COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
THE TURN OF THE SCREW —
AT MERCHANT’S HOUSE
A few weeks ago, you read our account of a night spent with paranormal investigators sleuthing their way through the Merchant’s House Museum. Turns out their annual late October Ghost Tours, which we recommended, did not disappoint (several visitors swore they were tapped on the shoulder by impatient, hopefully playful spirits). And why not? Unexplained things have been happening there for decades. That’s because MHM (built in 1832) is NYC’s only family home preserved intact — inside and out — from the 19th century.
Now, the residence-turned-museum is hosting Two Turns Theatre Company’s production of “The Turn of the Screw” — a Jeffery Hatcher-penned adaptation of the Henry James 1898 ghost story. There’s no guaranteeing the spirits will make a cameo, but those who lovingly oversee the place have many well-vetted stories to tell involving paranormal happenings during a multitude of public events. As for the story, “The Turn of the Screw” follows a young governess to an English country estate to care for two young orphans supported by their wealthy yet distant uncle. She quickly discovers that the sudden deaths of the children’s previous caretakers haunt the home and seduce all who remain. The governess makes it her mission to purge these lingering ghosts from the premises by any means necessary. Historical lighting by Vincent Plescia and an original pre-show suite composed by Bryan Louiselle will further contribute to this unique site-specific experience.
Nov. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. At the Merchant’s House Museum (29 E. Fourth St. btw. Lafayette & Bowery). 70 minutes, no intermission, no late seating. For tickets, call 212-868-4444 or visit www.twoturns.com. For all things Merchant’s House, visit www.merchantshouse.org.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS CONCERT SERIES
Formerly known as simply “Neighborhood Concerts,” this slightly more detailed new namesake makes its debut with a program of music associated with New York’s downtown scene. ACME (American Contemporary Music Ensemble) will present the works of composers Philip Glass, Phil Kline, Nico Muhly, and Sarah Kirkland Snider. Simone Dinnerstein hosts. Sun., Nov. 14, 4 p.m. at P.S. 142’s Auditorium (100 Attorney St. btw. Delancey & Rivington). For tickets ($15), visit www.neighborhoodclassics.com or purchase at the door. All sales will benefit P.S. 142. For more info on ACME, visit www.acmemusic.org.
ARTIST’S STUDIO TOUR
OF WESTBETH
The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation sponsors this event, which gives art-loving tour goers access to over twenty private studios at Westbeth — whose shared print, graphic and sculpture studios, gallery and community room will be open to participants (with guided tours available throughout the day). Studios on the tour include those of painters, photographers, writers and sculpture artists who have lived in the building since it opened. Duplex lofts and Westbeth’s iconic fire balconies will be on view, and tour goers will experience how residents have adapted their homes for both live and work space. Artwork will be available for sale. Sun., Nov. 14, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 155 Bank St. (btw. Washington and West Sts.). Advance tickets are $25 for GVSHP members, Westbeth residents, and students — and $75 for all others (includes a one-year membership to GVSHP). A full list of participating artists can be found at www.gvshp.org/westbeth.
REVEREND BILLY FUNDRAISER
It’s not easy, or cheap, to be a faux-preacher whose fiery anti-consumption sermons are backed by a sizable choir and a roof-raising band. That’s why Reverend Billy, our favorite white-suited brimstone-spewing righteously-pissed social crusader, is hosting this annual fundraiser. So if you’re one of The Church of Life After Shopping faithful, stop shopping at Disney and the Gap and start lining the church coffers with some of that discretionary income. The good Reverend’s money-centric fundraiser — “Reverend Billy’s DIY Gangster Drag Party” — encourages parishioners to come in costume, tour the venue’s speakeasy tunnels and sing Stopshopping karaoke tunes. Then, see where your money goes when you view the film “What Would Jesus Buy?” — which screens on the Sundance channel Nov. 29 at 6:20 pm (live chat included!) and Nov. 20 at 5:14 am. It’s also being shown at Anthology Film Archives (32 Second Ave.) at 2 pm on Dec. 19. As for the benefit, the trouble starts at 7 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 16, at Theatre 80 (80 St. Mark’s Place, at First Ave.). For all the info you need, visit www.revbilly.com.
