STAGE WEDNESDAY 6/11 Cabaret The Lounge-O-Leers ...
WEDNESDAY 6/11
Cabaret
The Lounge-O-Leers Ricky Ritzel & Aaron Morishita update the lounge act w/classics incl. "Stairway to Heaven" & cheesy renditions of Eminem hits; Hannah's Lava Lounge, 923 8th Ave. (betw. 54th & 55th Sts.), 212-974-9087; 5, free [repeats Thurs.].
Mack the Knife Back before NSYNC & the Backstreet Boys, there was...good music. Well, specifically, there were teen idols like Bobby Darin, the smooth mover whose life (& songs, of course) are the subject of this new musical; St. Peter's Church, 619 Lexington Ave. (54th St.), 212-935-5820; 2, $25 [repeats Thurs.-Sat. at 8, Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3].
Norman's Big Night Out Norman Gosney ups the ante for fabulous w/song, dance, comedy & vaudeville; Show, 135 W. 41st St. (betw. 6th Ave. & B'way), 212-278-0988; 10:30, $25.
Open Stage Jamie Stellini hosts night where anyone can overtake mics & amps to brandish poetry, comedy & music-it ain't called "open" for nothin'; Infra-Red Lounge, 210 Rivington St. (betw. Pitt & Ridge Sts.), 212-254-5043; 8, free.
Comedy
Eight Is Never Enough! Part of the Times Square Comedy Jam, this show feat. good ol' sketch comedy & improv-plus plenty of satire & impersonations; the Shea Theatre, 303 W. 42nd (8th Ave.), 800-630-7144; 9, $20 incl. unlimited drinks & food.
Brad Lowery stands up w/Richie Byrne, Rob Magnotti, Pete Correale, Kevin Brennan & Steve Marshall; Dangerfield's, 1118 1st Ave. (betw. 61st & 62nd Sts.), 212-593-1650; 8:45, $12.50-$20 [repeats Thurs. & Sun. at 8:45, Fri. at 8:30 & 10:30, Sat. at 8, 10:30 & 12:30 a.m.].
"The Mr. Meaney Show" Consummate comic Kevin Meaney comes to Caroline's for one-night stand; Caroline's Comedy Club, 1626 B'way (49th St.), 212-757-4100; 7:30, $18 & 2 drink min.
Colin Quinn stars w/Nick DiPaolo, Godfrey, Tom Papa & Kevin Brennan; Comedy Cellar, 117 MacDougal St. (betw. Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts), 212-254-3480; 9 & 11, $10-$15 & 2 drink min. [repeats Thurs., Sun. & Mon. at 9 & 11, Fri. at 9, 10:45 & 12:30 a.m., Sat. at 7:30, 9:15, 11 & 12:45 a.m.].
Dance
ABT American Ballet Theatre's 2003 Spring Season pres. revered classics: Don Quixote & Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake w/ Irina Dvorovenko & Maxim Belotserkovsky in the leading roles; Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, B'way (65th St.), 212-362-6000; 8, $30-$100 [repeats Thurs.-Fri., Sat. at 2 & 8, Mon.-Wed., through 6/28].
Barefoot Dancing Feel the green grass under your feet & listen to the blue kind in your ears; James Reams & the Barnstormers play as a caller leads the open dance session; Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St. (Independence Ave.), Bronx, 718-549-3200; 7, free.
Choreography Showcase Gritty Cherries, Inc. pres. performance produced by Laila Sales, Liz Buehler & Karen Niceley highlighting the work & creativity of NY inner-city teenagers; La Guardia Drama Theater, 65th St. (Amsterdam Ave.), 212-875-5030; 7, $7 [repeats Thurs.].
"The Miami Project" Going to hell & coming back would be easy if hell was a Miami condominium complex like it is in this dance adaptation of Sartre's No Exit; Gale Gates et al, 37 Main St. (betw. Front & Water Sts.), Dumbo, 718-522-4596; 8, $12 [repeats Fri.].
New York City Ballet The world reown dance company pres. a myrid of stupendous ballets. "Carousel (A Dance)" choreographed by resident Christopher Wheeldon is set to music from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel; NY State Theater, 20 Lincoln Center, B'way (64th St.), 212-870-5570; 8 [repeats Thurs.-Fri., Sat. at 2 & 8, Mon.- Tues., Wed. at 2 & 8, through 6/29].
