STAGE WEDNESDAY 12/4 Cabaret "Rockin Around the Christmas ...
Cabaret
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree-Unplugged" Rock legend Jayne County & newcomer Lisa Jackson perform County's memorable songs incl. "Fuck Off." Plus, new holiday hits "Nimrod Was a Motherfucker" & reworked Christmas classics "Jingle Bells"; the Slipper Room, 167 Orchard St. (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-253-7246; 9, $12.
Steve Ross Singer/pianist reinvents classics from Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, the Gershwins, Charles Trenet & Noel Coward; Stanhope Park Hyatt, 995 5th Ave. (betw. 80th & 81st Sts.), 212-650-4737; 8:30 & 10:30, $25-$35 [repeats Thurs.-Sat.].
"Singing to Life" Antoinetter Silicato w/Mario Sprouse, Ritt Henn & Susan Abbott; Judy's Chelsea, 169 8th Ave. (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 8:30, $12 min.
"So in Love: The Love Songs of Cole Porter" Andrea Marcovicci celebrates her 15th year at the Algonquin w/new show feat. hits "Why Can't You Behave?" & "Let's Not Talk About Love"; the Oak Room, Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-944-3109; 9. [repeats Thurs. & Tues. at 9, Fri. & Sat. at 9 & 11:30].
"Something Old, Something New" Israeli entertainer Dudu Fisher performs traditional Jewish standards & Broadway favorites at the Mazer Theatre, 197 E. B'way (Jefferson St.), 212-239-6200; 2 & 8, $45-$60 [repeats Thurs.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2 & 7].
Comedy
Hood Stand-up w/Russ Meneve, Nancy Redman, Jessica Kirson, Greg Vacarello & Steve Byrne; Dangerfield's, 1118 1st Ave. (betw. 61st & 62nd Sts.), 212-593-1650; 8:45 to closing, $12.50-$20 [repeats Thurs. & Sun. 8:45 to closing, Fri. at 8:30 & 10:30, Sat. at 8, 10:30 & 12:30 a.m.].
Colin Quinn Stand-up w/Tom Papa, Lisa Lampanelli, Godfrey & Keith Robinson; Comedy Cellar, 117 MacDougal St. (betw. Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts.), 212-254-3480; 9 & 11, $10-$15 & 2 drink min. [repeats Thurs. & Sun. at 9 & 11, Fri. at 9, 10:45 & 12:30, Sat. at 7:30, 9:15, 11 & 12:45 a.m.].
Reverend Jen's Anti-Slam Rev. Jen hosts open mic where comedians, sketch comics, musicians & freaks do their thang for six minutes; Collective Unconscious, 145 Ludlow St. (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-254-5277; 7:45 sign-up, $3.
Dance
Alvin Ailey Benefit Gala Serena Williams, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis host evening of performance, dinner & dancing that kicks of six-week season; Manhattan Theater Club at City Center, 131 W. 55th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-581-1212, 7, $25-$35.
Claire Filmon French dancer makes NYC debut at Micro Museum, 123 Smith St. (betw. Dean & Pacific Sts.), Bklyn, 718-797-3116; 7:30, $10, $5 st./s.c.
"Sugarfree" Venezuela company pres. "Oriental dance performance by Maqui, Kanari & Joanna" at the Puffin Room, 435 Broome St. (B'way), 212-343-2881; 6 [through 12/29].
Sun Ho Kim & Dancers pres. world premiere of "Dreaming Reality"; Joyce Soho, 155 Mercer St. (betw. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212-334-7479; 8, $15 [through Sat.].
Winterreise World premiering "imaginative new staging of Schubert's haunting song cycle" w/baritone Simon Keenlyside (directed & choreographed by Trisha Brown) at John Jay College Theater, 899 10th Ave. (betw. 58th & 59th Sts.), 212-721-6500; 8, $40 [through 12/13].
THURSDAY 12/5
Cabaret
"Magical Madness" Albert Cadabra, Adam Cardone & George Gorlick pres. ancient torture rituals, mind reading, voice throwing & "the blood & flames of hell" during vaudevillian magic show at Tagine, 537 9th Ave. (40th St.), 212-564-7292; 9, $10 & 2 drink min.
