BARBER’S BEST BETS: Astro Boy at a theater near you

By JOE BARBER

For the News & Messenger

ON THE BIG SCREEN

Opening Friday:

» “Astro Boy” is a computer animated update of the popular 1960s syndicated cartoon series from Japan about a lifelike robot who dreams of being a real boy.

» “Amelia,” starring two-time Oscar-winner Hillary Swank (“Boys Don’t’ Cry,” “Million Dollar Baby”) as the legendary pilot Amelia Earhart. Richard Gere co-stars.

» “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” stars John C. Reilly (“Chicago,” “Magnolia”) as a mysterious member of a traveling circus who lures a bored, naive teen into joining the unusual troupe.

» “The Dammed United” tells the true story of a cynically humorous British soccer coach (Michael Sheen from “The Queen” and “Frost/Nixon”) who takes over a proud but downtrodden team and manages
to offend everyone while attempting to rebuild it.

» “Law Abiding Citizen” is, frankly, 10 times worse than the worst “Law and Order” episode you’ve ever endured. A stone faced Jamie Foxx misplays the role of a D.A. forced to make a deal with one of
two criminals who invade a home, killing and raping the wife and murdering the young daughter in front of the horrified father/husband (Gerard Butler).

Years later, people involved in all sides of the case start dying even after Butler is arrested and jailed.

Forget the many rules of legal procedure the script violates. The big problem is that neither Foxx’s overly ambitious prosecutor nor Butler’s brilliant but uncaring vengeance seeker draws much audience
empathy. As vicious and body count-happy as any of the Saw movies, don’t bother abiding this disaster, citizens. (Rated R for profanity, sometimes graphic violence, drug content, sexual content and
rape.) One (*) Star. 

ON STAGE

» The Washington Shakespeare Company, based at the Clark Street Playhouse in Arlington, offers a “pay what you can” staged reading of Aphra Behn’s play, “The Rover.”

The presentation is part of the company’s Sort of Jane Austen series, highlighting plays and poetry for, by and about women.

Tickets go on sale one hour before the Oct. 27 presentation’s 7 p.m. curtain at the National Museum of Women in the Arts at 1250 New York Aven., NW in Washington.

» Synetic Theatre Company, currently offering its acclaimed version of “Dracula,” is inviting vampire fans to some special events. Two free post-performance discussions will be held at the Rosslyn
Spectrum stage tonight and Friday at 9:40 p.m.

Youngsters, teens and others who want to learn more about the behind-the-scenes elements of Synetic’s presentation can attend a workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Synetic’s and Clasika Children’s
Theater’s shared studio in Shirlington Village. The workshop features “Dracula” cast member Ryan Sellers.

» George Mason University’s Center for The Arts plays host to radio’s L.A. Theater Works for a live production of “War of the Worlds.”  The performance takes place on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

» Theater J, based at the DC Jewish Community Center, presents Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy/drama, “Lost In Yonkers.” Starring award-winning local stage favorites Tana Hicken and
Holly Twyford, “Yonkers” has a “pay what you can” preview today and runs through Nov. 29.

»  Folger Theater on Capitol Hill in the District adds a bit of island spice to Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” in the just-opened production. Set during the District Caribbean Festival, the romantic
comedy runs through Nov. 29.

» Just in time for chills and thrills, Scena Theatre presents the Poe double feature: “The Rise of Usher” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” This fright-inducing doubleheader offers two “pay what you can”
performances at the H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St., NW, in the District, on Saturday and Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

» Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company invites you to wander through its building as part of the play “Full Circle.” The theater suggests you wear comfortable shoes if you attend. “Pay what you can”
previews are presented on Oct. 26 and 27, tickets on sale one hour before the 7:30 p.m. curtain.

» Round House Theater’s Bethesda, Md. stage begins its run of “26 Miles,” a road-trip comedy from the author of the Tony Award-winning “In The Heights,” with a “pay what you can” preview on Oct. 28 at
7:30. The show, which runs through Nov. 22, will offer $10 and $15 tickets for patrons 30 years old and younger. 

» Forum Theater, currently using Round House’s “black box” stage in Silver Spring, Md., for a 20th anniversary revival of “Angels in America,” offers two “pay what you can” performances of “AIA:
Perestroika,” Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. “Angels” runs through Nov. 22.

» Rep Stage in Columbia, Md. at the Howard Community College is currently presenting “Hysteria,” in which Sigmund Freud and Salvador Dali cross paths. Rep Stage will present a free showing of Alfred
Hitchcock’s 1945 thriller “Spellbound” with Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman, on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Dali designed some of the film’s stunning visual effects. The screening takes place in the Smith Theater.

» Closing this weekend is the thriller “Night Must Fall” at Olney (Md.) Theatre Center. It ends on Sunday.

CLUBS & CONCERTS

»The Barns at Wolf Trap warms up the autumn chill with Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks on Friday.

» The Birchmere plays host to award-winning comedian Kathleen Madigan tonight and blues master Keb’ Mo’ for two nights, Oct. 27 and 28.

» The Patriot Center presents Disney On Ice: Celebration through Sunday.

» Blues Alley in Georgetown spotlights trumpeter Terrance Blanchard for four nights, starting tonight. Singer and guitarist Ray Parker Jr. heads the bill on Oct. 26.

» Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrates its 35th anniversary with special guest the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, at the Warner Theater on Friday.

» The Music Center at Strathmore Hall in Maryland hosts soprano Dawn Upshaw on Friday and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is doing a program of “Simply Classical” on Saturday.

» The Rams Head Live! in Baltimore presents Sister Hazel on Friday and Snoop Dogg on Oct. 27.

» The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis has a busy week, with The Tubes with Fee Waybill, on Oct. 22 and songwriter Robert Earle Keen on Friday.

The current edition of The Kingston Trio visit the Rams Head on the 24th, and Keb Mo’ visits on the 26th. Melissa Manchester closes out the week on Oct. 28.

Enjoy!

Joe Barber is a contributing entertainment writer for the News & Messenger and can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WTOP-FM Radio.