Compiled by Scott Stiffler Scott@thevillager.com
Readings
I SPEAK OF THE CITY
Frequent Villager contributor Stephen Wolf’s Arts & Entertainment pieces often combine a historian’s curiosity with a poet’s sense of loss and longing. One suspects he cultivated that aesthetic while editing “I Speak of The City: Poems of New York.” Released in 2007 by Columbia University Press, Wolf describes it as “the most extensive anthology ever assembled of New York Poetry.” The man’s got a publicist’s sense of hyperbole — and yet, there’s not an ounce of hype in that lofty claim. “I Speak” is a comprehensive look at New York poetry from the days of New Amsterdam to the years following 9/11. Each poem is given context by a Wolf-penned introduction full of useful information and uncommon insight. April 1st, 6:30 p.m. at the Tenement Museum Shop (108 Orchard St.). For info., call 212-982-8420. Free (Wolf will read from “I Speak” — as will poet Claudia Menza and actor Chris Hurt).
Drag
BALLAD OF THE BAD BAD GIRLS
Watch your fabulous back, dudes in wigs and dresses — there’s a new drag theater company in town! Shim Mamsir Productions continues its monthly performance series with “Ballad of the Bad Bad Girls” — the second in what promises to be a long run of highly unauthorized readings. The ladies from Shim put a drag spin on plays, films, TV movies, sitcoms and after school specials. They can’t reveal the actual titles to be presented (without risking costly lawsuits and cumbersome arrests) — but how could you go wrong with material from ladies with names like Sweetie, Mimi Imfurst, Dallas Dubois, Bianca Del Rio, Bianca Leigh, and Lavinia Co-Op? March 31st, 8 p.m. at Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery, btw. Houston and Bleecker) For tickets ($10), call 212-352-3101.
Benefit
GREENWICH HOUSE POTTERY
Greenwich House Pottery’s 13th annual Made in Clay benefit functions as a pottery sale, an exhibition, a celebration, and a fundraiser. Do some multitasking of your own as you snack on hors d’oeuvres, enjoy jazz from the Ben Campbell Trio, and get an exclusive first peek at a variety of pottery, sculptures, and jewelry. Tickets to the March 25th event (6-9 p.m.) are $100. March 26th will feature the general Made in Clay opening from 6-9 p.m. (the sale will remain open until April 29th). The work of over 40 artists from across the country represent the wide variety of contemporary American studio pottery and ceramic sculpture. At Greenwich House Pottery (16 Jones St.). For more info., call 212-242-4106 or visit www.greenwichhouse.org/programs/arts/pottery.
Let’s get real: The Velveteen Rabbit comes to life.
Kids
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Manhattan Children’s Theatre presents an original adaptation of the beloved Margery Williams book — featuring animations based on the artwork of Joe’s Pub Archival Artist Michael Arthur. The story, as you may recall, concerns a stuffed rabbit who longs to be more than sawdust and velveteen. In MCT’s re-telling, two adult brothers rediscover the book while packing up their childhood home. The audience comes along for the ride as the brothers take a nostalgic journey back to a time when “nursery magic” made all things possible. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Saturdays and Sundays at Noon and 2pm, through April 18th; at Manhattan Children’s Theatre (52 White Street, 2 blocks south of Canal Street between Broadway & Church Streets). For tickets ($20), call 212-352-3101. For Theatre info, call 212-226-4085 or visit www.mctny.org. For weekday school and group rate information, call 212-226-4085.
Dance
zvidance:zoom
ZviDance — that collaborative alliance which draws its energy from a dizzying union of genres, cultures and movements — presents “Zoom.” Their latest work (a world premiere) melds dance, video and live music. During the performance, audience members take cell phone photos and text them to the visual designer — who projects them as real-time video collages. April 7th through 10th (Wed.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sat. at 2 p.m.). At Dance Theater Workshop (219 W. 19th St.). For tickets ($20; $16 for students/seniors), call 212-924-0077. Help ZviDance celebrate its 20th Anniversary by attending a slew of special events. Among them: the “20th Anniversary Gala Celebration” on Fri., April 9 at 7:30 p.m. — and the “ZviDance Cast Party” on Sat., April 10 at 7:30 p.m. (for details, visit www.zvidance.com).