Comedy
"Guaranteed Laughs or Your Money Back" Comedy trio Happy Hour takes physical comedy to whole new level?think extreme slapstick & Jackass humor; Chasama @135, 135 W. 42nd St. (betw. 6th Ave. & B'way), 212-631-5819; 8, $15 [repeats Fri. & Sat. at 8 & Sun. at 3].
"Night of a Thousand Wagers" Minimum Wage's Maximum Variety Benefit feat. super comedy & musical performances by Minimum Wage & Minimum Wage Second Shift?plus auction w/items donated by Martha Stewart Living, Mad Magazine & Warner Bros.; Downtown Variety Lounge, Present Company Theatorium, 198 Stanton St. (betw. Ridge & Attorney Sts.), 212-726-2095; 8:30, $10.
"The Precinct" Sketch comedy troupe Elephant Larry become boys in blue & battle killer robots, memory loss, the King of Criminals & each other; the Red Room, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-206-1515; 11, $7.
"Shut Up and Sing" Duo, the Kourageous Kiplingers, brave the stage w/kazoos in mouth & ukulele in hand; Bindlestiff Palace of Variety, 125 W. 42nd St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 877-BINDLES; 8, $10.
Dance
Alma Flamenca w/Andrea Del Conte & Danza Espana at Thalia Spanish Theater, 41-17 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, Queens, 718-729-3880, www.thaliatheatre.org; call for times, $28, $25 st./s.c. [through 12/15].
Improvisation Festival/NY 11th annual feat. Nancy Stark Smith, Sara Rudner, Andrew Harwood, Bebe Miller & many, many more at Danspace Project at St. Mark's Church, 131 E. 10th St. (2nd Ave.), 212-674-8194; 8:30, $12 [repeats Fri. & Sun.].
FRIDAY 12/6
Cabaret
"Faith's Birthday Bash" The Vim Variety Show celebrates Faith's big day w/modern dance from Catey Ott, gladiator match between brothers Tim & Aaron, randomness of Brian Kelly, Ryan Bronz & Rebecca Lazier & music from Michelle Vargo, Trailer Park Rangers, Adam Matta & Robert Olmstead; Surf Reality, 172 Allen St., 2nd fl. (betw. Rivington & Stanton Sts.), 212-673-4182; 10, $8.
"Holiday Show" Julie Reyburn rings in the season w/Mark Janas on piano & special guests dropping by; Judy's Chelsea, 169 8th Ave. (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 8:30, $12 min.
Comedy
The Adventures of Lover-Tron Horse Trade Theater Group & the Bad Astronauts pres. saucy sketch comedy at the Red Room, 85 E. 4th St., 3rd fl. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-206-1515; 10:30, $12, $8 st./s.c. [repeats Sat. at 10:30, Sun. at 5, through 12/15].
Jim Gaffigan Stand-up w/Lynne Koplitz, Andrew Kennedy, Judy Gold & Billy Burr; Stand-Up New York, 236 W. 78th St. (B'way), 212-595-0850; 8, 10 & 12:15 a.m., $15 & 2 drink min.
Minimum Wage: Blue Code Ringo Burger Boy Productions lets you in on the thrilling secrets of the fast food industry incl. "the art of spatulary" & "the ins & outs of bathroom duty"?musical-style!; Downtown Variety Lounge, Present Company Theatorium, 198 Stanton St. (betw. Ridge & Attorney Sts.), 212-726-2095; 8:30, $12 [repeats Sat., through 12/14].
Big Jay Oakerson emcee's stand-up feat. Lisa Lampanelli, Tony Rock, Dan Naturman, Ross Bennett & Vinnie Brand; Comic Strip Live, 1568 2nd Ave. (betw. 81st & 82nd Sts.), 212-861-9386; 8:30, 10:30 & 12:30 a.m., $15 & $12 min.
Dance
New York City Ballet pres. a George Balanchine production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker; the NY State Theater, 20 Lincoln Center, B'way (64th St.), 212-870-5570; call for times & prices [through 1/5].