THURSDAY 6/12
Cabaret
Burlesque Fest 2003 Starring Catherine D'Lish, Lana Landis, Empire Burlesque Follies & more; B.B. King Blues Club, 237 W. 42nd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-997-4144; 8, $25.
"Fisherman's Famous Burlesque" feat. live music & performances by headliners Bunny Love, Kate Jackson, Harvest Moon & Ms. Saturn, backed by the Xylophonic Orchestra; the Marquee, 356 Bowery (betw. Great Jones & E. 4th Sts.), 212-475-1975; 10, $8.
Magical Madness Cadabra, Cardone & Gorlick perform weird rituals & the "warlock test," plus tricks such as voice-throwing & mind-reading; Tagine Dining Gallery, 537 9th Ave. (40th St.), 212-564-7292; 8, $10.
"Spontaneous Broadway" 20th season of Freestyle Rep wraps up w/reprise of 1995 show where audience suggestions created full-length improv'd musical; Trilogy Theater, 341 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-316-0400; 8, $12 [repeats Fri. & Sat. at 8, Sun. at 7].
Starshine Burlesque Weekly smorgasboard feat. stars from around the city performing comedy, music, magic & titillating stripteases, plus Meat Mistress on turntables; RiFiFi, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Ave.), 212-677-5368; 10, $5.
Comedy
"American Idles" Interactive theater takes "no-holds-barred look at today's society to ask where we went wrong," addressing sociopolitical issues through improv comedy & song; Chicago City Limits Theater, 1105 1st Ave. (61st St.), 212-888-5233; 8, $20 [repeats Fri. & Sat. at 8 & 10:30].
Arabian Nights East Arab comics incl. Aron Kaer, Maziyar Jobrani, Ahmed Ahmed, Dean Obeidallah & Kerri Louise satisfy w/Middle Eastern-flavored comedy; Stand-Up New York, 236 W. 78th St. (B'way), 212-595-0850; 9, $15 & 2 drink min.
Playmobiles Above Kleptomania creator Erik Marcisak pres. Spanish improv group; Show World, 671 8th Ave. (betw. 42nd & 43rd Sts.), 212-586-7829; 8, $10, $8 st./s.c.
"The Thursday Report" Comedy group's witty improv takes on enormous task of getting you to laugh about current events, media coverage & this crazy world in general; Gotham City Improv, 158 W. 23rd St., 2nd fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-367-8222; 7:30, $5.50.
Dance
"it's a cruel, cruel summer" Fresh mix of dances & plays feat. themes ranging from the metaphysical to the physical w/the personal enclaves of an artist in "Nightswimming" & Nancy Bannon's social commentary "Fragments of Candy"; Joyce Soho, 155 Mercer St. (betw. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212-334-7479; 8, $12 [repeats Fri.-Sun.].
MeMe BaNjo French choreographer Lionel Hoche's version of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring sheds light on the darker side of human nature, feat. the designs of Philippe Favier; St. Mark's Church, 131 E. 10th St. (2nd Ave.), 212-674-0910; 8:30, $15 [repeats Fri.-Sun.].
FRIDAY 6/13
Cabaret
"An Evening With Patty Clark" Clark brings her classic cabaret act, feat. the music of Rodgers & Hart, Cole Porter & Hoagy Carmichael, from its popular run in London; Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St. (betw. Hudson & Bleecker Sts.), 212-239-6200; 8, $30-$35 [repeats Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 3 & 7].
"The Rock Albers Show" Back-to-back winner of MAC award for stand-up comedy, Albers dons his rabbit ears & Brooks Brothers suit to perform his trademark blend of surreally hilarious comedy & music; Duplex, 61 Christopher St. (7th Ave.), 212-255-5438, RSVP 212-868-4444; 7, $10 & 2 drink min.
Yeardley Smith Voice of Lisa Simpson in one-woman show, The Good Life; Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (betw. E. 4th St. & Astor Pl.), 212-539-8778; 7, $12.
"Three Sheets to the Wind" Murray Hill & the Wau-Wau Sisters premiere their new show-soon to nationally tour. Expect raucous mix of booze & burlesque w/shtick, striptease, acrobatics & singing; Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 212-691-1900, tkts 212-539-3197; 8, $10.
