The next time a beaming Girl Scout comes knocking at your door, show some compassion and buy a crapload of Thin Mints. That cute little Scout may be supporting her mama in the slammer. We're not kidding. The new documentary Troop 1500 tells the story of the titular Girl Scout troop, whose members all have moms doing time at the prison in Gatesville, Texas. (We're already putting in our order for Peanut Butter Patties in preparation for this potential tearjerker.) 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. screening. Wild Blue Pictures Screening Room, 7026 Old Katy Road, suite 350. For information, call 713-666-2504 or visit www.realfilms.org. $10.
Friday, July 29
If you remember those fabulous '60s, you weren't there, or so the cliché goes. The Back Porch Players are out to jog some addled memories with a new production of playwright Michael Weller's Moonchildren, a comedy that follows the expanding consciousness of several college students dealing with Vietnam War-era reality. "It's a quirky comedy, with these guys dealing -- or in this case, not dealing -- with issues like the draft," says Dan Gordon, artistic director for the Players. This is the big-stage debut for the troupe, which got its name from its old rehearsal and performance space: Gordon's back porch. Now they're collaborating with Stages Repertory Theatre, and you can watch their heavy, trippy comedy today at 8 p.m. Play runs through August 12. Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. For tickets and information, call 713-527-0123 or visit www.stagestheatre.com. $15 to $20.
Saturday, July 30
Calling all armchair thespians: Galveston wants you. The Strand Theatre's You're It! is an "interactive musical" that puts audience members on the spot...er, in the spotlight. Check your stage fright at the door, because during this romp of a show, you could be yanked from your seat and find yourself taking part in a Vegas-style showgirl number. Get ready to show off those gams at 8 p.m. 2317 Ships Mechanic Row in Galveston. For tickets and information, call 409-763-4591 or visit www.galveston-thestrand.org. $19.95 to $24.95.
Aimee Jones has become a sort of darling of the local art scene -- especially the MTV generation of ironic-T-shirt-clad scenesters. Maybe it's because she could pass for Ashlee Simpson's twin (or at least a taller twin, one who never has mike malfunctions on SNL). Or maybe it's because she throws raucous, sweaty warehouse art shows, like "Summer Sucks" and our fave, "Lustfully Yours," which featured pics of her in her unmentionables. Her latest endeavor is "With Friends Like These," a send-off for local artist Jason Villegas, who's off to Rutgers University. The show includes works by 32 local artists, video and graffiti art, and a musical appearance by Broke Legs (a trio fronted by Villegas) whose sound is described as "Michael Jackson meets Morrissey meets Kraftwerk." The BYOB party kicks off at 9 p.m. Commerce Street Artists Warehouse, 2315 Commerce Street. For information, call 713-382-8294. Free.
Sunday, July 31
File this one under ladies' night -- it's actually strictly for the ladies. Locals Cindy Kryk and sister Robbie Wright are looking to cash in on the popularity of West Coast women-only Crave theme parties. "They're really about women finding time for themselves and their girlfriends," says Kryk. Today the sisters unveil their Crave Party, where there will be boutique and designer duds for sale, spa treatments, belly dancers, salsa lessons, mini-makeovers, dinner and a cascading chocolate fountain for dessert dippin'. In a very Oprah-themed move, attendees walk away with a goodie bag, and you can nominate your sister, friend or mom to be Queen of the Crave. Here's hoping the ladies throw these Sunday parties during football season. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Opus Nightclub, 412 Main. For information, call 832-607-4081 or visit www.cravepartyhouston.com. $35.
Monday, August 1
Animal Liberation Orchestra is not, in fact, the musical wing of PETA, but rather the poppiest jam band of them all -- or is that the most jammed-out pop band? Either way, superstar/surf-jockey Jack Johnson is a big enough fan to sing on the latest ALO disc and bring them on his tour, so that's gotta be worth something, right? Come out and nod to the grooves, but um, try not to wear any leather. You wouldn't want to piss off the more literal fans, right? 7 p.m. Verizon Wireless Theater, 520 Texas. For tickets, call 713-225-8551 or visit www.verizonwirelesstheater.com. $35.
Tuesday, August 2
Remember the good old days? You know, when instead of having to endure a sweaty, overcrowded, smoke-filled den of corruption to enjoy a pleasant tune, you could just jaunt over to the clean, well-lit, local candy shop and feast your ears while perusing all manner of sweet confections? No? Well, the "old-time entertainment duo" known as the West Alabama Candy Store Serenaders remember, and every Tuesday at the Chocolate Bar, these folksy songsters serenade guests with some scrumptious tunes. (Wonder if they'd mind being tipped with a Snickers bar?) 8 p.m. 1835 West Alabama. For information, call 713-520-8599. Free.
Wednesday, August 3
Ladies, you've worked hard to reach hump day. It's time to pamper yourself and get elegantly schnockered at the same time for the ultimate Breakfast at Tiffany's experience. Every Wednesday at La Strada on Westheimer, it's Martinis and Manicures, which is, well, pretty much what it sounds like. Do call ahead for a reservation, darling: You won't want to miss your chance to raise that martini glass to your dainty lips while the other hand is having its cuticles trimmed. Now, be a dear and pass the olives. 7 p.m. 322 Westheimer. For information, call 713-523-1014. Manicures, $10; martinis, $5.
