THEATER: Let’s never take for granted that we live in a city where, tonight, for instance, we can stop on our way home from work and peer into a storefront window, where video screens broadcast a live criminal confession being performed inside. The storefront belongs to theater production company chashama; the “happening” tonight is the concluding part of Televised Confession, a multimedia performance installation by Stephanie Vella. “Inspired by the use of televised confession by oppressive regimes throughout the world, Televised Confession explores how the televised image changes our experience of guilt, accountability and social order. On stage, a performer confesses to a crime. Live-feed video and amplified sound carry her mediated image out to the sidewalk and the passerby. The spectator must choose between the broadcast image and the real person.” - John Del Signore more ›

THEATER: Strings, a new play by Carole Bugge, is loosely based on a real-life train ride in which American physicists Burt Ovrut, Paul Steinhardt and English physicist Neil Turok tweaked the Big Bang theory – and changed it forever. In Bugge’s version, three fictionalized characters – physicist George, his cosmologist wife June and string theorist Rory – spend the trip arguing physics and examining old scars of jealousy and infidelity. En route, the trio is visited by three famous dead scientists: Isaac Newton, Marie Curie and Max Planck. The role of George is played by Keir “Just what do you think you’re doing?” Dullea, who was Dave in Kubrick’s 2001. - John Del Signore more ›

THEATER: Should we be trying to protect our children from the man in red? That’s the premise of Jeff Goode’s much-performed The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, in which Santa’s vices are exposed by those on the receiving end of his lash. A scandal erupts when Vixen accuses Santa of sexual harassment; in the subsequent media frenzy, the other members of the sleigh team demand to share their perspectives, and a sordid tale of corruption comes to light. - John Del Signore more ›

In 2004 we asked a bunch of New York bloggers to suggest sonic stocking stuffers. This year, we asked New York bloggers, bookers, musicians and more, what they'd give as a gift this holiday season. Here you go...commence shopping! more ›

I totally lied yesterday when I said I would be back today with six days worth of show listings. I don't know what I was thinking. Between my day job, a pre-Shins happy hour, and then the Shins show, I had no time once again. So here are tonight's shows, and expect me back tomorrow. more ›

The weekend is here, and unfortunately our run of nice weather has run out. The rains will be coming. Luckily the city is prepared with plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, and if you're not scared of getting a little wet there is some outdoor fun to be had as well. more ›

Did you get shut out of the "secret" Beck show? Don't be sad, we did too, but there is plenty more to do this weekend. The weather will be nice, and at least your taxes are done, right. Right? more ›