stage

Stage listings are compiled by Cheryl Eddy. Performance times may change; call venues to confirm. Reviewers are Robert Avila, Rita Felciano, Lara Shalson, and Chloe Veltman. See 8 Days a Week for information on how to submit items to the listings.

theater

Opening

The Fall River Axe Murders Magic Theatre, Northside stage, Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, Marina at Laguna; 437-6775. $27. Previews Wed/6, 8pm. Opens Thurs/7, 8pm. Runs Wed-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. Through Sept 7. See 8 Days a Week, page 60.

The House of Yes Venue 9, 252 Ninth St; 979-9980. $15-20 (Thurs, pay what you can). Opens Fri/8, 8pm. Runs Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Through Aug 30. San Francisco StageWorks presents Wendy MacLeod's tale of a young man who brings his unsuspecting fiancée home to meet his unusual family, including his Jackie O-obsessed sister.

Making Porn Theatre Rhinoceros, 2916 16th St; 861-5079. $25-30. Opens Wed/6, 8pm. Runs Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 7 and 10pm; Sun, 4 and 7pm. Through Aug 17. Gay porn star Matthew Rush stars in Ronnie Larsen's comedy about the gay porn industry.

Bay Area

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central, Alameda; (510) 864-2256. $14-23. Opens Fri/8, 8pm. Runs Fri-Sat, 8pm; Aug 17 and 24, 2pm. Through Aug 24. Alameda Civic Light Opera performs Stephen Sondheim's comedy set in ancient Rome.

John Muir's Mountain Days John Muir Amphitheater, Martinez Waterfront Park (at Ferry), Martinez; (925) 798-1300, www.johnmuirmusical.org. $10-35. Opens Fri/8, 8pm. Runs Thurs-Sat, Aug 20, and 31, 8pm. Through Aug 31. The Willows Theatre Company presents its annual outdoor musical production about the life of the Sierra Club founder.

Measure for Measure Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, off Hwy 24 at Shakespeare Festival Way/Gateway Exit, Orinda; (510) 548-9666, www.calshakes.org. $13-49. Previews Wed/6-Fri/8, 8pm. Opens Sat/9, 8pm. Runs Tues-Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri-Sat, 8pm (also Sat, 2pm); Sun, 4pm. Through Aug 31. Shakespeare's tale of abuse of sexual and political power is the next selection in Cal Shakes's 2003 season.

Ongoing

Are We Almost There? Shelton Theatre, 533 Sutter; 345-7575. $20-22. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Open-ended. Travel is the theme of this musical comedy revue.

The Beat Baha'i Center Theater, 170 Valencia; 431-9870, ext 99999, www.universalarts.org. $15-20. Fri-Sat, 8pm (also Sat, 3pm). Through Aug 23. Universal Arts presents a new dance-theater work created by veterans of Stomp and Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk.

'Comedy on the Square' Shelton Theatre, 533 Sutter; 522-8900. $15. Performances this month include "Harmon Leon and Friends," with performer Harmon Leon (Sat, 10pm; through Aug 30); "A Celebration of Silliness!," with Fred Anderson (Sun, 3 and 7pm; through Aug 30); "Salsa with Chopsticks," sketch comedy with Uphill Both Ways (Sun, 8:30pm; Aug 15 and 22, 10pm; through Aug 30); Oakland Playhouse Improv Troupe (Aug 29, 10pm).

Dangerous Corner Actors Theatre of San Francisco, 533 Sutter; 296-9179. $5-20. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 5pm. Through Aug 16. British author and playwright JB Priestly's classic 1932 thriller gets an updated treatment in this somewhat uneven but engaging production from Actors Theatre. Set at a party hosted by Robert (Christian Haines) and Freda Caplan (MiMi Alain) for a close circle of friends, twentysomething professionals tied to the same San Francisco publishing firm, the evening just gets going as the soiree winds down. That's because one of the guests, Olwen (Lauren English), lets slip a little detail that alerts Freda to her hitherto undivulged whereabouts on the day Robert's brother committed suicide. Robert's general rectitude insists on full disclosure, pulling at this dangling thread until the whole suit runs out in a progressively devastating series of confessions among all of the guests that wreaks enough havoc to put wheels on the phrase "telling the truth is like hitting a corner at 70 miles an hour." But then, as gadfly Mockridge (Leon Goertzen) says, "People who don't like gossip are boring." The three acts, which run straight through, have their sticky patches, but Bill English's smart direction elicits nice ensemble work, and the plot, a joy to watch unfold, keeps one fairly riveted to the end. (Avila)

Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness; 861-8972. $18-38. Extended run: Wed/6-Sat/9, 8pm; Sun/10, 2pm. The last theatrical extravaganza created by costume designer extraordinaire Howard Crabtree and his longtime collaborator, lyricist Mark Waldrop, before Crabtree's death in 1996, this zany musical revue depicts Crabtree's dream autobiography. The familiar setup opens on a series of campy sketches, borrowing from a range of musical genres, about finding joy in the face of adversity. The rainbow-colored sensibility feels dated at times, but Waldrop's new pieces written for this production – torch songs for the likes of Dick Cheney and Pat Robertson, performed with eye-fluttering sincerity by Jeff Manabat – are clever and timely. (Shalson)

'Maid Exit Stage Left, 156 Eddy; 675-5995, www.crowdedfire.org. $15-20 (Mon/11, call for price). Thurs-Sat and Mon/11, 8pm. Through Aug 16. A sea of metaphors churns metamorphoses in Crowded Fire's world premiere of Erik Ehn's darkly poetic mermaid fable, ever so loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid. In a menacing aquatic war zone, Amanda (Beth Wilmurt) is a mermaid who gets a devious fish fairy (Mollena Williams) to change her into a human, at great personal cost, so she may pursue the nearly drowned sailor (Jason Wong) she loves. Emily (Juliet Tanner), meanwhile, a teenager dangerously obsessed with mermaids, applies razors and sewing needles to refashion her unappealingly bipedal flesh. Directed in a neatly contrived theater-in-the-round format by Rebecca Novick, Ehn's story expresses a set of evocative ideas about change and desire against a backdrop of humanmade ruin. But the play's heightened language doesn't always get the power it needs from the uneven cast and has a tendency to get in the way of plot and character. (Avila)

Phantom of the Opera Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market; 512-7770. $30-85. Wed/6-Thurs/7, 8pm. Andrew Lloyd Webber's irrevocable musical theater juggernaut returns to San Francisco for a limited engagement in a new touring production, after the first tour's historic five-year run at the Curran, which ended back in 1998. The show is, of course, based on Gaston Leroux's novel about a masked musical maniac (Brad Little) hovering along the flies and under the floorboards of the Paris Opera House, wreaking mischief and worse, who falls recklessly in love with his protégée, a beautiful soprano (Lisa Vroman). Little's Phantom is an imposing, tear-jerking treat, while Vroman's return as Christine feels charmingly fresh yet reflects a subtlety and force clearly born of deep understanding of the role. Tim Martin Gleason as Phantom-rival Raoul is suitably charismatic without questioning our urge to root for the Phantom. Directed by Harold Prince, Phantom wields quite an array of eye-widening sets, costumes, and effects (including, in addition to the infamous chandelier, the elaborate opéra bouffe, the spooky boat ride across a foggy lagoon, and the impressively decked-out "Masquerade" sequence). Given the limits of the story and the music (and why, anyway, would a creature laden with musical genius indulge so many sappy songs?) it is the spectacle that haunts. (Avila)

Plays on Words Shelton Theatre, 533 Sutter; 810-7304. $15-17. Thurs-Sat, 8pm. Through Aug 23. This performance includes eight original short comic plays by three playwrights.