SATURDAY 12/7
Cabaret
"A Brand New Us" Judy Kreston & David Lahm start fresh w/Ratzo Harris on bass & Phil Leone on drums; Judy's Chelsea, 169 8th Ave. (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 8:30, $12 min.
"Carmen Mofongo's Coquito Christmas Carol" A very Latin take on Dickens' classic spurred by the remnants of a Coquito bender & feat. visits by the ghosts of Christmas past, present & future?plus Santé Claus too, why not?; Surf Reality, 172 Allen St., 2nd fl. (betw. Rivington & Stanton Sts.), 212-673-4182; 10, $10 incl. free rum & coke.
Cary Hoffman performs Frank Sinatra's "most celebrated 50s classics" w/an 11-piece orchestra?& listen, this guy sounds exactly like Frank; Carnegie Club, 156 W. 56th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-843-8073; 8 & 10, $30 & 2 drink min.
$andy Kane Late-night public access star makes your jaw drop; NY Comedy Club, 241 E. 24th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-696-5233; 9, $10 & 2 drink min.
Va Va Voom Room Miss Astrid hosts night of burlesque, vaudeville, strippers, magicians & clowns for Fez/Time Cafe, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-330-9349; 10:30, $15 & 2 drink min.
Comedy
"In the Beginning There Was a Black and a Jew?" Epstein & Hassan reveal the Black/Jew/Love technology that's kept their marriage 10 years strong; Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 212-242-6216; 8, $10.
"Live Saturday Night" Improv from troupe Kundalini Komedy?plus free wine & beer; the Joyous Life Center, 119 W. 23rd St. #700 (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), RSVP 212-352-9910; 8, $10.
Kerry McNally emcees stand-up feat. Lenny Marcus, Moody McCarthy, John Bush, Ellen Cleghorn & Joe Vega; Comic Strip Live, 1568 2nd Ave. (betw. 81st & 82nd Sts.), 212-861-9386; 6, 8, 10:15 & 12:30 a.m., $15 & $12 min.
Dance
Spin Like a Dreidl 2 "Stomping out the violence," a Chanukah dance benefit for the Anti-Violence Project, the LBGT Center & the Bellevue Hospital Pediatric HIV Program at 208 W. 13th St. (betw. 7th & Greenwich Aves.), 212-501-4797; 8, $18 don.
SUNDAY 12/8
Cabaret
"Flotilla DeBarge Chanukah-Kwanzaa-Christmas Spectacular" Nubian Empress Flotilla gets interdenominational on your ass; Fez/Time Cafe, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-533-2680; 8, $12.
"She's a Little Bit Cabaret?He's a Little Bit Jazz" But together Susan Baum & Ray Hoffman make beautiful music; Judy's Chelsea, 169 8th Ave. (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 3, $12 min.
A Slice O' Minnelli Singer/comedian Rick Skye & musical director Mark Hartman bring you a bold Liza & an Ode to Betty Ford?Ms. Minnelli would approve; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-757-0788; 9:30, $10 & 2 drink min.
"Songs Along the Way" Yvonne Sherwell returns w/John Wallowitch on piano; Judy's Chelsea, 169 8th Ave. (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 5:30, $12 min.
"Toots Her Own Horn" Leslie Anderson w/Bobby Peaco on piano & Tony Moreno on drums; Judy's Chelsea, 169 8th Ave. (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 8:30, $12 min. [repeats Mon.].
Comedy
American Vaudeville Theatre Trav S.D. emcees G-rated humor feat. comedians the Haskell Brothers' & Lewoncyk & Cartelli & song & dance man Danny Weizmann; the Bindlestiff Palace of Variety, 125 W. 42nd St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 2 p.m., $10.
The Liars propaganda will rouse your inner conscience & get you to your feet?from where you can attack them; Rififi, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-677-1027; 8, $5.
"O.C.Y.C.'s Holiday Vengeance" Windy city sketch comedy troupe takes out their holiday frustrations on you; Rififi, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-677-1027; 7, $5.
