the last laugh
Last Comic Standing: NBC-TV National Tour
Keswick Theatre
291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside
Today, 7:30 p.m., $37.50
(215) 572-7650
www.keswicktheatre.com
Far too many people in this world are disturbingly not funny but think that they are. You know the types: those cab drivers who decide to test their hilarious knock-knock jokes on you between 40th Street and Center City, or that annoying kid in your hall freshman year who repeatedly practiced his audition for Mask and Wig in your doorway (should have locked it!). Luckily, NBC's Last Comic Standing has let America eliminate these sad, unfunny people from the realm of comedy by literally eliminating them in the most humiliating fashion possible: on reality TV. Now those considered to truly have a handle on humor are touring the nation, and they will be in the Philly area tonight. Tell that Mask and Wig kid to STFU, and go see a few of those rare people who actually understand the art of comedy.
-Annette D'Onofrio
tell-tale hearts
Breathing Corpses
Walnut Street Theatre - Studio 5
825 Walnut Street
Through November 10, $18-$33
(215) 704-0033
www.lunatheater.org
In the mood for a grown-up twist on traditional Halloween fun? Breathing Corpses, a play which premiered at London's Royal Court Theatre, has finally crossed the pond for a United States opening in Philadelphia. The show, described as "a murderous jigsaw puzzle" by Theatreworld, follows a series of deaths and the subsequent grief in contemporary suburbia. The plot opens with a comedic monologue from a teenage chambermaid upon her discovery of a bed-ridden corpse, and continues with a stream of deaths. While the parade of corpses is definitely grim, playwright Laura Wade's interesting philosophy on death and clever use of dark humor is sure to engage any audience. Move over, Poe. This Halloween, you've got company.
-Margo Peyton
let the conversation begin
Conversation: Richard Serra and Lynne Cooke
Meyerson Hall
210 S. 34th Street
Today, 5:30 p.m., Free
(215) 898-5050
www.icaphila.org/events
Has Penn sparked your curiosity about modern art by exposing you to the "Impossible-To-Sit-At Benches" and the "Dueling Tampons"? Well, now's your chance to explore your artistic side at the Richard Serra and Lynne Cooke conversation in Meyerson Hall. Cooke was the curator for the recent exhibition, "Forty Years," a retrospective of Serra's monumental sculptures at the Museum of Modern Art. Dubbed as "a titan of sculpture" by Michael Kimmelman, Serra is known for his minimalist constructions from large rolls and sheets of metal. Maybe something like his "Tilted Arc," a 3.5 meter high arc of rusting steel, will be the next addition to campus. At least we would get some shade in the summer, and possibly a shield from winter wind.
-Erica Tobin
the horror, the horror
The Rocky Horror Show
Barley Sheaf Players
810 N. Whitford Road, Lionville
Through November 10, various performances, $12-$15
(610) 363-7075
www.dogpawmanor.com/barleysheaf
An ideal Halloween just isn't complete without a viewing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show - watching Tim Curry clad in a pink lacy bustier falls second only to seeing the live, interactive Broadway production. You've probably already ruled out a jaunt to NYC to see the real deal, but don't pack up your drag queen paraphernelia quite yet. The Rocky Horror Show, a stage rendition of the sci-fi double-feature picture show, will time warp you to the zany world of mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his band of alien invaders. So grab your garters and eight-inch heels and join Brad and Janet as they battle the sweet transvestites from transsexual Transylvania.
-Becca Greenfield
the internet is for porn
2007 Puppet Karaoke Cirque De Stupid
M-Room
15 W. Girard Avenue
Today, 9 p.m., $5
(215) 739-5577
http://www.puppetkaraoke.com/
Regular old Karaoke is passé, and circuses are for children and the grandparents who try to win their affection by dragging them to the Big Top. But what if one man, one crazy clown artist, were to combine his love of puppets with rich, comedic vocals? That's right folks: Paul Palcko and his kooky cast of puppet friends will be hosting 2007's Puppet Karaoke Cirque De Stupid, a one-of-a-kind, three-ring circus. So come on down and be prepared to laugh. And maybe cry. Some people do that around clowns. Either way, buy some popcorn and enjoy the show.
-Malka Fleischmann