R. Buckminster Fuller: The History (and Mystery) of the Universe Project Artaud Theater, 450 Florida; 626-DOME, www.foghouse.com. $25-35. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Through Aug 24. Fuller was one of the great brainiacs of the 20th century, a philosopher, mathematician, inventor, and idealist who devoted his life to finding the best fit between nature and humanity. In D.W. Jacobs's fitful, two-hour monologue based on the life and writings of Fuller, actor Ron Campbell dexterously pings from one of the visionary's obsessions to another, inhabiting Fuller's eccentric soul with physical and verbal intensity. (Veltman)

The Rover This week: Sat-Sun, 1pm, Alta Plaza Park, Jackson between Pierce and Steiner; (510) 420-0813, www.womanswill.org. Free. At various Bay Area parks through Aug 24. Aphra Behn, larger-than-life 17th-century playwright and first Englishwoman to make her living by writing, set this rollicking comedy during the English Civil War, when supporters of the monarchy (called Cavaliers) sometimes fled, at least temporarily, to foreign climes. In Behn's play three such Englishmen, acting as mercenaries in the Spanish colony of Naples, find themselves in the topsy-turvy world of the Carnival, where otherwise respectable maidens may go out hunting for the men of their choice. The virtuous lovers Belvile (Emily Rosenthal) and Florinda (an excellent Lianne Marie Dobbs) form one thread in a story that weaves in far bawdier company, especially the title character, named Willmore (Rami Margron), a lusty lad who keeps falling in love with the women he meets, including a proud Spanish courtesan (the powerful Bernadette Quattrone). He finds his true match, however, in the quick-fire minx Valeria (Jeanette Harrison), a heroine whose wit and independence approach Shakespearean proportions. Woman's Will presents this roaming Rover in free, outdoor venues through the summer. With a plucky cast and spirited direction by Erin Merritt, it's a fun, accessible play by a once forgotten Restoration master only recently restored herself. (Avila)

Savage Eye Phoenix Theater, 414 Mason, sixth fl; 364-3070. $20. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 5pm. Through Aug 16. Savage Eye Productions performs four one-act plays by Hal Savage inspired by film noir.

Scabaret! (Scab in the Family) Xenodrome, 1320 Potrero; 285-9366. $10-15. Fri-Sat, 9pm, through Aug 30; Sept 3-6, 10-13, 19-20, 26-27, 9pm. Through Sept 27. The performance troupe presents their eponymous "shock-rock opera," an exploration of the dark side of America.

Sex Kittens in Hi-Fi New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness; 861-8972. $15-35. Thurs/7-Sat/9, 8pm; Sun/10, 2pm. The New Conservatory Theater presents an evening of frisky musical entertainment inspired by the "bachelor den" lounge recordings of the early 1960s. The bachelor of the hour (and a half) is Wayne Bruce (Richard "Scrumbly" Koldewyn), who sits decadently at his electric piano in silk pajamas, letting flow a steady stream of sophisticated jazz, while his three naughty-nice neighbors, Lola (Donna Turner), Laurel (Amanda King), and Lily (Ai Ozawa) serve up songs and soak up martinis, with bearing and brio befitting the material. It's light but fun fare, showcasing choice material by Gershwin, Porter, Bacharach, Coward, and others, including an anonymous cat who penned a satisfying bit of Weimar boogie-woogie called "Heut' Spielt Der Willie." The modestly accomplished but definitely spunky chanteuses get a boost from Koldewyn's pleasing arrangements and director Dyan McBride's precise direction, including some smooth and playful choreography. It will slake your desire for cheese while aggravating your thirst for gin. (Avila)

'Summer Shorts: Crossed Wires' Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy; 1-877-838-7601. $10-25. Thurs-Sat, 8pm. Through Aug 16. Nearly everything about these eight short plays is brutal: the plots are brutal, the lines are brutal, the sets are brutal, the acting is brutal, the satire is truly brutal, and even the lighting, which illuminates only in a strictly technical sense, is strangely brutal. This brutality is, depending on your views, a great strength. The artistic directors are convinced that the Bush administration is very bad (heresy!), the Department of Homeland Security is a menace, and our civilization is putting a gun to its own head. Hence these plays. In Odd Scraps from an Extinguished America future archaeologists ponder our remains (the results are ponderous); Talk is neat little David Ives rip-off; Connecting and Roadside Assistance are thoughtful explorations of relationships suitable for the Lifetime Channel; and at the end comes Pinter's Mountain Play – not one of his lighter works. As an exercise in pessimism, this show is an unqualified success. (Baghdachi)