Monday 12/9
Cabaret
"The Wipe 'N Go Tour" Bravo's "The It Factor" alum PJ Mehaffey breaks away from the struggling artist pack w/performance piece feat. songs, stories, lots of paper towels & cohort Alex Bragg; Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia St. (betw. 4th & Bleecker Sts.), 212-989-9319; 9, $10 & $6 min.
Comedy
Colin Quinn Stand-up feat. Kevin Brennan, Robert Kelly, Godfrey & Greg Giraldo at great comedy venue; Comedy Cellar, 117 MacDougal St. (betw. Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts.), 212-254-3480; 9 & 11, $10 & 2 drink min. [repeats Tues.].
Tuesday 12/10
Cabaret
"Me & My Fanny" Broadway actress Marilyn Socol, w/musical director Ian Herman, pays tribute to Jewish comedian & entertainer Fanny Brice; Melville Gallery, 213 Water St. (betw. Fulton & Beekman Sts.), res. req. 212-748-8735; 6:30, $10.
Jennifer Roberts debuts w/Mark Janas on piano; Judy's Chelsea, 169 8th Ave. (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 8:30, $12 min.
THEATER
Performance times follow the paper's publishing schedule. (Weds.-Tues.). Call theater for complete schedule.
IN PREVIEWS
Adult Entertainment Danny Aiello & Jeannie Berlin star in new Elaine May comedy about porn at Variety Arts Theatre, 110 3rd Ave. (betw. 13th & 14th Sts.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $25-$65.
Dance of the Vampires Michael Crawford stars as 19th-century vampire Count Von Krolock in musical adaptation of Roman Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Killers; Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St. (B'way), 212-307-4100; Weds.-Sat., Mon. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, $25-$95.
Gone Home A young writer returns home, trying to reconstruct his childhood & make sense of his adult life; City Center, 131 W. 55th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-581-1212; Weds.-Sun. & Tues. at 7:30, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 3, $45, $20 st. [opens 12/17].
Hank Williams: Lost Highway Musical celebration of the wild life of a country music icon; Manhattan Ensemble Theater, 55 Mercer St. (betw. Broome & Grand Sts.), 212-925-1900; call for times, $40-$45 [opens 12/19].
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder Kurt Kleinmann's murder-mystery comedy, just in time for the holidays; DR2 Theater, 103 E. 15th St. (betw. Park Ave. S. & Irving Pl.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $45 [opens 12/6, through 1/4].
La Boheme Baz Luhrmann's re-imagining of Puccini's opera; Broadway Theatre, 1681 B'way (betw. 52nd & 53rd Sts.), 212-239-6200; call for times, $20-$95 [opens 12/8].
Rapt An endless cycle of personal & corporate selfishness set in a multinational organization; 45 Bleecker, 45 Bleecker St. (Lafayette St.), 212-307-4100; Thurs.-Mon. at 8, $15 [opens 12/9, through 12/21].
Vincent Musical depiction of the life of Van Gogh, who "overcame all obstacles in his path toward greatness." If you consider a one-eared, poverty-stricken suicide to be some sort of fantastic triumph, this is the story for you; Wings Theater, 154 Christopher St. (betw. Greenwich & Washington Sts.), 212-627-2961; Thurs.-Sat. & Mon. at 8, Sun. at 3:30, $19 [opens 1/3].
RECENTLY OPENED
Almost Live from the Betty Ford Clinic Michael West's biting one-man show explores the bizarre mental landscapes of more than twenty celebrities; Douglas Fairbanks Theater, 432 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Thurs. at 8, $20.
Amour Musical love story set in Paris during the 50s w/score by Michel Legrand; Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St. (betw. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $60-$85.
Bartenders Louis Mustillo characterizes six men who've made careers out of slinging drinks; John Houseman Theater, 450 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-206-1515; Weds.-Fri. & Tues. at 8, Sat. at 5 & 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $45.
Betty Rules Musical tracks life of female-fronted rock band; Zipper Theater, 336 W. 37th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds., Thurs. & Tues. at 8, Fri. & Sat. at 7 & 10, Sun. at 5, $29.90-$44.90.
