THEATER: Hemingway’s play The Fifth Column takes its now-familiar name from the Spanish Civil War, when General Emilio Mola, advancing on Madrid with four columns of troops, boasted of a hidden “fifth column” of fascist sympathizers waiting within the city. Hemingway, of course, was there for the action as a newspaper correspondent and dashed off the play while fascists bombarded his hotel. His rarely produced drama tells the “surprisingly funny story of the private and political passions of Philip Rawlings, an American counter-espionage agent working for the Republic,” and his torrid romance with a reporter. The Times has an interesting article about Hemingway's play and this new production by the Mint Theater Company. – John Del Signore
7pm // The Mint Theater [311 W 43rd St, 3rd Floor] // Tickets cost $45
MUSIC: Two Brooklyn bands and a Bostonite take the stage at the Music Hall of Williamsburg tonight. Pela (pictured), Apollo Sunshine and Liam Finn will all rock you silly. You're probably familiar with the first two; the latter is the son of one of the Finn brothers from Crowded House.
8pm // Music Hall of Williamsburg [66 N 6th St] // $15
Over in Manhattan the Airborne Toxic Event take over Pianos. LAist recently enjoyed their set on the West Coast, and we're guessing their sound will translate well in these parts. Another fan? Kiefer Sutherland, who may be courting them for his label. They'll also be playing a show at The Annex tomorrow night.
8pm // Pianos [Ludlow St] // $8
TRIVIA: The Crocodile Lounge (yes, related to the Alligator Lounge in Williamsburg) invites you and your brain for a night of drinking and trivia. Everyone's a winner because this place serves up a free personal pizza with every pint you order. But the real winner of their Quiz Night gets a $75 bar tab! That's like 12.5 pizzas.
9pm // Crocodile Lounge [325 E 14th St] // Free
PARTY: We're guessing most New Yorkers have spotted David Byrne around town by now, but tonight you can catch a rare appearance by another Talking Head: Chris Frantz. He'll be in Williamsburg entertaining the Glasslands crowd as he spins, well, whatever he feels like. Joined by his son, Kid Ginseng, and a zillion other names -- this may just be the place to be to release some midweek stress.
10pm // The Glasslands Gallery [289 Kent Ave, Williamsburg] // $8
The listed events were chosen by Gothamist and brought to you by the 2009 Toyota Corolla.
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