Wednesday 16 – The Amon Carter Museum isn’t typically known for showcasing video installations, but David Ellis: Animal is a short animated film that spotlights the North Carolina artist and his methods of painting, heavily influenced by the improvisational, collaboratorive nature of jazz music. The installation runs thru Jun 4 at 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, FW. Admission is free. Call 817-738-1933.
Thursday 17 – Amy Poehler and The Big Short director Adam McKay rank among the distinguished alumni of the storied Chicago improv comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade. Today, that troupe’s touring company will perform at UNT, so perhaps you can see the next big comedy star onstage in Denton. The performance is 7pm at UNT University Union, 1155 Union Cir, Denton. Tickets are $5-30.
Friday 18 – Our very own editor-in-chief, Anthony Mariani, joins Tom Reynolds and Cameron Smith as part of a panel of experts for State of the Arts. This installment of the lecture series will focus on Fort Worth music, its history, current state, venues, and relationship to our burgeoning city. The talk is at 6pm at Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, FW. Admission is free. Call 817-332-8451.
Saturday 19 – Some might say we don’t need more reminders of the racism and sexism underlying American society, but we say we need those more than ever now. That’s why you should head to Focus: Lorna Simpson, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth’s new exhibition of conceptual photographs and videos that address issues of race and gender from an African-American woman’s point of view. The show runs today thru Jan 15 at 3200 Darnell St, FW. Admission is $4-10. Call 817-738-9215.
Sunday 20 – Stage West is doing murder for Christmas with Murder for Two, a musical two-hander in which one actor portrays the detective and the other portrays all the suspects, and both of them sing and play the piano. The play has won raves for its funny songs and its tribute to old-fashioned murder mysteries. The show runs Thu thru Dec 18 at 821 W Vickery St, FW. Tickets are $10-35. Call 817-784-9378.
Monday 21 – One of the first American composers to be recognized in Europe, Edward MacDowell trained in Paris and lived in Germany, writing charming piano pieces and songs in a mainstream style that showcased his technical skills. His Liszt-inspired Piano Concerto No. 2 will be played by Gustavo Romero and the UNT Concert Orchestra at 8pm at Winspear Hall, 2100 I-35E Frontage Rd, Denton. Tickets are $8-10. Call 940-369-7802.
Tuesday 22 – Tonight’s performance of Scrooge the Musical at Artisan Center Theatre will be interpreted for the deaf. Leslie Bricusse’s musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol isn’t as well-known as some of his other stage and film works, but we can still say, “Thank you very very very much.” The show runs Fri thru Dec 23 at Belaire Theater, 420 E Pipeline Rd, Hurst. Tickets are $11-18. Call 817-284-1200.
