BARBER’S BEST BETS: Damon keeps us informed.

MOVIES:

Opening Sept. 18:

Matt Damon re-teams with his Ocean’s trilogy director, Steven Soderbergh, for the fact-based comedy/drama “The Informant.” Damon plays a chemist elevated to a management position at a multinational
conglomerate who tips the FBI to illegal acts at the company — some of them his own — while hoping to replace the bosses who masterminded the schemes.

“Love Happens” stars Aaron Eckhart (“Thanks For Smoking”) as a successful self-help guru whose personal life is a mess after the death of his wife. Things take an intriguing turn when he meets a young
woman (Jennifer Aniston) who’s been repeatedly unlucky in love.

“Jennifer’s Body” is an offbeat horror comedy written by Diablo Cody, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Juno. Megan Fox (“Transformers”) is the title character, a cheerleader who’s been possessed,
causing her to seduce and kill her male classmates. Her best friend (“Mama Mia’s” Amanda Seyfried) tries to save her.

THEATRE:

The ever-inventive Synetic Theatre Company brings back one of its most popular productions to kick off its new season. Their mute A Midsummer Night’s Dream drew rave reviews at the Kennedy Center
last spring. Now they offer a revival at their Virginia home, the Roslyn Spectrum. The show runs from Sept. 17 to Oct. 10.

The Actors Gang visits the University of Maryland at College Park this week for two performances of The Trial of the Catonsville Nine. This play, based in part on the transcripts of the trial of a group of
Vietnam War protesters, will be presented in the Kay Theatre at the University’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the 17th and 18th.  Panel discussions will take place on the 17th (about the
Catonsville protest) and 18th (about the atmosphere around the University during the Vietnam War). Call 301-405-ARTS (2787) or visit the Center’s Web site at http://www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu for more
information.

Closing this week are Billy Crystal’s one-man show 700 Sundays, at the National Theatre on the 17th, and Scena Theatre’s production of Dublin Carol by Connor McPherson. Playing at the “H” Street
Playhouse in North East Washington, it ends its run on Sept. 20.
CLUBS & CONCERTS:

The Birchmere in Alexandria welcomes singer/songwriter Marty Stuart on Sept. 18. Guitar great Johnny Winter takes the spotlight on the 20th and Riders in the Sky present their neo cowboy sound on
Sept. 23.

The 9:30 Club in Washington offers a rare live show from mix master extraordinaire Moby on Sept. 18. The wild and tuneful trio Betty celebrate the release of their new CD with a show on the 20th.

Blues Alley in Georgetown is host to vocalist Phil Perry from the 18th to the 20th. The DC Improv comedy club features Greg Giraldo for the same three nights. Singer Anita Baker is the headliner at
Constitution Hall on Sept. 18.

Country star Alan Jackson tops the bill at Merriweather Post Pavilion on the 19th.

The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis is a busy spot; with the Scottish metal band Enter the Haggis on the 17th and Livingston Taylor taking the stage on the 18th. Singer Rashaan Patterson plays the
Tavern on Sept. 20 and comedian Margaret Cho presents an evening of comedy on the 21st.

Rams Head Live! In Baltimore hosts Moby on Sept. 17. 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!