O-Leers Ricky Ritzel & Aaron Morishita update the lounge act w/classics like "Stairway to Heaven" & cheesy renditions of Eminem hits; Hannah's Lava Lounge, 923 8th Ave. (betw. 54th & 55th Sts.), 212-974-9087; 5 [repeats Thurs.].
Magical Madness Cadabra, Cardone & Gorlick perform weird rituals, the "warlock test" & tricks incl. voice-throwing & mind-reading; Tagine Dining Gallery, 537 9th Ave. (40th St.), 212-564-7292, www.magical-madness.com; 7:30, $10.
Marieanne Meringolo Meringolo has been compared to the world's smoothest and most powerful voices; Duplex, 61 Christopher St. (7th Ave.), 212-255-5438; 9, $15 & 2 drink min.
Starshine Burlesque Eva Sevensson & Dirty Martini host sequinned dance numbers feat. *Bob*, Lady Ace & Miss Kitty?feat. soundscape from Master Jack Fetterman & the Meat Mistress; RiFiFi, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-677-1027; 10, $5.
Comedy
"Above Kleptomania Improv & Sketch Comedy Theatre" Erik Marcisak pres. 223 long-form improv artists, in teams w/names incl. "the Royal We," "Fade In," & "Your Mom," performing pieces based on your suggestions; Show World, 671 8th Ave. (betw. 42nd & 43rd Sts.), 212-586-7829; 8 & 10, $10, $8 st./s.c. [repeats Thurs.-Sat. & Mon.].
Homo Comicus: Moctoberfest Bob Montgomery hosts gay & gay-friendly comics incl. Jim David, Judy Gold and Shelagh Ratner. ; Gotham Comedy Club, 34 W. 22nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), res. 212-367-9000; 8:30, $12 & 2 drink min.
"The Julian Chagrin Show" Israeli/British star Chagrin returns to the U.S.after ten years to perform his visual comedy show feat. Rolanda Chagrin & Yafit Hallely?plus vignettes incl. "Lady Nicotine" & "Mime Commentary"; Stand-Up New York, 236 W. 78th St. (B'way), 212-595-0850; 11 p.m., $30 & 2 item min. [repeats Fri. at 10, Sat. at 8, Sun. at 5, Tues. at 9].
Moustache McFadden Saves the World A brand new sketch comedy show from the Moustach McFadden comedy troupe; Collective Unconscious, 145 Ludlow St. (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), res. 212-254-5277; 10 [repeats Sat.].
Don Slovin's Improv Jam Try your hand at this open mic improve, or just take it in; the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (betw. Union & President Sts.), 718-857-4816; 8, 6:30 sign-up, $5.
Dance
Ballett Frankfurt Critically acclaimed dance company performs four U.S. premieres under William Forsythe's direction; BAM Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), 718-636-4100, www.bam.org; 7:30, $20-$55 [repeats Fri. & Sat. at 7:30, Sun. at 3].
Henning Rubsam's Sensedance New York Times recommended company performs w/special guest Eva Evdokimova; Joyce Soho, 155 Mercer St. (betw. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212-334-7479; 8, $20 [repeats Fri.-Sun.].
Wendy Rogers Brainy & enigmatic Rogers choreographs & dances in "A Movement Refuge"; Danspace Project at St. Mark's Church, 131 E. 10th St. (2nd Ave.), 212-674-0910, RSVP 212-674-8194; 8:30, $10-$15 [repeats Fri. & Sat. at 8:30, Sun. at 7:30].
FRIDAY 10/3
Cabaret
Floating Vaudeville Night Von Von Von hosts evening of oddities incl. tango on a trapeze; Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), 718-782-5188; 10 p.m.-1 a.m., $5.
The Golden Girls: Live Male cast performs memorable episodes from this classic sitcom. The girls, Dorothy, Blanche, Rose & even Sophia, would be proud?"Picture it! Sicily, 1931"; Rose's Turn, 55 Grove St. (betw. 7th Ave. & Christopher St.), 212-366-5438; 11, $15 & 2 drink min. [repeats Sat. at 9 & 11].
