January Puppet Slamwich
Jan. 20
Originating as early as 3000 years ago, puppetry is still alive and well today, and not just on Sesame Street. Baltimore’s own Black Cherry Puppet Theater hosts a monthly showcase of local and out-of-town puppet artists and troupes bringing adult-friendly acts wherein sculpture and assemblage, often impressive even when not in motion, command the stage. This month, see Schroeder Cherry, a Baltimore-based museum educator and artist whose puppets actually seem more real than some people—you’ll have to check it out to see what I mean. Also performing tonight (there are two shows) are String Theory, Rachel Kotkin, Josh Hne, Meredith Faid, Daniela Hernandez-Fujigaki, and special musical guest The Flowery (aka Allison Clendaniel and Connor Kizer). 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., 1115 Hollins St., (410) 752-7272, blackcherry.ticketspice.com/january-20th-puppet-slamwich, $8-$10. (Maura Callahan)
Alex Hooper. Best known for his appearances on Comedy Central’s “Roast Battles” and “New Girl,” Alex Hooper performs stand-up with support from Mike Moran, Nikki Fuchs, and host Eric Navarro. Jan. 17, 9 p.m., The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, theottobar.com, $5.
Badass Comedy. Improv and comedy from Bear Trap, Imaginary Friends, Bad Karaoke Experience, and Scrapple. Jan. 20, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.
Centurion Comedy. Ian Salyers hosts exactly one hundred minutes of stand-up comedy from local comics. Jan. 20, 9 p.m., Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Road, (410) 662-4444, atomicbooks.com, $5.
“First Date.” A blind date newbie and a serial dater get set up on a date that turns out to be much more than they bargained for. Through Jan. 21, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.
Impropourri. The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) hosts a weekly bring-your-own-troupe improv and sketch showcase. Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org.
“Inherit the Wind.” Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s courtroom drama chronicles the Scopes “monkey” trial. Through Feb. 4, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.
Mucking About. Long form improv from Bandicoot, Topiary, and Synched followed by an improv karaoke jam. Jan. 19, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.
The Passing Zone. Comedy-stunt duo Passing Zone, aka Jon Wee and Owen Morse, finished in the top 10 on “America’s Got Talent.” Jan. 20, 9:45 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $36-$125.
“The Tempest.” The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory presents the bard’s shipwreck drama featuring an original score. Through Feb. 4, St. Mary’s Outreach Center, 3900 Roland Ave., baltimoreshakespearefactory.org, $19-$24.
“Trouble in Tahiti.” In Leonard Bernstein’s one-act opera, the troubled marriage of a young suburban couple presents a critique of post-war American materialism. Through Jan. 27, StillPointe Theatre, 1900 St. Paul St., stillpointetheatre.com, $25.
Women’s Performance Workshop. A two-day workshop open to all women-identified community members to hone performance work, culminating in a performance for the community. Workshop Jan. 19, 7-9:30 p.m. and Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; performance on Jan. 20, 8 p.m; Strand Theater Company, 5426 Harford Road, (443) 874-4917, strand-theater.org, free.