Blessing in Disguise Larry Pellegrini's musical comedy begins at the end of WWIII, "when it's every drag queen for herself"; the Times Square Theatre, 675 8th Ave. (betw. 42nd & 43rd Sts.), 212-206-1515; Weds.-Sat., Mon. & Tues. at 8, mat. Sat at 5, $55.
Bliss Debut of Ben Bettenbender's tale of love, revenge & murder between an ex-con/hitman, a woman & her husband; the Rattlestick Theater, 224 Waverly Pl. (betw. 11th & Perry Sts.), 212-206-1515; Weds.-Mon. at 8, $37.50 [through 12/22].
Boston Marriage Karen Kohlhaas directs David Mamet comedy, feat. Kate Burton & Martha Plympton, exploring class, sexuality & love in 19th-century New England; Martinson Hall, Joseph Papp Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. (Astor Pl.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, Sun. at 7, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 2, $45 [through 12/22].
Burn This James Houghton directs Elisabeth Shue, Peter Sarsgaard, Ty Burrell & Dallas Roberts in a "turbulent and funny" play about four New Yorkers overcoming their "deepest fears and doubts" after an unexpected death; Union Sq. Theater, 100 E. 17th St. (Park Ave. S.), 212-307-4100; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $30-$65.
Cashetta's Magical Christmas Show Welcome to Cashetta's sparkle-icious Holiday Extravaganza! Complete w/fake snow, flaming menorahs & floating decorations to chill your blood, but warm your heart; Fez/Time Cafe, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-533-2680; Sun. at 10, $10 [through 12/29].
Christmas with the Crawfords Satire in drag presented by Artfull Circle Theater feat. "not-so-traditional holiday songs"; Producer's Club, 358 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-206-1515; Weds.-Fri. & Tues. at 8, Sat. at 5 & 8, Sun. at 7, $40 [through 12/28] .
Columbia, the Germ of the Ocean Ian W. Hill directs Trav S.D.'s politically incorrect burlesque based on Columbus' voyage to the Americas feat. dialect humor, opera parody, slapstick & wordplay; Chasama Theatre, 135 W. 42nd St. (betw. 6th Ave. & B'way), 718-907-0819; Fri. at 8, $15 [through 12/6].
Consummate Happiness The Glass Menagerie's Wingfield family returns, though their long-neglected & frantic sexual drives are now focused on a hapless dinner guest; the Mint Theater, 311 W. 43rd St., 5th fl. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-206-1515; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 7, $20, $16 adv. [through 12/22].
Crowns New "gospel musical" based on book Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats at Second Stage Theater, 307 W. 43rd St. (8th Ave.), 212-246-4422; call for times & prices [through 1/5].
Dangerous Liaisons An adaptation of the classic tale of conquest & indirect revenge, this time stripped of period cues & presented more as a pure, timeless story; Abingdon Theater, 432 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-473-1239; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $15 [through 12/21].
Debbie Does Dallas Cuming-of-age story based on film of same name feat. original music & new cheers?but the girls keep their clothes on?hilariously funny & still slightly crude; Jane Street Theatre, 113 Jane St. (betw. Washington St. & 10th Ave.), 212-239-6200; Weds., Thurs., Mon. & Tues. at 8, Fri. at 8 & 10:30, Sat. at 7 & 10, Sun. at 5 & 8, $30-$45, $25 st.
Democracy in Islam Modern-day Muslim Pakistani-American family faces suspicion in their adopted country & a backwards social system in their homeland; Theater for the New City, 155 1st Ave. (10th St.), 212-254-1109; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $10 [through 12/29].
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. (Lafayette St.), 212-307-4100; Weds.-Fri. & Tues. at 8, Sat. at 5 & 9, Sun. at 3 & 7, $55.
Flower Drum Song Story based on novel by C.Y. Lee about Chinese woman who moves to San Francisco; Virginia Theater, 245 W. 52nd St. (betw. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $65-$95.
Ghosts Amy Irving & David Patrick Kelly star in new translation of Ibsen drama at Classic Stage Co., 136 E. 13th St. (betw. 3rd & 4th Aves.), 212-677-4210; Weds.-Sat. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $35-$50 [through 12/8].