"Shock and Awe A-Go-Go!" Hosts Epstein & Hassan ("the Black & the Jew") pres. "wet-dream play" feat. fetish acts & erotic circus entertainment; Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 212-691-1900; 11, $15.
"Stay Cowboy 3000" The Towne Dandies?it's okay to laugh?perform their "cyber-western cowboy musical"; Siberia, 356 W. 40th St. (9th Ave.), 212-333-4141, www.townedandies.com; 9 [repeats Sat. at 8].
Comedy
"The Barry-Z Show" Public access celeb hosts a fun-filled evening of hilarity, music & mayhem; Azaza, 891 1st Ave. (50th St.), 212-751-0700; 10:30, $10 & 2 drink min.
Ray Ellin hosts stand-up feat. Kerry McNally, Lynn Koplitz, Kurt Metzger, Cory Kahaney, Ellen Cleghorn, Joe Vega & Tony Rock; Comic Strip Live, 1568 2nd Ave. (betw. 81st & 82nd Sts.), 212-861-9386; 6, 8, 10:15 & 12:30 a.m., $17 & $12 min.
Gilligan's Island: the Lost Episodes Marc Adam Smith directs cast of castaways through totally unauthorized parody of the series, revealing secrets incl. how Mrs. Howell packed all her clothes for the three-hour tour; Gotham City Improv, 158 W. 23rd St., 2nd fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), RSVP 212-367-8222; 7:30, $10, $8 adv.
Komedy Kebob Tim Brennan & Pat Rigby host live comedy in da burg?if you still dare go; Bar 107, 107 N. 6th St. (betw. Berry & Wythe Sts.), Williamsburg, 718-302-3313; 8:30.
Now That You've Seen Me Naked Cleo's Comedy Players perform musical sketch comedy about love, as viewed through three high school diaries; the Sage Theater, 711 7th Ave. (48th St.), 212-581-3356, www.nowthatyouveseenmenaked.com; 8, $20 [repeats Sun.].
Professor Top's Old-Timey Weather-Resistant Radio Hou Vaguely disorienting evening of comedy, spoken word & music feat. a surrealist bent; Wings Theatre, 154 Christopher St. (Washington St.), 212-502-0318; 11, $5.
Sweet Paprika Dan Allen, Rena Zager & Leo Allen keep Allison Castillo & Ophira Eisenberg's night of comedy sweet & spicy; Village Lantern, 167 Bleecker St. (betw. Thompson & Sullivan Sts.), 212-260-7993; 8, $5.
3 Way Mexican Lei That lei joke never gets tired! Duncan Jay, Allegra Barnett & Shevy Berkovits let up-and-comers iron out the kinks in their routines?a drink buys you a seat or six minutes on stage; Maui Tacos, 330 5th Ave. (betw. 32nd & 33rd Sts.), 212-868-9720; 8, 6:30 sign-up, 1 item min.
Dance
Apariciones Gaudere Danza & the Kista Tucker Dance Co. drop it like it's hot w/new works by Elsa Valbuena & Dee Moses; Merce Cunningham Studio, 55 Bethune St. (Washington St.), 718-482-3512; 9, $15 [repeats Sat. at 8].
"Ollin Yolitzin" Ballet Fiesta Mexicana de Yloy Ybarra w/Mariachi Angeles de Puebla perform work meaning "Life & Movement"?for those of you who don't speak Aztec; Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41-17 Greenpoint Ave. (betw. 41st & 42nd Sts.), Sunnyside, 718-729-3880; 8, $22-28 [repeats Sat. at 3 & 8, Sun. at 4, through 10/26].
SATURDAY 10/4
Cabaret
Baby Jane Dexter Rock/blues diva sings; Duplex, 61 Christopher St. (7th Ave.), 212-255-5438; 9, $15 & 2 drink min.