*Urinetown: The Musical Geary Theater, 415 Geary; 749-2228. $16-66. Extended run: Wed/6-Sat/9, Aug 12-16, 19-23, and 26-30, 8pm (also Wed/6, Sat/9, Aug 13, 16, 23, 26, and 30, 2pm); Sun, 2pm (also Aug 24, 7pm). Through Aug 31. Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis's subversive fringe-fest-to-off-Broadway-to-Broadway production (presented here by American Conservatory Theater) has reaped vast praise despite its unlikely premise. Set in a "Gotham-like city" in the aftermath of "the Stink Years" (vernacular for a worldwide ecological disaster that delivered the last few wells of fresh water into the hands of a mighty corporation), Urinetown imagines a world where, for the majority of people, micturition takes place in public pay-per-pee facilities. Worth the hype, Urinetown is devastatingly clever musical theater, spoofing conventions while paying inspired homage to the form, with everyone from Bertolt Brecht to Bob Fosse passing through its depression-era tableaux. (Avila)

*The Vomit Talk of Ghosts Exit on Taylor, 277 Taylor; 419-3584, www.cuttingball.com. $12-20. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Through Aug 16. From Cutting Ball comes the world premiere of a play so profane, so lubricious, and so fundamentally demented that it's easily one of the most satisfying theatrical evenings around. While no one onstage actually vomits, pubescent Amber (a sexily dangerous Elizabeth Bullard) is the human channel for a ghost, the Deadman (a Frankensteinian Garth Petal), who has also begun to possess her sexually, a situation to envied by her friend Chloe (vivacious Jessa Stanens) but of no deep concern for her parents (Paige Rodgers and Richard Bolster, having a ball), who happen to worship him as their messiah. From that point, the relationship begins to get tricky. Although playwright Kevin Oakes should properly get his mouth washed out with soap, that doesn't stop his dialogue from being coruscatingly brilliant, and Rob Melrose's stylish production is at its best when the characters exult in Oakes's uninhibited language and action. (Baghdachi)

Bay Area

*Bat Boy Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield, Palo Alto; (650) 903-6000, www.theatreworks.org. $20-48. Tues, 7:30pm; Wed-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Through Aug 16. His visage you may remember from various covers of the Weekly World News: a fanged and pointy-eared little nipper who did that thing they call "capturing the imagination" of otherwise dazed, florescently lit, and Muzak-beaten shoppers across this nation. Material like this proved pure guano in the hands of writers Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, and so, at last, "Bat Boy" gets his due: a big, sprawling musical. Bat Boy, taking its Bay Area bow in an energetic, nearly flawless production by Palo Alto's TheatreWorks, is indeed another mischievous, savvy, and pop culture-saturated off-Broadway musical surprise hit. Although the show is slightly more modest in scale than Urinetown, at the American Conservatory Theater, it's hard to imagine any of the several regional theaters now producing a version of Bat Boy getting it more right than director Linda Goodrich and her colleagues and cast. (Avila)

A Comedy of Errors Shakespeare at Stinson, Hwy 1 at Calle Del Mar, Stinson Beach; (415) 868-1115, www.shakespeareatstinson.org. $16-23. Fri-Sat, 7pm; Sun, 6pm. Through Aug 31. Shakespeare at Stinson performs the Bard's mistaken identity comedy.

Don Juan Forest Meadows Outdoor Amphitheater, Grand Ave, Dominican University, San Rafael; (415) 499-4488. $15-25. Fri/8, Sun/10, Aug 16-17, 8pm. Through Aug 17. The Marin Shakespeare Company presents a new translation of the black comedy.

Love's Labour's Lost Memorial Park Amphitheater, across from De Anza College, Stevens Creek between Mary and N. Stelling, Cupertino; www.sfshakes.org. Free. Sat-Sun, 7:30pm. Through Aug 24. Show continues at various Bay Area parks through Oct 5. The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presents its annual "Free Shakespeare in the Park" offering.

