Shel Shocked

FRI 9/3

Those who know the late Shel Silverstein only as the author of beloved children’s
books (A Light in the Attic, Where the Sidewalk Ends) or offbeat
country-tinged songs (“A Boy Named Sue,” “Cover of the Rolling Stone“)
might be surprised to know that there’s a darker, much more adult side to his
pen. A collection of 14 of his short theatrical pieces in this vein — from
the slapstick to the existential — will make up “Shel’s Shorts” from the Fan
Factory theatrical troupe. “It’s bawdy, obnoxious and full of life, just like
any good comedy should be,” says artistic director Jonathan Harvey, who adds
that the plays have adult language and are hosted by a dominatrix named Mistress
Paine. The subjects range from a plumber who has a homosexual dream to a husband
who tries to torment his wife by playing Russian roulette. “It plays out like
Saturday Night Live would if the FCC would get off everyone’s backs,”
he says. The versatile Silverstein certainly led a free-form lifestyle. At one
point, he lived in the Playboy mansion, and Hugh Hefner had a custom Monopoly
piece made for the author, a frequent player of the game. One of Silverstein’s
popular children’s poems does make an appearance here (“Sarah Cynthia Sylvia
Stout”), but as for the rest, it’s a long way off from Kids’ Day at the Houston
Public Library. “Adults who love Shel’s work and wordplay will love this show,”
Harvey says, “but they might want to find a baby-sitter for their children.”
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, September 3 through 25. Midtown Arts Center, 1423
Holman. For information, call 832-651-5287 or visit www.fanfactory.org.
$8 to $10. — Bob Ruggiero

Wise Guy

It’s easy to feel superior to the stand-up comedian. After all, you have a
serious day job. You wear a suit. Your hair isn’t all messed up. But don’t bother
feeling superior whatsoever to Greg Giraldo, because someday he just might decide
to use his Juris Doctor from Harvard and subpoena your ass. This thinking-man’s
comedian, who also holds a degree from Columbia, typically engages himself in
a hilarious yet intelligent debate on stage, pondering everything from obesity
to terrorism, all without being bombastic or elitist. Giraldo is too refined
for that –which isn’t to say he combs his hair. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday
and Saturday, September 3 and 4. Laff Stop, 1952 West Gray. For information,
call 713-524-2333 or visit www.laffstop.com.
$15.50 to $20. — Julia Ramey

Dove Bars

SUN 9/5

To paraphrase the immortal wisdom of Hank Hill, Christian rock doesn’t make
Christianity any better, it only makes rock and roll worse. True that, but what
about gospel music? Gospel doesn’t have any pretense of being hip. Belting out
songs of inspiration is, rather, a timeless tradition — and a great way for
a singer to flaunt her pipes. Cynthia Clawson is one of the best. This Austin-based
songstress has won five Doves and a Grammy. She’ll be flexing her throat this
weekend with the Bere’sheet Ballet, a Houston-based dance company consisting
of several survivors of cancer and various forms of abuse. If you’ve been looking
for inspiration, then consider it found. 7 p.m. Sunday, September 5. Christ
Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas. For information, call 281-550-0002. $20. —
Keith Plocek

Muy Funny

WED 9/8

Sure, Jackie Chan may have delighted fans with his recent high-kickin’ portrayal
of Passepartout in the Disney flick Around the World in 80 Days. But
the role was made famous in 1956 by Mario Moreno, or Cantinflas, as he was known
to millions of fans from Latin America, Spain and across the globe. The Mexican
master of physical comedy made more than 50 films and was even dubbed “the world’s
greatest comedian” by silent film megastar Charlie Chaplin. (We’re not sure
if Chaplin mimed the compliment or scribbled it on a notepad, but it stuck.
Cantinflas would later be called “the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico.”) Now, actor-author
Herbert Sigüenza is returning to the Alley Theatre to reprise his tribute
to the comedic legend in ¡Cantinflas! Opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday,
September 8, and runs through Sunday, September 12. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas
Avenue. For a full schedule, call 713-228-8421. $19 to $30. — Steven Devadanam

The Queers Are Here

THU 9/2

Ever since Green Day dropped Dookie on the airwaves and had fans scrambling for the band’s earlier stuff on Lookout! Records, many of the other punks on the label have been called sellouts. Joe Queer of the Queers has been tired of this bullshit for quite some time. “These kids don’t tell me who’s punk,” he said back then, getting all punker-than-thou. “I have no marketable skills. If I wasn’t in the Queers, I’d be back in the kitchen cooking.” Catch the trio’s infectious three-chord songs at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 2. Fitzgerald’s, 2706 White Oak Drive. For information, call 713-862-3838 or visit www.fitzlive.com. $5. — Keith Plocek