"Judy Garland Live!" Award-winning impersonator Tommy Femia does Judy once more w/help from musical director Byron Sommers; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-757-0788; 11, $20 & 2 drink min.
Ute Lemper German singer returns w/her smokey voice & personality to match; Bottom Line, 15 W. 4th St. (Mercer St.), 212-228-6300; 8, $35.
Jeanne Macdonald Critcally-acclaimed, award-winning vocalist pres. new material following her standing room only run last Spring; Duplex, 61 Christopher St. (7th Ave.), RSVP 212-255-5438; 7, $15 & 2 drink min.
Sinatra Saturdays Cary Hoffman performs Sinatra classics w/the Stan Rubin Orchestra; Carnegie Club, 156 West 56th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-957-9676; 8 & 10, $30 & 2 drink min.
Va Va Voom Room Miss Astrid hosts night of burlesque, va va vaudeville, strippers, magicians & clowns; Fez/Time Cafe, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-330-9349, www.vavavoomroom.com; 11, $15 & 2 drink min.
Comedy
The Brooklyn Brew-Ha-Ha Liam McEneary hosts in the Boudoir Bar feat. Joe DeVito, Larry Getlen,Roger Hailes, Jordon Carlos, Kyria Abrahams, Bryan Olsen, Clara Bijl and Allegra Barnett; East End Ensemble, 273 Smith St. (betw. Sackett & Degraw Sts.), Carroll Gardens, 718-624-8878; 9:30, $5 & 2 drink min.
The Fifth Dentist Improv and sketch comedy group; Joyous Life Theater, 119 W. 23rd St. #700 (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), res. 212-352/9910; www.JoyousLifeEnergyCenter.com; 8, $10.
Indian Comedy Fest. Rahul Siddharth hosts this night of stand-up feat. Sidney Meyer, Daniel Nainan, Rajiv Satyal, Vidur Kapur & Anu Kalrar; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-757-0788; 7, $10 & 2 drink min.
"No Name... And A Bag O' Chips" The "best damn comedy variety show" w/free chips, cheap booze & guests incl. the Rob & Mark Show, Jane Galvin-Lewis, Alexandra de Suze, Pete Glismann & Jeff Kreisler; Common Basis Theatre, 750 8th Ave. (betw. 46th & 47th Sts.), 212-928-1950; 11:30.
The Tommy Koenig Show Voted "Best Comedy of 2002," Koenig continues to bring you stand-up feat. Anne Design, Jane Condon, Preston Simpson, the Tommy Koenig Show Band & Psychic Madam Turban; Dillons Restaurant & Bar, 245 W. 54th St. (betw. B'way & 8th Ave.), res. req. 212-307-9797; 10, $10 & $10 min.
Dance
Flamenco Live flamenco music, singing & dance feat. internationally renowned "bailaora de flameco" Carmen La Salao; La Nacional, 239 W. 14th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), RSVP 917-880-9737; 8:30 & 11, $10.
SUNDAY 10/5
Cabaret
Downtown Revivals Special, one night performance by brightest & best stars of cabaret. Tonight, 2002 MAC award-winner Craig Rubano; Duplex, 61 Christopher St. (7th Ave.), 212-255-5438; 7, $12 & 2 drink min.
Fray Day Annual celebration of storytelling feat. interactive art, music & a storytelling open mic; Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), 718-782-5188; 9:30.
Let's Duet: A Celebration of Friendship and Song Singers Connie Pachl & Bill Daugherty perform Broadway & jazz standards w/several original pieces; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-757-0788; 5:30, $15 & 2 drink min.
"A Little This and That" Alison Blanche Mayer revives a 1951 variety show w/sketches, improv, shorts, song & dance; RiFiFi, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-253-5555; 8, $5.
Comedy
Shampoo Rinse Repeat joins other groups incl. Crux, How Bazaar & Pembo! for two hourrs of improv; Gotham City Improv, 158 W. 23rd St., 2nd fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-367-8222; 7:30, $5.