The Merry Wives of Windsor Forest Meadows Outdoor Amphitheater, Grand Ave, Dominican University, San Rafael; (415) 499-4488. $15-25. Sat/9, Aug 15, 8pm; Sun, 4pm. Through Aug 17. The Marin Shakespeare Company performs Shakespeare's comedy, resetting it in 1970s Marin County.

*Mother Courage and Her Children John Hinkel Park, Southampton between San Diego and Somerset, Berk; (510) 704-8210, www.shotgunplayers.org. Free. Sat-Sun, 4pm (no show Sat/9; Sept 13 show at Live Oak Park, Berryman between Shattuck and Walnut, Berk). Through Sept 14. See "Weapons of War," page 44.

San Francisco Mime Troupe's 'Veronique of the Mounties' This week: Sat-Sun, 2pm (music at 1:30pm), Live Oak Park, Shattuck at Berryman, Berk; (415) 285-1717, www.sfmt.org. Free. At various Bay Area parks through Sept 1. Inaugurating their 42nd year of free theater in the park, the Mime Troupe serves up Michael Gene Sullivan and Bruce Barthol's punchy tale, which posits the inevitable redirection of the war on terror northward to Canada. The country's only hope is the Ameri-phobic super-Mountie Veronique Du Bois (Velina Brown) and her American contact, a rebel librarian (Keiko Shimosato). Complete with half a dozen musical numbers (backed by composer-musical director Jason Sherbundy's cookin' three-piece band), the wacky but wise story suggests that peace lies in international solidarity as much as homegrown opposition to flag-waving pseudopatriots. (Avila)

dance

Arte y Compás Unión Española, 2850 Alemany; 584-6917. Sun, 4:30pm. $12-15. The flamenco group performs.

Ballet Counterpointe Rep ODC Theater, 3153 17th St; 863-9834. Fri-Sat, 8pm. $15-20. The company performs its annual choreographic showcase, "Works in Motion."

Celestial Dance Ballet Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon; 1-888-909-7359. Sun, 6pm. $15-100. The International Association for Human Values presents this evening of Indian classical dances.

h.e.l.p.: human elemental laboratory of performance Noh Space, 2840 Mariposa; 456-3259. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Free. Huckleberry Youth Programs benefits from the company's annual performance concert, featuring dianne feinstein dancing in the park and other works by John Baumann, Christy Funsch, Jennifer Gwirtz, and jim saliba.

Shift>>> Physical Theater Dance Mission Theatre, 3316 24th St; 282-4765. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 7pm. $15-20. See Critic's Choice.

Bay Area

Las Buenas Flamenquitas Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield, Palo Alto; www.azahardance.org. Fri, 8pm. $5-10. The company of young flamenco dancers performs.

Capacitor Alice Arts Theater, 1428 Alice, Oakl; (510) 268-9808, www.capacitor.org. Thurs-Sun, 8pm. $10-15. The contemporary fusion dance company performs Digging in the Dark: The Beta Test.

Carolina Lugo's Brisas de España Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic, Walnut Creek; (925) 943-7469. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm. Call for price. The flamenco dance company performs the world premiere Ritmos del Corazón: Rhythms of the Heart.

performance

'BATS Improv Ninth Annual Summer Festival' Bayfront Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna; 474-8935, www.batsimprov.com. $5-15. This week: "The Harold" (Thurs, 8pm); "Spontaneous Broadway" (Fri, 8pm); "Summer Games Finals Gold Medal Match" (Sat, 8pm); "Micetro with Keith Johnstone" (Sun, 8pm); workout (Mon, 7:15pm) followed by Theatresports Raw (Mon, 8pm).

'Flash Family' Blue Bear Performance Hall, Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, second fl, Marina at Laguna; 885-5678. Sat, 8pm. $14. The improv theater company performs.

'Youth for Asian Theater presents East Side Story' Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness; 831-3888. Fri, 7:30pm. Free. Youth for Asian Theater's annual summer performance features original plays and monologues written, staged, produced, and performed by San Francisco youth.

