5 Things

Why did the mushroom go to the party? Because he was a fun-gi. If you thought that was funny, just you wait to see what’s going on this weekend: a famous comedian comes to town. There’s also family-friendly events with some things (wink) just for the adults.

December 15, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot!

Did you hear about the fire at the circus? It was in tents!

While I may not be accepted into the Richmond Comedy Coalition anytime soon with that material, I could certainly watch one of the most successful modern comedians perform at the Landmark Theater tonight. Not only is there comedy to be had, but some Holiday events, a musical, and some titillating jazz. As the Buddha once said: be one with the 5 Things, and you will know enlightenment.

1. Jerry Seinfeld

What’s the deal with mega-successful comics returning to standup well after their prime? Seinfeld remains one of the most-watched, most-loved television sitcoms in history. Early shows featured Jerry (yeah, he and I are on a first name basis) performing his standup, the same standup that caught the eyes of NBC executives back in the late 1980’s. After years of staying rich while doing nothing, Jerry is back on the road performing stand up. He’ll be in town later this evening. Tickets are still available, but you’ll have to move fast.

• Thur., Dec. 15 • 7pm
• Landmark Theater, 6 N. Laurel St.
• $47 – $77

2. Holiday Events

If you haven’t taken the kids to see Santa yet (but don’t take them to see this Santa), quit being such an indolent parent! The 75th Legendary Santa event is going on at the Children’s Museum. Let the little ones try to convince the almighty Bearded One that they haven’t been petulant nuisances all year long, and after they plead their case, head over to the Carpenter Theatre to see The Nutcracker.

• Sat., Dec. 16 – Sun., Dec. 17 •
• Various locations
• Event prices vary

3. South Pacific

If you’re interested in treating yourself to something not Holidays-related, you might turn your attention to a musical at the Landmark Theater. Set on a tropical island during World War II, South Pacific is about the happiness of two couples being threatened by the (rather oxymoronically-named) Pacific War. Both the acting and the score will tug at your heart strings–plus it’ll get you out of the house!

• Fri., Dec. 16 – Sat., Dec. 17 • Various times
• Landmark Theater, 6 N. Laurel St.
• $32.50 – $62.50

4. All That Jazz

If exposing yourself to the emotional hardships of war seems a bit too much for you, and you’d rather have other people doing the exposing, then All That Jazz may fit you just like Goldilocks’s last bowl of porridge. Richmond’s Voix De Ville Follies burlesque troupe will put on their last performance of the year, paying homage to the romantic Jazz Age with a performance inspired by the sounds of New Orleans and Chicago.

• Sat., Dec. 17 • 8pm
• Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St.
• $10.50

5. A Year with Frog and Toad

Based on the books by Arnold Lobel, A Year with Frog and Toad follows the escapades of the cheerful Frog and the dyspeptic Toad through an entire year. Along the way they learn the important things in life: the importance of drinking liquor before beer, the limitations of an Austrian economic philosophy, and that diarrhea—when it has to be experienced—is best experienced at home. Kidding! Appropriate for children ages four and up.

• Fri, Dec. 16 – Sun., Dec. 18 • Various times
• Barksdale Theater, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive
• $18 – $24

December 15, 2011 6:00 AM 0