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Ars Nova is one of our favorite places in town, where we catch the best in theater, art, music and comedy (or even pirate puppet rock opera). And until Nov. 21, it's even easier to catch Gotham's coolest acts, thanks to Ars Nova's ANT Fest 2009. ANT FEST is a showcase of rockabilly sketch artists, feminist magicians, Chinese vaudevillians and other weird 21st-century entertainment. It's a steal at a $10 door charge, though we recommend the ANTpass (three evenings for $20). To help you pick a show or three, we've paired the fest's underground acts with their pop-culture equivalents.
If you like Sarah Silverman....
Raunchy comedy and cute music is more than just a schtick, it's a movement! Jessica Delfino has been denounced by the Catholic League (her perky vulgarity apparently encourages terrorists!) and had videos pulled from YouTube, so she must be doing something right. (“Jessica Delfino's Dirty Folk Rock”– Thursday, Nov. 12)
If you like "Paranormal Activity"....
The reason Halloween's so great isn't the candy (otherwise, Easter would rock too), it's the fear that makes your neck prickle. ANT FEST gets into the spirit of the season with “The Jersey Devil,” a circus exposé on the mythical monster across the Hudson. Or take a trip to the “Hinterland,” the ominous setting for a series of original fairy tales. ( “Hinterland” – Monday, Oct. 26; “The Jersey Devil” – Saturday, Nov. 14)
If you like "Glee"....
According to the Varsity Interpretive Dance Squad, there's a revolution brewing: when the entire world dances to this pep squad's choreography, we'll enter a new age of happiness, equality and justice. The "Varsity Interpretive Dance Squad is: Faster Than Light" appeared in a video with Debby Harry and Moby, so you know they're cool. (“Varsity Interpretive Dance Squad is: Faster Than Light”–Saturday, Nov. 21)
If you like "Avatar"....
Can't wait for James Cameron's computer-generated sci-fi extravaganza? Then check out “Sci Fi Bandits,” a action-packed tale of heroes, aliens and interstellar piracy by local “space rock band” Chappo. Or are clunky robots and mad scientists are more your style? Try “A Personal History of the Robot War,” a 1950s-type radio drama. (“Sci Fi Bandits”–Saturday, Oct. 31; “A Personal History of the Robot War”–Thursday, Nov. 19)
If you like Stephen Colbert....
When times are this tough, the only sane reaction is laughter. You know it, I know it, Stephen Colbert knows it, and Ars Nova (Colbert's next-door neighbor) knows it. So try “This American Strife,” an evening of sketch comedy inspired by (among other things) Sarah Palin's Twitter account. Then return the next night for “Righteous Money,” a financial wizard's iffy advice on surviving the draught without a bailout. (“This American Strife”–Tuesday, Nov. 3; “Righteous Money”–Wednesday, Nov. 4)
If you like weird religions....
Let's face it, Scientology is soooo last century. Instead, get hip to Raelism! “One Night with Rael” relates how a French auto racer formed a real-life church that espouses DNA engineering, liberal sexuality and prayers for Earth to join the galactic federation. Seriously! (“One Night with Rael” – Wednesday, Oct. 28)
If you like Jay Reatard....
Being punk doesn't give you license to be an asshole. So says “William and the Tradesmen,” about a lonely man who lives his life by punk and New Wave songs. For another dose of punk philosophy, try “Chaos Theory,” a post-punk exploration of love, life and overdue library books by the Academics. (“William and the Tradesmen”–Tuesday, Oct. 27; “The Academics in Chaos Theory” –Friday, Oct. 30)
