Bill Hicks may be todays most famous unknown comedian to have ever called Houston home. A legend among stand-up comics, Hicks died at age 32, after just 14 years on stage. His life as an incredibly influential and woefully unrecognized comedian has been captured in the documentary American: The Bill Hicks Story. British filmmakers Paul Thomas and Matt Harlock pieced together archival footage of Hicks in perform-ance, interviews with his family and friends, home movies and photographs to paint a portrait of a remarkable and troubled talent. Plagued by personal demons, Hicks turned to drugs and alcohol, playing out his pain on stage. His humor, marked by cynicism and biting satire, skewered politics, consumerism and drug policy. American: The Bill Hicks Story introduces fans to the man who in many ways shaped todays comedy scene. 7:30 p.m. Friday through Tuesday. Alamo Drafthouse, West Oaks, 1000 West Oaks. For information, call 281-920-9211 or visit www.drafthouse.com. $9.
April 22-26, 7:30 p.m., 2011