Bay Area

'The Accidental Activist' Aurora Theatre Company, 2081 Addison, Berk; (415) 621-1216, www.frantix.net. Fri-Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $20 suggested donation. Upon These Boards launches Lysistrata Project cofounder Kathryn Blume's national tour of her solo political comedy.

'Dave Hill: The World's Greatest Hypnotist' Gaslighter Theater, 400 E. Campbell, Campbell; (408) 866-1408. Tues/12 and Aug 26, 7:30pm. $15. The hypnotist performs his show, which includes audience participation.

'Puzzled' Mama Buzz Cafe, 2318 Telegraph, Oakl; (510) 465-4073. Sat, 7pm. Free. Oakland artist and musician Matt Volla presents a performance art piece that involves the creation of new works from randomly scattered puzzle pieces.

comedy

'Blue Blanket Improv' Check Web site for times and locations. www.blueblanketimprov.com. Blue Blanket Improv presents a free workshop and improv show. Ongoing.

BrainWash Café 1122 Folsom; 861-3663. Thurs, 8pm: Comedy open mic hosted by Tony Sparks, free.

Fort Mason Center Marina at Laguna (check daily events sandwich board for exact location); 453-9092. Sat, 1-4pm: Improv workshop with Jim Crenna, $10. Ongoing.

Java Source 343 Clement; 387-8025. Fri, 10:30pm, and Sat, 10pm: Comedy open mic hosted by Tony Sparks, free.

Luggage Store Gallery 1007 Market; 255-5971. Tues, 8pm: Comedy workshop with Tony Sparks, $3.

Marsh 1062 Valencia; 826-5750. "First Annual Marsh Comedy Festival" performances Thurs-Sat, 8pm: "Main Stage Comic Monologues," with Darryl Henriques (Thurs/7-Sat/9); Scott Capurro (Aug 14-16); Phyllis Dantzler and Liz White-Salk (Aug 21-23), $15-22; Fri-Sat, 8:30pm (through Aug 23): open mic at the Mock Cafe (1074 Valencia), $7; Fri-Sat, 10pm (through Aug 23): Late-night sketch and stand-up comedy, $10-15. See 8 Days a Week, page 60.

Punchline 444A Battery; (510) 486-8083. Mon, 9pm: "Occasional Cannabis Comedy Festival," starring Sarah Silverman and Doug Benson; sponsored by Americans for Safe Access, $20.

San Francisco LGBT Community Center 1800 Market; 865-5633. Mon, 8pm: "Monday Night Gay Comedy," with host Scott Capurro, $8-15 (sliding scale).

spoken word

Open mics take place almost every night in cafés throughout the Bay Area. If you want to perform, show up about half an hour before start time to put your name on the list. A day-by-day guide to spoken word events and featured readers:

Wednesday: BrainWash Café 1122 Folsom; 440-5530. "Spoken Word Salon," with host Diamond Dave Whitaker, 8pm, free. Savoy Tivoli 1434 Grant; 905-8837. "Savoy Tivoli Reading Series," with host Mark Schwartz and featured reader David Gollub, 8pm, free. Canvas Cafe 1200 Ninth Ave; 504-0060, mike@westcoastvideo.net. "Open Mic Talent Showcase," 7:30pm, free.

Thursday: Coppa D'Oro Cafe 3166 24th St; 826-8003. "Poetry on the Patio," spoken word and acoustic music open mic with host Charlie Getter, 6:30pm, free. Julip 839 O'Farrell; molotovmouths@riseup.net. "Molotov Mouths Outspoken Word Tour 2003," also featuring Bucky Sinister, Po' Poets, and Felipe Velez, 5:30pm, e-mail for price.

Saturday: Caffe Sempione 641 Vallejo; 362-6317. "Caffe Sempione Reading Series," with featured reader Marsha Campbell, followed by open mic, 7pm, free.

Sunday: Cody's Books 2454 Telegraph; (510) 845-7852. "Poetry Flash," with Dale Pendell and Dick Bakken, 7:30pm, $2.

Monday: Perry's Joint 1661 Fillmore; 931-5260. "Celebration of the Word," open mic hosted by Jeanne Powell, with featured reader Phillip T. Nails, 7pm, free.