By Scott Stiffler
MUSIC
THE ART MOB
Founded by the late Marcia Tucker (who also founded The New Museum), The Art Mob has been presenting old and unusual vocal music — a cappella style — for over thirty years (which makes songs written in the year of their birth eligible for their repertoire). The latest by this troupe of 16 singers (some amateur, some professional, all good) is “Help Wanted” — a show whose thematic tribute speaks to our troubled times. Selections include “Give to the Cause,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and the depression-era ditty “Brother Can You Spare a Dime.” Admission is by donation. April 30th, 8:00 p.m. at the Tenri Cultural Institute (43A W. 13th St); May 1st and 2nd, 8:00 p.m. at The Construction Company (10 E. 18th St.). For more info., visit www.artmob.org.
A blur of cultural influences: “Traditions In Transition”
DANCE
TRADITIONS IN TRANSITION
“Traditions In Transition” is a dance showcase presented by Intercultural Arts Dialogue (a catalyst for creative expression underrepresented in mainstream cultural dialogue). The dance festival features contemporary works by choreographers with a background in traditional Asian dance — whose influences include Chinese, Balinese, Polynesian, Korean and Indian dance styles. The talent involved: A.H. Dance Company, Aly Rose Anthony Aiu and ‘Avei’a, Jin Ju Song-Begin, Laura Smith, Lydia Kramer, Patrick Suzeau and Yoo & Dancers. April 30th, May 1st, 7:30 p.m.; at The LABA Theater, 14th Street Y (344 E. 14th St.). Free (suggested donation, $10). For info., call 607-591-1756. Visit www.iadialogue.org.
BENEFIT
STRONG KIDS CAPMAIGN
Raconteur, WBAI radio host and essayist David Rothenberg (who’s got more than a few tall and interesting tales to tell) will perform his one-man show “Name Dropping.” It’s a reflection of his life in the theater — and the proceeds it generates will benefit the Strong Kids Campaign (which helps raise money for financial aid and scholarships for the less fortunate in our community). May 2nd, 3:00 p.m. at the McBurney YMCA (125 West 14th St., btw. 6th and 7th Ave.). VIP seats are $50; $20 general admission, $25 at the door on the day of the performance. For reservations, contact Justine Carroll at 212-912-2311 or email JCarroll@ymcanyc.org.
THEATER
DECADES APART
Rick Pulos promises a “dynamic multimedia performance”—and looks poised to deliver with “Decades Apart: Reflections of Three Gay Men.” This import from the 2009 Long Island Fringe Festival is the final production of Nuyorican’s 2009-2010 Monday theater series. “Decades Apart” is a queer time capsule which reveals significant moments in the lives of three gay American men from different eras and cities (a carefree lovelorn guy in 1970s San Francisco; a gay Republican in 1980s NYC; a wild club kid in 19902 Los Angeles). May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th at 7:30 p.m.; at the Nuyorican Poets Café (236 East 3rd St., btw. Avenues B & C). For tickets ($15; $10 for students, seniors), call 212-780-9386 or visit www.nuyorican.org. Also visit www.decadesapart.org.
THEATER
THE MAIDS
The last production from Curious Frog Theater Company taught us all a valuable lesson: If you sublet your East Village apartment, be sure to ask the temporary tenants if they plan to use the space for a short-lived run of Sam Shepard’s “True West.” This time around, they present Jean Genet’s “The Maids.” The classic power struggle tale (two maids both love and hate their mistress) gets a twist thanks to a multi-ethnic cast designed to foster fresh perceptions of the 1947 absurdist work. Fri. through Sun., April 22nd through May 8th; at Studio 606 (300 W. 43rd St., at 8th Ave.; 6th Floor). For tickets ($25), call 347-410-9840 or visit www. brownpapertickets.com. Visit www.curiousfrog.org.