Comedy
"Above Kleptomania Improv & Sketch Comedy Theatre" Erik Marcisak pres. 223 long-form improv artists, in teams w/names like "the Royal We," "Fade In," & "Your Mom," performing pieces based on audience suggestions; Show World, 671 8th Ave. (betw. 42nd & 43rd Sts.), 212-586-7829; 8 & 10, $10, $8 st./s.c. [repeats Sat.].
Bill Burr riles up some laughs w/Buddy Fitzpatrick, Tom Papa & Jeff Caldwell; Gotham Comedy Club, 34 W. 22nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-367-9000; 8:30 & 10:30, $15 & 2 drink min. [repeats Sat. at 8:30, 10:30 & 12:30 a.m.].
Glue: Is That All There Is? Instant theater group Glue improvises comic book illustrations, "bringing the odd ennui & quirky humor of everyday life into the spotlight"; Gotham City Improv, 158 W. 23rd St., 2nd fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-367-8222; 9, $7.
Lisa Lampanelli Stand-up w/Jason Andors, Pete Dominick, Karen Bergreen & Greg Vacarello; Stand-Up New York, 236 W. 78th St. (B'way), 212-595-0850; 8, 10 & 12:15 a.m., $15 & 2 item min. [repeats Sat.].
"Law & Odor" Improv comedy based on tv show; audience plays both jury & victim w/suspects incl. Bret La Fontan, Jack Haley, Karen Herr & Alison Blanche Mayer-plus guest judges weekly; Gotham City Improv, 158 W. 23rd St., 2nd fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-367-8222; 10:30, $7.
Russ Meneve Stand-up w/Al Lubell, Andrew Kennedy & Todd Barry; NY Comedy Club, 241 E. 24th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-696-5233; 10, $10 & 2 drink min. [repeats Sat. at 8, 10 & 12:30 a.m.].
"The Nasty Show" K.C. Armstrong gets down & dirty; Caroline's Comedy Club, 1626 B'way (49th St.), 212-757-4100; 12:30 a.m., $22.50 & 2 drink min. [repeats Sat.].
The Porno Jim Show Freelance pornographer Jim Graham & burlesque artist Bex offer up "humorous & educational exploration of modern pornography"-w/clips, of course!; Collective Unconscious, 145 Ludlow St. (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-254-5277; 10, $15, $20 couples, 18+ [repeats Sat.].
William Stephenson hosts stand-up feat. JJ Ramirez, Ellen Cleghorn, Buddy Bolton & Vanessa Hollingshead ; Comic Strip Live, 1568 2nd Ave. (betw. 81st & 82nd Sts.), 212-861-9386; 8:30, 10:30 & 12:30 a.m., $17 & $12 min.
"Two All-Beef Patties" Sketch comedy group performs "affectionate" parodies of 70s & 80s pop culture...not that making fun of those years is hard, but they promise to be really funny; the Marquee, 356 Bowery (betw. Great Jones & E. 4th Sts.), 212-475-7621; 8, $10 & 2 drink min.
Dance
"Avoidances" Anna Brady Nuse uses dance, film & music to dissect the basic & common human tendency of avoidance; Williamsburg Art neXus, 205 N. 7th St. (betw. Driggs Ave. & Roebling St.), Bklyn, 718-599-7997; 8, $15 [repeats Sat.].
"Never Doubt Imagination" Over 200 students from 20 public schools perform three works exploring the extraordinary playing field of the imagination, w/the music of Aaron Copeland, Duke Ellington, Richard Rodgers & David Amram; La Guardia Drama Theater, 65th St. (Amsterdam Ave.), 212-875-5030; 7, $8 [repeats Sat. at 2 & 5].
SATURDAY 6/14
Cabaret
Cary Hoffman performs Sinatra classics w/the Stan Rubin Orchestra...and listen, this guy sounds exactly like Frank; Carnegie Club, 156 West 56th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-957-9676; 8 & 10, $30 & 2 drink min.
"Judy Garland & Barbra Streisand Live!" Divas Tommy Femia & Steven Brinberg reprise the duos' classic CBS duets from 40 years ago & a few new tunes; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-757-0788; 11, $25 & 2 drink min.
The Sexy Man Show Male revue produced by women, for women, feat. drag host, comedy & hunky dancers-www.thesexymanshow.com; Discotheque, 17 W. 19th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-352-9999, info 212-807-6795; 7:30, $25-$30.
