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 this…is 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
