WEDNESDAY
(image courtesy of Hallie Haas)
Masterpiece Classic: Women in Art
Wednesday, February 8 at UCB Chelsea, 8 pm: $7
It is generally agreed upon that art is Good. However, the art world is where things get a little more polarized. This new character-based show by comedian and actress Hallie Haas takes on the type of people who consider themselves high and mighty creators, the type of people who take themselves reeeeeeally seriously. The premise is that Laura Linney, of course, has gathered together seven of the most sophisticated and acclaimed women artists for an evening that feels a lot like a certain public access television show. Only probably a lot weirder. Especially considering Haas will be playing every character. This spoof on PBS classics feels especially timely, considering I just got an email asking me to sign an online petition so that Donald Trump doesn’t get rid of PBS Kids. Please, think of the children. And the art.
THURSDAY
(image via The Kitchen)
The Fool
February 9-11 at The Kitchen, 8 pm: $15
Artists Colin Self and Raúl De Nieves come together in collaboration for The Fool, a chamber opera written for chorus and string ensemble. An “allegorical journey,” The Fool takes on lofty topics such as mortality and beauty, but in a way that seems intriguing, ornate, and rather bejeweled. Self and De Nieves will be performing in the piece themselves, and will be joined by fellow performers Mehron Abdollmohammadi and Alexandra Drewchin, also known as Eartheater, as “The Mother” and “The Child” respectively.
FRIDAY
(image via Abrons Arts Center)
Your Hair Looked Great
February 8-25 at Abrons Arts Center, 7:30 pm: $25
It’s always a good sign when a show title is also a compliment. Or maybe it’s more of a neg, considering it’s implying your hair looked great but maybe doesn’t anymore. So maybe it’s just rude. In any case, Tiny Little Band’s latest production sounds like it will be a barrel of fun, covering a jumble of topics ranging from cheese chips and Ancient Greek heroes to motivational talks and the meaning of life itself. The show bills itself as a journey “through the social and cultural forces that shape our sense of what life is and what life should be.” Most would agree that the distance between what life is and what it should be is growing larger by the day, and perhaps a dose of performative weirdness could offer some comfort on the matter, even if for an evening.
SATURDAY
(image via HERE)
Blurred Lines
February 9-19 at HERE Arts Center, 7 pm (Sundays at 2 pm): $10-40
Though the title of this show will inevitably bring to mind the notorious and problematic Robin Thicke song, this theatrical production by ensemble Girl Be Heard is pretty much the polar opposite of skeezy. This Blurred Lines delves into issues of rape culture, consent, equality, and more. It explores how women exist in a world that can seem to be working against them, focused on but not limited to campus sexual assault. The show was all created, researched, and performed by the Girl Be Heard ensemble, a group of young women. Since this is the type of show that will inspire dialogue, there will be a talkback after each show. And if the $10-$40 price range seems prohibitive for you, the show’s organizers note that “no one will be turned away for lack of funds.”
SUNDAY
(flyer via Lucy Cottrell)
Sweethearts Only
Sunday, February 12 at The Park Church Co-op, 7 pm: $10
Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, this much we know. Preparing for this dreaded (or cherished) holiday can often mean shopping for flowers, chocolates, or other goodies. But in the few days before the day of love, it might be best to simply laugh. Lucy Cottrell, who in the past has brought us comedy nights that tend to be cultish, is back at it again with this Valentine’s themed show that promises to be “v intimate.” Expect stand-up and other laughs from folks like Mitra Jouhari of Three Busy Debras, soft-spoken oddball Joe Pera, SNL writer and space prince Julio Torres, Hamm Samwich, Ana Fabrega, and Conner O’Malley. The musical portion of the night will be provided by the band Skin Sins, and there will also be food and visual art. After the comedy’s done, the night will turn into a dance party. There’s something for everyone.