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; 10:30, $15 & 2 drink min.
"Warning: Not For Broadway, Or the Met Either!" Dixon Place's fourth-annual festival of new musical works for theater & opera feat. works-in-progress & finished pieces in six completely different programs that make your head spin; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 9 & 10:30, $15, $10 st./s.c. [repeats Sun. at 1 & 4, Mon. at 7 & 9].
Comedy
Guile Stephanie Mnookin & Eliot Laurence "explore the differences between what we are & how we would like to be perceived" as they reveal secrets about themselves; Maverick Theater, 307 W. 26th St. (8th Ave.), 212-239-6200, tkts 212-366-9176; 7:30, $7.
Kerry McNally hosts stand-up feat. Laurie Kilmartin, Brad Trackman, Todd Lynn, 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.
"The 9 O'Clock 10:17 Comedy Night" Bricken Sparacino & Michael Birch pres. comics Jon Corbett, Andres du Bouchet, Rena Zagger & Amber Tozer, Jeffrey D.'s variety & music from the Mike Birch Caucasian Experience; Gershwin Hotel, 7 E. 27th St. (betw. 5th & Madison Aves.), 212-545-8000; 9, $5.
"No Name...And a Bag O' Chips" Eric J. Vetter & Dawn J. Owens host variety show w/guests incl. Ray DeVito, Allegra Barnett, Lee Alan Barrett, All Things Walter & Jodi Young-plus dumb door prizes, after party & free bag o' chips.; Common Basis Theatre, 750 8th Ave. (betw. 46th & 47th Sts.), 212-928-1950; 11:30, free.
Off the Top of Our Heads "Whose Line Is It Anyway"-style show involves audience in good old-fashioned improv games; Gotham City Improv, 158 W. 23rd St., 2nd fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-367-8222; 7, $7.
"Poole Party!" Ron Poole returns w/his hit comedy-variety show feat. stand-up, musical & improv-provoked laughs; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-757-0788; 8:30, $10 & 2 drink min.
Survivor: Vietnam! Amnesia Wars' show takes the reality craze to sick limits, asking what happens when six contestants greedily go into real-life war zone to win $1 million; People's Improv Theater, 154 W. 29th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-563-7488; 12 p.m., $5.
"The Tommy Koenig Show" Tommy hosts comedy & musical guests Preston Simpson, Nancy Lombardo & Kyle Scott; Dillons Restaurant & Bar, 245 W. 54th St. (betw. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-307-9797; 10, $10 & $10 min.
Dance
"The New York Ramayana" Unique version of traditional Hindu epic, fuses the cultures of India, Burma & the Philippines' Maranao tribe w/specially-trained dancers; Sylvia & Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave. (68th St.), 212-772-4448; 8, $25, $18 st./s.c.
SUNDAY 6/15
Cabaret
"Broadway Bares 13: Burlesque Is Back" Over 200 performers from the hottest Broadway musicals show some skin in fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, hosted by Hairspray TONY-winners Harvey Fierstein & Marissa Jaret Winouker w/guests Jane Krakowski, Deborah Gibson & Eartha Kitt; Roseland Ballroom, 239 W. 52nd St. (betw. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-840-0770, www.BroadwayCares.org; 9:30 & 12 a.m., $40-$600.
Comedy
How Bazaar & Crux Four ensembles in two hour-long pieces (McKellog Report & Pembo are at 8:30) feat. improvised & sometimes audience-inspired scenes w/crazy characters in unusual situations; Gotham City Improv, 158 W. 23rd St., 2nd fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-367-8222; 7:30, $5.
Dance
Fayard Nicolas Half of the famed Nicolas Brothers, shares rare film footage of world class tap acts & invites you to bring your tap shoes to his jam session; Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 W. 125th St. (betw. Lenox Ave. & Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.), 212-864-4500, www.studiomuseum.org; 9, $10, $5 st./s.c./hoofers w/shoes.
MONDAY 6/16
Cabaret
Monday Evening Burlesque Weekly production feat. "classic burlesque tassel-twirling fun" & local stars; Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), 718-782-5188; 9:30, 2 drink min.