MONDAY 10/6
Cabaret
Monday Evening Burlesque Weekly production feat. the Bombshell! Girls "classic burlesque tassel-twirling fun" ; Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), 718-782-5188; 9:30.
Movement Research feat. Sakura Shimada, Vin Moxie Dance Co. & Yasuko Yokoshi?experimentation that's not as dry as it sounds; Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Sq. S. (betw. Thompson & Sullivan Sts.), 212-477-0351; 8.
Comedy
"Blue Mondays" Tony Woods pres. super stand-up from Todd Lynn, Dean Edwards, Steve Byrne, Kyle Grooms, Dawnel Rawlings & Rondel Hartley; Boston Comedy Club, 82 W. 3rd St. (betw. Thompson & Sullivan Sts.), 212-477-1000; 9:30, $5 & 1 drink min.
Kevin Brennan Rodney's joint pres. stand-up from Brennan, Greg Carey, Rob Magnotti, Steve Marshall, Jessica Kirson & Richie Byrne; Dangerfield's, 1118 1st Ave. (betw. 61st & 62nd Sts.), 212-593-1650; 8:45, $12.50 [repeats Tues.].
TUESDAY 10/7
Cabaret
"The Rat Pack Review" Kevin James Tomei & Frank Bray perform hits by "ol' blue eyes" & the dashing Dean w/weekly guests; La Scatolina Lounge, 418 6th Ave. (9th St.), 212-473-0555; 8, 9 & 10.
Comedy
Automatic Vaudeville Weekly comedy/variety show; Ars Nova, 511 W. 54th St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-206-1515, www.smarttix.com; 8, $5.
THEATER
Arsat, One Day More Two one-acts inspired by writings of Joseph Conrad; Baruch College, 17 Lexington Ave. (23rd St), 212-387-1136; call for times, $15-$19 [opens 10/6, through 10/18].
Dream on Monkey Mountain Revival of Derek Walcott's drama starring Andre De Shields; Classical Theater of Harlem, 645 St. Nicholas Ave. (141st St.), 212-868-4444; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $19 [opens 10/3, through 10/26].
5 O'Clock Based on the life of Freud's daughter, Anna (the title of the play is an allusion to her daily psychoanalytic appointments w/dad?yikes); Workshop Theater Co., 312 W. 36th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-695-4173; call for times, $15 [opens 10/7, through 10/25].
The Night Heron "Griffin and Wattmore are best friends barely surviving in a ramshackle house on the edge of the Fens (a sparse area north of Cambridge, England), when the mysterious and intense Bolla Fogg is invited as a boarder"; Atlantic Theater Co., 336 W. 20th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $45 [opens 10/7, through 11/9].
Touch "tells the story of a young astronomer and his vivacious soulmate who have the perfect life together until a random act of violence tears them apart"; The Women's Project Theatre, 424 W. 55th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-239-6200; call for times, $45 [opens 10/9].
RECENTLY OPENED
B.F.D. "A 70-minute journey into the mind of Manhattan's most neurotic, most Jewish and most explicitly gay performance artist"; Ground Floor Playhouse, 312 W. 11th St. (betw. 8th Ave. & Greenwich St.), 718-789-6327; call for times, $15 [through 10/4].
Bad Dames Go to Hell "Murder, mayhem and morphine on the China Sea followed by deception, danger and dreams on Broadway"; the Red Room, 85 E. 4th St., 3rd fl. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-724-8640; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, $15 [through 10/18].
Beast Festival Series of short one acts opens weekend of St. Francis' blessing of the animals & offers pets for adoption at each performance; Church of the Holy Trinity, 316 E. 88th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves), 212-289-4100; Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30, mats. Sat. at 4, Sun. at 2:30, $15.
