Brutal Bronx

FRI 7/30

“Hey, pussyface!” That was the jarring catchphrase spouted by a young Al Pacino
as Murph in The Indian Wants the Bronx more than 35 years ago. The performance
cemented the actor’s spot on the New York theatrical map and landed Obie Awards
for both Pacino and writer Israel Horovitz. Indian follows an elderly
Indian man, Gupta, as he tries to get to the Bronx to visit a relative. Gupta
is cornered by two thugs, Murph and Joey, who begin to taunt him. The verbal
abuse culminates in an extreme act of violence. Sadly, the play’s theme of racism
against Indo-Pakistani immigrants is all too apropos today. Shunya Theatre Company
is revisiting Indian. “We’ve got to do this play,” says Niraj Patel,
a spokesperson for Shunya. “One reason we’ve got to do thisis that after
9/11, anyone of brown skin has become a target. A play about hate crimes is
necessary to put on, as members of the South Asian-American community have experienced
this kind of violence.” The play opens at 8 p.m. Friday, July 30, and runs through
August 8. For information, call 832-274-9998 or visit www.shunyatheatre.org.
$10 to $15. — Tyler Smith

Fake Four

Relive the Beatles with “1964”…The Tribute

SAT 7/31

In the too-wide world of Beatles impersonators, no group is more heralded
than “1964”…The Tribute. Since 1984, the cover band has sold out Carnegie
Hall three times, performed at the reunification ceremony of East and West Germany
and typically played 150 shows worldwide each year. Even Louise Harrison, sister
of dearly departed Beatle George, has given them her blessing, calling their
shows the best “anywhere on the planet.” They’ve got it all down: the synchronized
bobbing of their mop-tops, the slender suits, the seamless guitar chops. Not
bad for four fiftysomething guys impersonating four teenagers. (And in case
you were wondering, there was never a fifth “1964” member, and there’s no secret
message when you play their album backward.) 8 p.m. Saturday, July 31. The Hobby
Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. For information, call 713-315-2525
or visit www.thehobbycenter.org.
$25 to $35. — Steven Devadanam

Steppin’ Outside the Box

FRI 7/30

If the idea of watching tutu-clad princess types twirl to Tchaikovsky makes
you want to crawl back face-first into your Barcalounger, then Dance Houston
may be the show to get you out of the house. Yes, there will be enough pliés,
leaps and kicks to appease traditionalists, but the annual showcase strings
together all types of movement, from martial arts to funk, flamenco, folk dance
and jitterbugging. This year’s three shows each feature pieces from more than
a dozen Houston-area dance companies, including Grupo Cafu Capoeira, Del Espadin
Baile Español, the Houston Hepcats, and Exclamation Dance Company. 7:30
p.m. Friday, July 30. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. For information,
call 713-623-0434 or visit www.dancehouston.org.
$10 to $25. — Julia Ramey

Gone Fishing

SAT 7/31

It’s worth the admission price alone to watch six-foot-nine Ezra Idlet of Trout Fishing in America share the stage with bandmate Keith Grimwood, who measures five foot five. Once you’re past the David and Goliath imagery, however, you’ll find the duo’s funny, toe-tapping pop/folk tunes so catchy you’ll forget there are other fish in the sea. 6 p.m. Saturday, July 31. McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk. For information, call 713-528-5999 or visit www.mcgonigels.com. $20. — Steven Devadanam