"Talkschau" Nina Hagen hosts live talk show w/music by Fisherman's Xylophonic Orchestra, plus interviews w/performances by Jayne County, opera diva Shequida & surprise guest; Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (betw. E. 4th St. & Astor Pl.), 212-539-8778; 11, $30.
Comedy
A.V. Club Multimedia comedy strives to separate itself from those skeezy stand-up shows; tonight feat. Bob Powers, Mike Albo, Mike Rock, the Neverlands & Tuppy the Band, plus monthly film challenge; Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), 718-782-5188; 8, $5.
"Blue Mondays" Tony Woods hosts comedy from the best incl. 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; 9:45, $5 & 1 drink min.
Comic Rhythm Jeff Kreisler's comedy/variety showcase feat. stand-up, music & "alternative" acts; Three of Cups, 83 1st Ave. (5th St.), 212-388-0059; 8, $3.
"Eating It: Comedy With No Standards" Colette Hawley hosts comics & sketch artists incl. Amber Tozer, Jonathan Corbett, Christian Finnegan, Mark Cohen, Todd Barry, Greg Giraldo & Colin Quinn; Luna Lounge, 171 Ludlow St. (betw. Houston & Stanton Sts.), 212-260-2323; 8, $7 incl. free drink.
"Jewish Week" New Talent Competition Semi-Finals Many of the greatest comedians have been Jewish! This crowd of talent will no doubt be leading the pack in the next years; Gotham Comedy Club, 34 W. 22nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-367-9000; 6:30, $10 & 2 drink min.
"The Morning Show with Bradford Scobie & Laura Sweeney" Chipper, morning-talk-show-host knock-offs bombard the late-night crowd w/parody, satire & guests; the Marquee, 356 Bowery (betw. Great Jones & E. 4th Sts.), 212-475-7621; 10, $5.
"6:30 Mondays" Greg Contreras hosts stand-up open mic feat. comedians working out kinks in their routines (one drink gets you five glorious minutes on stage); Village Lantern, 167 Bleecker St. (betw. Thompson & Sullivan Sts.), 212-260-7993; 6:30, 1 drink min.
TUESDAY 6/17
Cabaret
Automatic Vaudeville Weekly series hosted by Hilly & Gavin Souchet attracts comedy, music & performance artists; Ars Nova, 511 W. 54th St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-206-1515; 8, $5.
Comedy
"Big Daddy Addy's Variety Review" Eddie Brill hosts musical comedy show w/guest comics-plus maestros Adam Roth & the Jaded Six; Arlene Grocery, 95 Stanton St. (betw. Ludlow & Orchard Sts.), 212-358-1633; 10, $6.
Mark DeMayo His one-man show shines in the bright B'way lights; Caroline's Comedy Club, 1626 B'way (49th St.), 212-757-4100; 7, $15 & 2 drink min.
THEATER
IN PREVIEWS
From My Hometown "Three young men dream of singing at the Apollo, feat. over 30 classic R&B numbers"; Kirk Theater, 410 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-279-4200; call for times & prices [opens 6/19].
RECENTLY OPENED
All's Well That Ends Well Blessed Unrest modernization; Chashama, 125 W. 42nd St. (betw. 6th Ave. & B'way), 212-868-4444; Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30, mat. Sun. at 3, $15 [through 6/15].
Auntie Mayhem "Gay youth advocate's story of street kids and alternative family values"; Bank Street Theatre, 155 Bank St. (betw. Washington & West Sts.), 212-561-9635; call for times & prices [through 6/15].
Barbra's Wedding Actor Daniel Stern (Breaking Away, Diner, Home Alone, City Slickers) makes his playwriting debut w/comedy about the singer & her neighbor; Westside Theater, 407 W. 43rd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8., mats. Sat. at 2:30, Sun. at 3, $60.
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.
Cafe Society "A dark comedy about the bottomless cup of coffee, co-dependence, outrageous customer service, and a teenaged girl who wants more, much more-can anyone say 'no?'"; 13th Street Repertory, 50 W. 13th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-675-6677; Thurs.-Sat. at 7, $15, $10 st./s.c. [through 6/14].
Calendar of Stone "Through her daily journal, a woman faces diverse moments allowing her intimate self to come to the surface"; La MaMa E.T.C., 74A E. 4th St. (betw. Bowery & 2nd Ave.), 212-475-7710; Thurs.-Sun. at 7:30, mat. Sun. at 2:30, $20 [through 6/29].
