BARBER'S BEST BET: Apocalypse, death on the big screen

By JOE BARBER

For the News & Messenger

MOVIES:

Opening Friday:

"The Book of Eli" is a post-apocalyptic adventure starring Denzel Washington as an adventurer wandering across America with a book he's been sworn to protect. It contains information that holds the key to the future of humanity. The film is directed by twins Albert and Alfred Hughes ("Menace 2 Society," "From Hell").

"The Lovely Bones," based on the best selling novel by Alice Sebold, is set in 1973 and follows Susie Salmon ("Saoirse Ronan," "Atonement") as she narrates the story of her disappearance and murder at the hands of a neighbor and how she -- and her family -- deal with the aftermath. Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci and Susan Sarandon also star in this adaptation from director Peter Jackson ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy.)

"The Spy Next Door" stars Jackie Chan as a former C.I.A. agent who gets a really tough job minding his girlfriend's three kids. When one of them accidentally downloads a top-secret formula, Chan must protect the kids from his arch enemy, a Russian spy.

THEATER:

Teatro de la Luna presents a day of bilingual children's theater from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 16. This acclaimed Spanish language stage company offers two performances of "The Cat and the Seagull," along with activities for children and their families throughout the day, including songs and poetry. All tickets are just $10; kids 4 and under are free. The Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre is located at 1611 N. Kent Street on the "LL" level in Arlington. For more information, e-mail info@teatrodelaluna.org.

The American Century Theatre Company, based at the Gunston Arts Center in Arlington, presents a "pay-what-you-can" preview of their latest production, the advertising industry satire "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" The preview is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. The play runs through Feb. 6.

Signature Theatre in Shirlington Village in Arlington has just opened a production of the award-winning play "I Am My Own Wife." Based on a true story, the work reveals the harrowing tale of man who survived the horrors of the Nazis and the Holocaust by assuming the identity of a woman. "I am My Own Wife" runs through Mar. 7.

CLUBS & CONCERTS:

The Birchmere welcomes the Christian vocal group Jars of Clay on Jan. 14.

The talented and eclectic band Eddie from Ohio take the stage for three nights, from the 15th through the 17th. Legendary vocalist Judy Collins returns for another intimate performance on Jan. 19.

Musician, producer and performer John Jennings joins with his friends for a show at the Barns at Wolf Trap on Jan. 16. The State Theatre in Falls Church presents The Smithereens on Jan. 15 and the Neil Diamond tribute band Real Diamond on the 16th.

The Kennedy Center celebrates the Dr, Martin Luther King holiday with a concert by the Let Freedom Ring Choir on Jan. 16.

The 9:30 Club presents performer and producer Timbaland on the 16th.

The Music Center at Strathmore Hall will present the American Balalaika Symphony on Jan. 16t and host a King Birthday Celebration concert at 4 p.m. on the 18th.

The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis offers the Tony Rice Unit with special guests the Steep Canyon Band on Jan. 14. The band Savoy Brown, featuring Kim Simmons, takes the stage on the 16th, followed by War on the 17th.

Mavis Staples of the Stales Singers does a solo show on the 18th and the Carolina Chocolate Drops are on stage on the 19th.

Enjoy!

Joe Barber's entertainment reviews and reports can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WOP-FM Radio Network (103.5, 103.9, 107.7 & Wtop.com.) He can be seen regularly on WETA-TV's Around Town and Fridays on Comcast Sports Net's Washington Post Live!