Blue Surge "Curt is a small-town cop. Sandy is a 19-year-old, female prostitute. [Play] delves deeply into the small space that can divide a feeling of hope from one of hopelessness"; Producer's Club, 358 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-352-3101; call for times, $20, $15 st. [through 10/17].
Bold Girls "Rona Munro's tale of women in violence-torn Belfast"; 29th Street Rep, 212 W. 29th St. (6th Ave.), 212-868-4444; call for times, $35 [through 10/18].
Boobs! The Musical "The world according to Ruth Wallis" w/songs from her old catalog & book by Steve Mackes & Michael Whaley; Producer's Club, 358 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-352-3101; Weds.-Fri. & Mon. at 8, Sat. at 7 & 10, Sun. at 7, mat. Sun. at 3, $50-$55.
Carnival Knowledge "A gasp-inducing journey into the subculture of circus and sideshow"; Soho Playhouse, 15 Vandam St. (6th Ave.), 212-691-1555; Thurs. & Fri. at 8, Sat. at 5 & 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $35-$45.
The Chalk Garden Play by Enid Bagnold made into film starring Hayley Mills; Center Stage, 48 W. 21st St., 4th fl. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves), 212-929-2228; Wed.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $10.
The Daughter-in-Law D.H. Lawrence wrote this play?about tension-filled marriage (blame the mother)?in 1911, but no one even knew about it until 1965; Martin L. Platt dir. this resurrection; Mint Theater, 311 W. 43rd St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-352-0255; tkts 212-315-0231; Weds. & Thurs. at 7, Fri. & Sat. at 8, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 2, $19.
De La Guarda Special DJ-enhanced version feat. Derrick May; Daryl Roth Theatre, 20 Union Sq. E. (15th St.), 212-239-6200; 8, $20-$55.
4 or 5 Stories About Doing It NYPress alum Bob Powers's one-man show; Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, 307 W. 22nd St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves), 212-366-9176; Thurs. at 8, $5 [through 10/16].
Good Morning, Bill P.G. Wodehouse...need we say more?; Connelly Theatre, 220 E. 4th St. (betw. Aves. A & B), 212-206-1515; call for times, $19 [through 10/12].
Hairspray Musical based on John Waters' film about plump girl's attempts to racially integrate teen dance show; Neil Simon Theater, 250 W. 52nd St. (betw. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-307-4100; Weds.-Sat. at 8, Tues. at 7, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $60-$100.
The Harlequin Studies "Bill Irwin takes on the historic Harlequin character"?no, not Fabio, but "the lewd and lazy rogue of commedia dell'arte"; Signature Theater Company, 555 W. 42nd St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-244-PLAY; call for times, $55 [through 10/26].
I Look Thinner on TV The Food Network's Bobby Rivers; Ground Floor Playhouse, 312 W. 11th St. (betw. 8th Ave. & Greenwich St.), 718-789-6327; call for times, $15 [through 10/4].
Life Interrupted Spalding Gray's latest work-in-progress; P.S. 122, 150 1st Ave. (9th St.), 212-477-5288; Sun. & Mon. at 7:30, $20 [through 12/15].
Mama, I Want to Sing The "classic black musical" by Vy Higginsen & Ken Wydro returns; Williams CME Church, 2225 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (betw. 131st & 132nd Sts.), 212-868-4444; Sat. at 1, 4:30 & 8, $30-$35 [through 10/25].
Matt & Ben "What if the only thing standing between you and destiny was Ben Affleck?"; P.S. 122, 150 1st Ave. (9th St.), 212-352-3101; call for times, $22.50.
Mono "Interactive play" moves into new space; Another Urban Riff, 320 W. 37th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-358-3447; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, $15, $10 st.
Nothing Left But the Smell...A Republican on Welfare Erika Lopez's one-woman show plus new piece by Judy McGuire; Wow Cafe, 59 E. 4th St. (betw. Bowery & 2nd Ave.), 212-777-4280; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, $10 [through 10/4].