The Golden Age In association w/Bindlestiff Family Varity Arts, Cagey Productions celebrates the lost artistry of vaudeville; Palace of Variety, 125 W. 42nd St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 877-BINDLES; Fri. at 6, Tues. at 7, $15, $7 child. [through 12/17].
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.
Hollywood Arms Moving comedy written by Carol Burnett & daughter Carrie Hamilton, based on Burnett's 1986 memoirs; Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat., Mon. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $20-$80.
A Last Dance for Sybil Ben Hammer (The Diary of Anne Frank) stars in new drama by Ossie Davis w/Ruby Dee; the Theatre at St. Clements, 423 W. 46th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-279-4200; Weds.-Fri. at 7:30, Sat. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $20-$40 [through 12/15].
A Late Supper Family drama inspired by Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; Maverick Theater, 307 W. 26th St. (8th Ave.), 212-206-1515; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $17.50-$35 [through 12/22].
Little Ham Musical love story based on Langston Hughes play set during 1930's Harlem Renaissance; John Houseman Theater, 450 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $65.
Locos De Contento (Happily Mad) An Argentinean couple prepare for emigration & a better life in faraway Japan. While the wife surrounds herself w/all things Japanese, the husband, along w/Argentina, slips into depression; Gramercy Arts Theater, 138 E. 27th St. (betw. Lexington & 3rd Aves.), 212-889-2850; call for times, $25-$40 [through 1/30].
Love, Janis Homage to the first lady of rock incorporates 19 of her songs & all of her hits; the Village Theater, 158 Bleecker St. (betw. Sullivan & Thompson Sts.), 212-307-4100; call for times, $45-$100.
Maggie's Daughters American Playwrights Theatre pres. love/hate story between sisters; the Trilogy Theatre, 341 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-206-1515; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $15 [through 12/15].
Masha No Home A 17-year-old second generation Korean-American realizes her mother's legacy comes w/an ethical dilemma; Ensemble Studio Theater, 549 W. 52nd St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-206-1515; Weds.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $15 [through 12/22].
Macbeth The Ninagawa Company's young actors & dynamic staging of Shakespeare's tragedy make full use of lighting, mirrors, stage illusions & gore; BAM Opera House, 651 Fulton St. (betw. Rockwell & Ashland Pl.), Fort Greene, 718-636-4100; Weds.-Sat. at 7:30, $25-$50 [through 12/7].
A Naked Date More bittersweet shenanigans taken from the high-stakes New York dating scene; Producer's Club, 358 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-206-1515; call for times, $20, $16 st./s.c. [through 12/21].
The Neal Medlyn Special Each week, Mr. Lower East Side Pageant runner-up & downtown socialite Neal Medlyn entertain the shit out of you, then thrust a different performer onstage. The Dec. 7 show feat. Saint Reverend Jen Miller. Dec. 14th is Rachel Shukert & Dec. 21 is Farris Craddock; Surf Reality, 172 Allen St., 2nd fl. (betw. Houston & Stanton Sts.), 212-673-4182; Sat. at 12 a.m., $8 [through 12/21].
Nobody Knows I'm a Dog The anonymity of the internet lets six characters lose themselves in wishful personas & fictional lives, until reality returns w/a vengeance; Red Room, 85 E. 4th St., 3rd fl. (betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery), 212-457-5498; Sun. at 8, $15.
None of It: More of Less Hudson's Bay, Again Naked & high, two twins on a dogsled chase Utopia across the arctic tundra; P.S. 122, 150 1st Ave. (9th St.), 212-477-5288; Weds.-Sun. at 7:30, $15 [through 12/22].
Poor Beast in the Rain Playwright Billy Roche's follow-up to Wexford Trilogy?about the actions a troublemaker takes upon returning home; Irish Arts Center, 553 W. 51st St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-206-1515; Weds.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $40-$45 [through 12/8].
