Barber’s Best Bets

By JOE BARBER

For the News & Messenger

THEATRE

» If you enjoy your Shakespeare with a twist, consider seeing Rorschach Theatre Company's production of "Living Dead in Denmark." Presented at Georgetown University's theater at 37th & "O" Streets, N.W., in Washington, the play reworks "Hamlet," adding elements from Hong Kong action films and zombies. "Living Dead" "survives" at the G.U. theater through Aug. 23.

For tickets and more information, visit http://www.rorschachtheatre.org.

» Signature Theatre marks the start of a new season with its annual Open House, sponsored by the good folks at Target. This year's event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 9:30 p.m.

Performances from this season's plays and musicals, master classes, kid's events and exhibits will all be on display at Signature. The theater is located on Campbell Avenue in the Shirlington Village restaurant/retail hub in Arlington. All events are free and open to the public.

Signature's new season, its 20th, opens with Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner starring as Mae West in the musical biography "Dirty Blonde." This look at the life and times of the queen of the double entendre runs at Signature from Aug. 11 to Oct. 4.

» American Century Theatre at the Gunston Arts Center in Arlington is currently presenting Edward Albee's "Seascape." This sharply comic look at the similarities and differences of couples of different species continues through Aug. 22.

» The Elden Street Players present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's "Passion." This multi-layered drama of romance and unrequited love won the 1994 Tony Award for Best Musical. Presented at Herndon's Industrial Strength Theatre, "Passion" runs through Aug. 22 and, due to adult themes, is for mature audiences. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.eldenstreetplayers.org.

» The Washington Stage Guild continues its summer series of staged readings with "The Dragon" on Sunday, Aug. 9. An allegorical tale of what replaces fear when fear has been vanquished will be presented at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Flashpoint Arts Space, 916 G St., N.W., in Washington, The readings are free, but space is limited, so reservations are strongly urged and donations gratefully accepted. Check http://www.info@stageguild.org for reservations and more.

» Finally, closing this weekend are "Ain't Misbehavin'" at Olney Theatre Center, "F****ing A" at Studio Theatre's 2nd Stage and "The Color Purple" at the Kennedy Center's Opera House. All three shows bring down their final curtains on the 9th.

CLUBS/CONCERTS

» Wolf Trap kicks things into high gear as the days and nights for outdoor shows begin to dwindle. The B-52's celebrate the release of their new CD with a show on Aug. 8. Johnny Mathis brings his smooth and silky sound to the Filene Center for an evening of romantic classics on the 9th. Hippiefest 2009 rolls in with Mountain, Badfinger, Flo & Eddie and more, on Aug. 11. Smokey Robinson makes his annual Wolf Trap appearance on the 12th.

» Nissan Pavilion welcomes Li'l Wayne for a rap/hip hop concert on Aug. 7, followed by the Dave Matthews Band on the 8th. The edgy sounds of Marilyn Manson and Slayer fill the Pavilion on Aug. 9.

» Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria presents The Fabulous Thunderbirds on Friday and the Neville Brothers on the 9th.

» Constitution Hall in Washington presents two nights with Van Morrison today. Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia tour, features acts old and new with connections to the legendary Philadelphia International label, including The O'Jays, Jerry Butler and the New Stylistics, arrives on Aug. 8. American Idol season two winner Ruben Studard, Eric Benet and Mint Condition play the Hall on the 9th.

» Blues Alley in Georgetown welcomes the Freddy Cole Quartet for four nights, starting Aug. 6 and The Orioles—no, the singing group not the baseball team—on Aug. 12.

» The DC Improv comedy club presents Ian Bagg for three nights, beginning Aug. 7.

» Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., offers the band O.A.R. on Friday, Eryka Badu, Raphel Sadiq and Chuck Brown on the 8th and Incubus on the 9th.

» The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis offers the Gin Blossoms on Aug. 10, while the Ram's Head Live! in Baltimore showcases Tracey Chapman on the 8th and De La Soul on the 12th. Enjoy!

Joe Barber's entertainment reports and reviews can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WTOP-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!