BARBER’S BEST BETS: The Pop King lives on the silver screen

By JOE BARBER

For the News & Messenger

MOVIES

Opening this week: “Michael Jackson: This Is It” is the swan song for the King of Pop, a concert film comprised of the rehearsal footage for what was to be Jackson’s last major tour. (Opened Oct. 28.)

“An Education” is an acclaimed coming-of-age drama, set in London in the 1960s, about a bright teenaged girl whose life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes involved with a playboy nearly twice her
age. (Opens Oct. 30.)

In Theaters Now: Michael Sheen (Tony Blair in “The Queen” and David Frost in “Frost/Nixon”) delivers another sterling performance as a real person in the funny and fascinating film, “The Damned United.”
The story of British soccer coach Brian Clough and his 44-day run at the helm of the storied and beloved Leeds United team. More an incisive and witty character study than all-out-sports film, United
should earn Sheen the praise for his superb acting skills he’s deserved for so long. This is a darn fine film.

MPAA Rating: R for profanity. Joe’s Rating: Three and One-Half (*** ½) Stars.

Now playing exclusively at the AMC Lowes Shirlington 7, Landmark Bethesda Row Cinemas and the Regal Gallery Place 14 in Washington.

“Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant”: Based on the popular series of books for teen and young adult readers, this tale of a nice, smart kid who becomes a half-vampire to fulfill his destiny to end a
war between vampire sects, has some good moments. John C. Reilly (“Talladega Nights,” “Chicago”) is great fun to watch as the teen’s somewhat unwilling mentor. Though its tongue is often firmly
planted in its cheek, there are some darker elements in the movie that need to be handled carefully in future films if their intended audience is to see them. Not a bad start, but better scripts better be
ahead. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, sensuality and some profanity. Joe’s Rating: Two and One-Half (** ½) Stars.

On DVD:

Woody Allen teams with Larry David for “Whatever Works,” a slim, but funny tale of one grouchy man’s awakening to the world. David plays a brilliant mathematician, best known as “the guy who almost
won the Nobel Prize,” who’s also a social misanthrope. He gets along with nobody and likes it that way — until he meets a homeless waif (Even Rachel Wood) whom he reluctantly tries to help. Love
betrayal, visits from clinging relatives and much compulsive hand washing ensue. David creates a character that mingles parts of his “Curb Your Enthusiasm” self with bits of Allen’s persona and outlook,
creating a character that’s familiar, yet unique, and fits the movie.

Good supporting work from Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley add to the mix, helping “Whatever Works” work well. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for profanity, sexual situations and brief nude images. Joe’s
Rating: Three (***) Stars,

THEATER:

There are thrills and chills aplenty awaiting you on area stages these days. Synetic Theatre Company, which is currently mounting a production of “Dracula,” invites you to a Vampire’s Ball on the 31st.
Held at the Rosslyn Spectrum, where the play’s being performed, the Ball’s highlights include a reception with the cast, a Dracula fashion show and music from a D.J. In conjunction with the Ball, you can

make a “date night” of it by dropping the kids off at a company produced play for kids only. Tickets are partially tax deductable. For more information, visit http://www.synetictheatre.org.

Scena Theatre Company offers “pay-what-you-can” previews of their Poe Double Feature: “The Fall of The House of Usher” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” at the “H’ Street Playhouse in North West
Washington, D.C. 8 p.m. performances on Oct. 28 and 30 are “pay-what-you-can” admission. The Halloween night performance is the show’s official Opening Night, with a “Fright Fest” reception between
the 7 and 10 p.m. shows.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company welcomes Sir Ian McKlellan for a one night only event on the 29th. “A Knight in Harmon Hall” features highlights from Sir Ian’s remarkable career and his thoughts on
the craft of acting. The event begins at 8 p.m in the Company’s Harmon Hall venue in downtown Washington.

Fans of “Greater Tuna” and its sequels, rejoice! Joe Sears and Jayston Williams are back with their latest tale of Tuna, Texas.

“Tuna Does Vegas” arrives at Washington’s Warner Theatre for its D.C. debut, running from the 29th to Nov. 1.

Round House Theatre’s Bethesda stage presents a funny and poignant comedy/drama about mothers and daughters from the author of the Tony Award-winning musical, “In the Heights.” “26 Miles” tells
the story of an impulsive road trip taken by an estranged mom and daughter and its surprising result. A “pay-what-you-can” matinee will be presented on Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. and a pre-show discussion with
the play’s director stars at 7:45 p.m. on the 30th.

Rep Stage, at the Howard Community College in Columbia, Md., offers a free reading of the play “Hitchcock Blonde” on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

Finally, closing this week are: “The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)” at Metro Stage in Alexandria and “Hysteria” at Rep Stage, Both shows close Sunday, the 1st. Studio Theatre extends “Adding
Machine: A Musical” to Nov. 8.

CLUBS & CONCERTS:

The Birchmere in Alexandria presents an evening of great music with singer Patty Loveless & Friends on Nov. 1.

The State Theatre in Falls Church welcomes Traffic co-founder and solo star Dave Mason on Nov. 1.

The Barns at Wolf Trap plays host to singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester on Oct. 29, while Saffire — The Uppity Blues Women, bring their farewell tour to the Barns for two nights, Oct. 30 and 31.

The Kennedy Center presents the National Symphony Pops Orchestra, with conductor Marvin Hamlisch, performing with smooth jazz favorite Chris Botti for three nights, from Oct. 29 through 31. The
N.S.O. ’s Family Concert celebrates Halloween with Spooky Sounds and Scary Tales on Nov. 1. 

The 9:30 Club remembers one of rap and hip-hop’s early super groups with a show by Cypress Hill on the 31st.

The Verizon Center spotlights Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on Nov. 2 and Miley Cyrus on the 3rd.

Comedian Michael Colyer tops the bill of a comedy concert at Constitution Hall on Oct. 30. The D.C. Improv comedy club presents Charlie Murphy — Eddie’s brother — from the 29th through the 1st, and
comic hypnotist Flip Orley for four nights, starting Nov. 4.

The Music Center at Strathmore Hall presents Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder on Oct. 29, while the National Philharmonic presents the Three B’s on the 31st.

Lyle Lovett & his Large Band take the stage on Nov. 2 and jazz harmonica player Frederic Yonnel is on stage on the 4th. The Ram’s Head Tavern in Annapolis welcomes trumpeter Herb Alpert and his
wife, vocalist Lani Hall, on Oct. 30 and Blues Traveler on Nov. 1. Enjoy!

Joe Barber’s entertainment reviews and reports 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!