BOUTIQUE FLEA MARKET
The Educational Alliance hosts this Boutique Flea Market — featuring a bounty of Lower East Side booty that’s yours for the reasonably priced taking. Hand-made knitted wear (hats, sweaters, blankets & afghans), toys, purses, jewelry under $5 and used books under $1 are among the promised treasures. The proceeds will benefit the Educational Alliance’s Co-op Village NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) — a unique program for older adults living in the Lower East Side co-ops, providing support and community through arts and culture, health and wellness, social events and more. The bargain madness starts at 11 a.m. on Sun., Nov. 21 and continues until 3 p.m. that very same day. At The Educational Alliance’s Co-op Village NORC (477 FDR Drive at Grand St.), in Community Room M. For more info, visit www.edalliance.org or phone 646-395-4510.
LAURA THOMAS
Singer-songwriter Laura Thomas brings her crafty lyrics and powerhouse voice to Rockwood — with able assists from Matt Wigton on piano, Matt Aronoff on upright bass and Clarice Lappe on backing vocals. Wed., Nov. 17, 8 p.m. at Rockwood Music Hall (196 Allen St.). Free (suggested donation, $5). For info, call 212-477-4155 or visit www.rockwoodmusichall.com. Also visit www.laurathomasband.com.
JAN DALEY
Traveling to NYC is small potatoes for this west coast chanteuse — who entertained troops in Viet Nam as part of Bob Hope’s Christmas Tour. Her show this weekend (at swanky Flatiron venue The Metropolitan Room) recalls those days, and nicely cross-promotes her new CD — “Where There’s Hope: A Tribute to the Legacy of Bob Hope’s Love Songs.” It contains songs Hope introduced to the world in films and on Broadway (with a smattering of Daley-penned originals to boot). Sun., Nov. 14, 7 p.m. at The Metropolitan Room (34 W. 22nd St.). $20 plus two-drink minimum. For info, call 212-206-0440 or visit www.metropolitanroom.com.
UG! COMEDY SHOW!!
Todd Montesi and Justin Murray have picked up stakes and moved their weekly comedy show to MUG Lounge. Unchanged is the unhinged nature of the hosts and their revolving rouges gallery of upcoming, established, and deeply troubled comedians. At 8 p.m., Tuesdays at MUG Lounge (448 E. 13th St. btw. 1st & Ave. A). No cover, 1-drink minimum ($3 drafts, $4 wells till 10 p.m.). For info & reservations: 646-746-1357. Check out www.youtube.com/MONTIKILLAVISION.
RANDY WESTON: UHURU AFRIKA 50th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT CELEBRATION
Fifty years ago, pianist/composer (and contemporary jazz giant) Randy Weston gave us “Uhuru Afrika” — his musical nod to African independence, circa 1960. This celebratory concert acknowledges that achievement by Weston bringing together a group of equally skilled musicians — including Vincent Chauncey on the French Horn; Ron Jackson on guitar; and Charlie Persip on the drums; Eddie Henderson, Eddie Allen and Cecil Bridgewater in the trumpet section; Bob Trowers and Barry Cooper in the Trombone section; and Alex Blake and Essiet Essiet in the base section. T.K. Blue, James Spalding, Billy Harper, Alex Harding, Billy Saxton round out the saxophone section, while Candido Camero, Ray Mantillo, Kwaku Obeng and Neil Clarke form the percussion section. The orchestra also features vocalists Jann Parker and Gregory Porter and conductor Paul West. Sat., Nov. 13, 8 pm, at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. For more info and tickets ($25, $35, $45), visit www.bmcc.cuny.edu or call 212-220-1460.
