BARBER'S BEST BETS: A Rent revival and more

For the News & Messenger

ON STAGE

The late Jonathan Larson's musical "Rent" begins on Christmas Eve. So, it's more than a little appropriate that the Keegan Theatre Company is reviving this rock and roll update of La Bohème at this time of year. Opening at the Church Street Theatre in Washington on Dec. 17, "Rent" continues through Jan. 16.

Stand-up comedian Judy Gold shares her story of lesbian motherhood in the one-woman show "Mommy Queerest," playing now at Theater J, based in the DC Jewish Community Center in Washington. The show has a limited run through Jan. 3, with a specially priced preview performance on Dec. 17.

IN THE CLUBS & IN CONCERT

The Birchmere in Alexandria has a busy week, with filmmaker John Waters' annual Christmas show on tonight and vocalist Lalah Hathaway on Friday.

The group Four Play takes the stage Saturday.

Aaron Neville and his Quintet do their holiday show on Sunday.

The a capella group Straight, No Chaser closes out the pre-Christmas performances on Dec. 21 and 22.

Blues Alley in Georgetown welcomes the Marcus Johnson Project for a four-night stand, from tonight through Sunday.

The Capital Bones present "A Stan Kenton Christmas" on Dec. 22 and local piano favorite Dick Morgan does his Christmas show on the 23rd.

Strathmore Hall presents an original evening of music and prose called "Take Joy!" on the 18th and 19th, John Michael Higgins, of "A Mighty Wind" and "Best in Show," hosts the production, commissioned by the Music Center. Along with songs and stories, you'll hear poetry from Dylan Thomas, Langston Hughes and others.

ON SCREEN

Opening Friday:

"Avatar" is the first film from "Titanic" director James Cameron since that 1996 mega-epic. Set in the future, the film follows a former Marine (Sam Worthington of "Terminator Salvation") as he attempts to gain the trust of the blue-skinned natives on a world where a vast sup-ply of an invaluable natural resource lies. Sigourney Weaver also stars.

"Broken Embraces" is the new work from Oscar-winning director and writer Pedro Almo-dovar ("All About My Mother," "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!") This romantic drama follows a former filmmaker, blinded in a car crash 14 years earlier that also took the life of his true love (Penelope Cruz), as he seeks to resolve the pain and doubts he's carried for so long.

"Did You Hear About the Morgans?" features Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker as a wealthy couple on the verge of divorce who witness a killing by the mob. Placed in protective custody, they're forced to relocate to a small town -- in Wyoming -- and adopt new identities.

"The Young Victoria" stars Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) as the legendary British monarch during the troubled early years of her reign and follows the development of her relationship with Prince Albert.

In Theaters Now:

Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon deliver strong performances in Clint Eastwood's fact-based sports/political drama, "Invictus."

Freeman brings stature and quiet dignity to the role of Nelson Mandela, who spent nearly three decades in prison before leading his African National Congress party to government control as the nation's first black president.

Damon once again proves he is one of our most unjustly overlooked actors, delivering a subtle, yet compel-ling performance. He is never overshadowed by Freeman's excellent work as Mandela.

The duo blend their talents with tremendous grace and skill, giving the film a richness that makes up for its shortcomings.

Those shortcomings include its pacing, which drags here and there during its two hour, 10 minute run time. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some scenes of violence, profanity and rugby roughhousing. Joe's Rating: Three (***) Stars.

Joe Barber is contributing entertainment writer for the News & Messenger. His reports can be heard Fri-days through Sundays on the WTOP-FM Radio Network.