Prelude to a Kiss "Mystical ride of exchanged identities, hidden longings and the pure connection of souls"; Gloria Maddox Theater, 151 W. 26th St., 7th fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-741-0265; Weds.-Sat. at 8, mat. Sun. at 3, $15 [through 12/8].
The Prince and the Pauper Mark Twain's novel about a man & his doppelganger set to music; Lamb's Theater, 130 W. 44th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds. & Thurs. at 7:30, Fri. & Sat. at 8, mats. Weds., Fri. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $40-$65 [through 1/31].
Repertorio Español continues 35th-season w/best of Latin theatre incl. Carmen Rivera's Yerma & Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Cronica de Una Muerte Anunciada (Chronicle of a Death Foretold); Gramercy Arts Theater, 138 E. 27th St. (betw. Lexington & 3rd Aves.), 212-889-2850; call for times, $25-$40.
A Queer Carol Flamboyant twist on classic holiday story, starring Danny Pintauro (Who's the Boss); the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, 61 Christopher St. (7th Ave.), 212-206-1515; Weds., Fri., Sat. & Tues. at 7, $15 [through 12/15].
Say Goodnight Gracie Frank Gorshin plays George Burns, taking you on a guided tour of the famed performer's life, incl. his unlikely marriage to Gracie Allen (The words "Together Again" are engraved on she & George's stone at the cemetery in which they are buried); Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W. 44th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, mats. Weds. & Sat. at 2, Sun. at 3, $65-$70.
Sheehutt and I: Words Said Over a Man at His Wake Poor Sheehutt, born into the Great Depression, maturing just in time for WWII. Comedic stories & pained memories of the South are recounted in this solo performance set in Provneza Lanza Funeral Home, 43 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-316-9518; Fri. & Sat. at 6:30, $25, $12 st./s.c. [through 12/21].
A Soldier's Death New drama by Tom O'Neil (Jack Kerouac: Last Call) documenting what title suggests; 13th St. Rep, 50 W. 13th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-675-6677; Thurs.-Sat. at 7, $15, $10 st. [through 1/11].
Spurn Sketches & one-acts tackling themes of love, family, loneliness & rejection; the Theatre on Three, 432 W. 42nd St., 3rd fl. (betw. 9th & 10th Sts.), 212-358-9276, res. req.; Thurs.-Sat. at 8, free.
The Three Sisters David Mamet's minimalist modernization of Chekhov; 78th St. Theater Lab, 236 W. 78th St. (betw. B'way & Amsterdam Ave.), 212-946-1448; Weds.-Sat. at 8, $15 [through 12/20].
Tuesdays with Morrie David Esbjornson directs Mitch Albom's touching autobiographical tale about learning the true meaning of life feat. Alvin Epstein as Morrie & Jon Tenney as Mitch; Minetta Lane Theater, 18 Minetta La. (6th Ave.), 212-307-4100; Weds.-Sat. & Tues. at 8, Sun. at 7, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 3, $45-$65.
Unreal City Real-life autobiographical stories from the New York Times "Lives" column are adapted into a single tale of the strangeness & beauty of New York City; Chelsea Playhouse, 125 W. 22nd St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-206-1515; Fri.-Mon. at 8, mats. Sat. & Sun. at 2, $15, $12 adv. [through 12/21].
The Water Coolers Thomas Michael Allen's musical comedy laughs at corporate America & what it takes to get by there; Dillon's, 245 W. 54th St. (betw. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200; Weds.-Fri. & Tues. at 8, Sat. at 8 & 10:30, Sun. at 3 & 7, $65.
Who Killed Woody Allen? Celebrity satire fueled from award shows & murder mysteries; the Triad Theater, 158 W. 72nd St. (betw. Amsterdam & Columbus Aves.), 212-206-1515; call for times, $12 & 2 drink min. [through 12/5].
Yentl Robert Kalfin directs this first-ever Yiddish-language adaptation of folktale about rabbi's daughter who dresses as man to study at Yeshiva (go, Babs!); 344 W. 36th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-213-2120; Weds., Thurs. & Tues. at 7, Sat. at 8, mats. Weds. at 2, Sun. at 2 & 5:30, $45 [through 12/29].