Can't Let G World premiere of Keith Reddin's musical workplace comedy about bad manners; Connelly Theatre, 220 E. 4th St. (betw. Aves. A & B), 212-868-4444; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 5, $15 [through 6/22].
Click This Miss Stein online & dating-"if poor Linda knew that we were watching her pour her heart out to her doll at night...only to beat it up afterward"; MLT Loft-Studios, 40 W. 22nd St. (6th Ave.), 212-868-4444; call for times, $20 [through 6/22].
Dream a Little Dream Denny Doherty stars in musical about former bandmates John & Michelle Phillips & Cass Elliott; Village Theatre, 158 Bleecker St. (betw. Sullivan & Thompson Sts.), 212-307-4100; Weds.-Sat. & Mon. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2:30 & Sun. at 3, $45-$100.
Enchanted April E.M. Forster-esque tale of British on holiday in Italy; Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44tth St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. at 8, Tues. at 7, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $45-$80.
The Exonerated Bob Balaban directs Jessica Blank & Erik Jensen's controversial drama based on interviews w/falsely imprisoned death row inmates found innocent & freed; 45 Bleecker St., 45 Bleecker St. (Lafayette St.), 212-307-4100; Weds.-Fri. & Tues. at 8, Sat. at 5 & 9, Sun. at 3 & 7, $55 [through 8/31].
Fairy Tales of the Absurd feat. Tales for Children, To Prepare a Hard Boiled Egg (Eugene Ionesco) & One Head Too Many (Edward Einhorn); Theater 80, 80 St. Mark's Pl. (1st Ave.), 212-868-4444; call for times, $20-$35 [through 6/29].
Faith, Hope & Charity Three women escape Cuba & invoke the virgin for guidance when stranded at sea; Intar 53, 508 W. 53rd St. (10th Ave.), 212-695-6143; call for times, $25.
First Light: A Festival of New Short Plays Craig Lucas' Your Call is Important, Paul Knox's Informed Consent & many more; Chashama, 125 W. 42nd St. (betw. 6th Ave. & B'way), 212-868-4444; call for times & prices [through 6/29].
Frederick Douglass Man of letters/former slave's story on stage at church where he worshipped, married & spoke; Mother AME Zion, 140-146 W. 137th St. (Lenox Ave.), 212-307-7171; Weds., Fri. & Sat. 8, mats. Weds., Fri. & Sat. at 3, $35.
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. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $60-$100.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway But what about Bocephus? Guess Broadway ain't ready for "O.D.'d in Denver"...; Little Shubert Theater, 422 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-239-6200; call for times & prices.
I Am My Own Wife "Real-life German transvestite manages to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the following, repressive communist regime" in play by Doug Wright (Quills) & Moises Kaufman (The Laramie Project, Gross Indecency); Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-279-4200; Weds.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 7:30, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 3, $15-$50 [through 7/20].
Icarus & Aria Kirk Wood Bromley & Aaron Beall (who directs) update Romeo & Juliet to the modern Southwest; Cheetah, 12 W. 21st St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves), 212-206-7770; tkts 212-581-6232; Sun. & Mon. at 7:30, mat. Sat. at 4, $20.
In the Woods: A Tragic Love Story "An eternal twilight forest inhabited by the creatures of heartbreak is brought to life...by New York artists and musicians"; Dabora Gallery, 1080 Manhattan Ave. (betw. Eagle & Dupont Aves.), Greenpoint, 718-609-9629; Sat. at 9, $10 [through 6/28].
La Boheme Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, Strictly Ballroom) "re-imagines" Puccini's opera (w/English supertitles); Broadway Theatre, 1681 B'way (betw. 52nd & 53rd Sts.), 212-239-6200; call for times, $20-$95.
Life X 3 Helen Hunt, John Tuturro & the phenomenal Brent Spiner (Lt. Cmdr. Data, Lore, Mark Twain, etc.) star in dinner party that serves "cruel observations and high comedy resulting in a hilarious and poignant examination of our most personal intimacies and private longings"; Circle in the Square Theater, 1633 B'way (50th St.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $80 [through 6/29].
The Look of Love: the Songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David "He's not just my composer-he's everyone's composer!"; Brooks Atkinson Theater, 256 W. 47th St. (8th Ave.), 212-307-4100; call for times, $25-$75 [through 6/15].
