Upcoming Events:
EAST VILLAGE HISTORY AT HOWL! Alphabet City… III, a new series of monologues based on East Village interviews, spotlights the vital history and present diversity of the Lower East Side. Series of three separate solo performances. Aug. 17-21 and 24-28. Wed. – Sat. at 8pm; Sun. at 7pm; Sat. & Sun. at 2 and 4pm. Metropolitan Playhouse, 220 E. 4th St. $15 for one evening, $10 for additional evening, $30 for all 3 in series. 212-995-5302. www.metropolitanplayhouse.org.
A CANDID LOOK AT MOTHERHOOD Part of the New York International Fringe Festival, “You Mutha,” a one-woman show starring Jennie Fahn, pictured above, is an energetic romp through the gory details of motherhood for anyone who is a mother or has a mother. Fri., Aug 12 – Sat., Aug. 27. 8/12 at 5pm; 8/13 at 2:15pm; 8/14 at 7pm; 8/17 at 6pm; 8/20 at 2pm; 8/21 at 8:30pm and 8/27 at 7pm. Dixon Place, 258 Bowery, 2nd Fl. $15. 212-279-4488. www.fringenyc.org.
AWARD-WINNING FEATURE FILM The psychological mystery “Taffy Was Born” is about a troubled man returning to his small hometown after many unhappy years away. He hopes to reclaim his life, but something is wrong. Why is everyone increasingly uncomfortable with him? And who is Taffy? Pictured above are Madalyn McKay, left, and Scott Mitchell. Mon., Aug. 8 at 7pm. Meet the director and the stars. The Two Boots Pioneer Theater, 155 E. 3rd St., bet. Aves. A & B. $9.50. 212-591-0434.
NEW PLAY AT THE FRINGE FESTIVAL “Ponzi Man,” premiering at the 9th Annual New York International Fringe Festival, explores the issue of white-collar crime and its life-altering effects on an upper class Jewish family in New Jersey. Pictured above are Jane Purcell Dashow, left, Steven Savona and Marlene Wallace. Sat., Aug 13 at 2:15pm; Wed., Aug. 17 at 6:30pm; Fri., Aug. 19 at 3pm; Mon., Aug 22 at 8:45pm and Sat., Aug. 27 at 9:30pm. Connelly Theatre, 220 E. 4th St. $15. 212-279-4488. www.fringenyc.org.
A SURREAL WEST VILLAGE PERFORMANCE Enjoy a program of five short plays, originally written in French and spanning from 1920-1953, entitled “On the Banks of the Surreal.” Pictured above are Niae Knight (bottom), Dirk Weiler and Rachel Lu in a scene from “The Gas Heart.” The Bank Street Theatre, 155 Bank St. Aug. 4 – 21. Tues. – Sat. at 8pm & Sun. at 6pm. $20, $15 students & seniors. www.TheaterMania.com.
TOUR KICK-OFF PARTY Sirens Wild Ride is an international touring collective of eclectic female artists. Pictured above are Addie Brownlee, left, and Athena Reich, who will launch their North American Tour in New York this month. Brownlee sings “honest lyrics in an earthy, rich voice” and Reich “combines a 4-octave voice with piano and guitar arrangements.” Sat., July 30 at 7:30pm. Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. 212-691-1900. www.sirenswildride.com.
DOCUMENTARY TO KICK OFF VISIONFEST “Put the Needle on the Record” explores the culture of Electronic House Music and the DJs and clubgoers who helped to elevate this once underground music craze. Pictured above is DJ Junior Sanchez, who will spin music following the screening. Wed., July 20 at 8pm. Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St. $15, includes after party. 212-941-2000. www.domanivision.org.