The Nuclear Family You decide which family member each of these three men portray, they make up the songs; Zipper Theater, 336 W. 37th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Fri. & Sat. at 10, $20.
Okay Taylor Mac Bower plays seven alternative-type teens on their way to prom; HERE, 145 6th Ave. (betw. Spring & Dominick Sts.), 212-647-0202; Sat. & Sun. at 7, $15 [through 10/19].
Philip, Seymour, & Hoffman "takes a journey through the hypocrisy of our culture, and even stops along the way to focus on the wars that are carefully hidden in modern day suburban homes"; Producer's Club, 358 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), tkts 212-560-2265; Fri. & Sat. at 8, $15.
Recent Tragic Events The press release contains no summary of the plot, but does breathlessly reveal the author, Craig Wright (Six Feet Under), and the lead?the horrific Heather Graham; Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-279-4200; call for times.
The Rivals Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 18th century farce; Theatre 80, 80 St. Mark's Pl. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-598-9802; call for times & prices [through 11/23].
Rock Stars NYC "The newest off-Broadway, live, rock 'n' roll-theater experience" w/music from Copper Pot, Jana Peri, Zeta Bane & Electric Magic Side Show; Polly Esthers, 186 W. 4th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-249-7373; call for times & prices.
A Rooster in the Henhouse John O'Hern's one-man-play about being a stay-at-home dad; Lion Theatre, 410 W. 42nd (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-279-4200; call for times, $30 [through 10/4].
Smashing "Twenty-one-year-old Abby, globetrotting daughter of a New York literary lion, discovers she is the undisguised subject of a sexy and scathing best-selling novel by her first lover. Seeking revenge, she and her Madonna-woshipping best friend, Clea, embark on a pilgrimage to London that prompts unexpected consequences"; Intar 53, 508 W. 53rd St. (10th Ave.), 212-868-4444; call for times, $15 [opens 10/12, through 10/26].
Specter Couple learns "what happens when two strangers are trapped alone in a car"; the Red Room, 85 E. 4th St., 3rd fl. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-206-1515; call for times, $10 [through 10/4].
A Stoop on Orchard Street From Eastern Europe to the Lower East Side; the Mazer, 197 E. B'way (betw. Clinton & Jefferson Sts.), 212-352-3101; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds., Thurs. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $45.
13th Avenue "Interactive" play by Jonathan Rackman; Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St. (Lafayette St.), 212-777-1767; Fri. at 8, Sat. at 7 & 10, $25 [through 10/25].
The Threepenny Opera "Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's musical masterpiece satirizes the morals and politics of Weimar Germany, circa 1928, focusing on 'Macheath,' a cunning thief and street thug under the employ of Jonathan Peachum, king of beggars"; Jean Cocteau Repertory, 330 Bowery (Bond St.), 212-677-0060; call for times & prices [through 11/23].
To My Chagrin "A butch grandmother's rock 'n' roll lullaby"; P.S. 122, 150 1st Ave. (9th St.), 212-477-5288; Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30, mat. Sun. at 5, $20, $12 st./s.c. [through 10/26].
U.S.S. Frankenstein "examines amysterious and little known military incident?in July of 1945, a battleship sailed to the South Pacific to deliver key components of the bomb that later detonated over Japan on August 6th. The ship carrying numerous high-ranking personnel, one of whom may have been R.J. Oppenheimer himself, was destroyed on the boyage back..."; Axis Theater, 1 Sheridan Sq. (7th Ave.), 212-505-1700; call for times & prices.
What's Wrong With This Picture? I'm In It! "Russell" reflects on being middle aged & single; 13th Street Repertory, 50 W. 13th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-675-6677; Thurs.-Sat. at 7, $15, $10 st./s.c. [through 10/4].
What's Your Karma? English clairvoyant Lilith Dove selects audience member at random (via raffle) to reveal their past lives & "hidden talents"; Producer's Club, 358 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-352-3101; Weds. & Thurs. at 8, Fri. at 7 & 9, $35 [through 10/17].