Mono "Interactive play" moves into new space; 320 W. 37th St.(betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-358-3447; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, $15, $10 st.
Much Ado About Nothing "You'll be expected to do something when the actors move every 5-7 minutes, and about 50 feet, to get to the next scene"; Shakespeare on the Run, 97th St. (Central P. W.), 212-252-4531; Thurs.-Sun. at 7, free [through 6/29].
New York City Hip-Hop Theater Festival "10-day fest presents best in hip-hop theater, dance & the brightest emerging playwrights"; P.S. 122, 150 1st Ave. (9th St.), 212-477-5288; call for times & prices [through 6/14].
Not Your Grandmother's Fairytale Musical for kids by kids w/all ticket proceeds going to "local charities"; the Pantheon Theater, 303 W. 42nd St., 2nd Fl. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-981-8702; Wed. at 6:30, Sat. at 6, mat. Sat. at 3, $15 [through 6/14].
Our Lady of 121st Street New play by Stephen Adly Guirgis (directed by heartthrob Philip Seymour Hoffman) decamps for off-Broadway; Union Sq. Theater, 100 E. 17th St. (Park Ave. S.), 212-505-0700; Weds.-Sat., Mon. & Tues. at 8, Sun. at 7, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 3, $30-$65.
The Persians Ellen McLaughlin's "new version" of oldest surviving play in Western literature; Pace Downtown Theater, 3 Spruce St. (betw. Park Row & Gold St.), 212-346-1715; call for times, $12-$45 [through 6/22].
The Play What I Wrote Directed by Kenneth Branagh & starring surprise celebrity guests; Lyceum Theatre, 149 W. 45th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, call for prices.
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.
Romeo and Juliet Well...sort of-modernization commences after the climax, narrated by Friar Laurence; Center Stage, 48 W. 21st St., 4th fl. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves), 718-274-7966; Wed.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 2, $15 [through 6/29].
The Rover Not a musical based on Physical Graffiti, but a bawdy Aphra Behn tale nonetheless; St. Francis College, 182 Remsen St. (Court St.), Bklyn, 212-868-4444; call for times & prices [through 6/29].
Savannah Bay Play by Marguerite Duras, translated by Barbara Bray; East 13th Street Theater, 136 E. 13th St. (betw. 3rd & 4th Aves.), 212-677-4210; Wed.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $35-$50 [through 6/29].
Shakespeare and Moliere: Love Mortals in Folly It's a farce; the Little Theatre, 5 W. 64th St. (Central P. W.), 212-868-4444; call for times, $15 [through 6/22].
Spring 2003 Writer/Director's Forum "This year's festival features the work of eight emerging female directors tackling both new and classcal work"; Looking Glass Theater, 422 W. 57th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-307-9467; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 5, $12 [through 6/29].
St. Crispin's Day The battle of Agincourt from perspective of the soliders of Shakespeare's Henry V; St. John's Church in the Village, 224 Waverly Pl. (betw. 6th Ave. & Christopher St.), 212-490-6274; call for times, $15-$37.50 [through 7/20].
Subway Series Bitter about the fare increase? Show your Metrocard & get discount to this "evening of short plays connected to the subway"; Workshop Theater Co., 312 W. 36th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-695-4173; 8, Wed.-Sat. at 8 [through 6/14].
Tea at Five Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek Voyager, Ryan's Hope) portrays Katharine Hepburn in new biographical play by Matthew Lombardo; Promenade Theatre, B'way (76th St.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 3, $25-$60.
The Trial of Klaus Barbie "A dramatization of the French trial of the Nazi war criminal"; Workshop Theater Co., 312 W. 36th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-695-4173; Wed.-Sat. at 8, $15 [through 6/14].
Trumbo "A new theater piece based on the letters of legendary screenwriter and novelist Dalton Trumbo" w/rotating stars incl. Bill Irwin, Eddie Izzard, Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss & Tim Robbins; Westside Theater, 407 W. 43rd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Mon. at 8, $65 [through 6/16].
Writer's Block Woody Allen stages his own theater production (a couple of one-act comedies) w/cast incl. Bebe Neuwirth & Paul Reiser; Atlantic Theater Co., 336 W. 20th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sun. & Tues. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $50 [through 6/29].