COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
BOOK LAUNCH EVENT: PLAYS AND PLAYWRIGHTS 2011
Martin and Rochelle Denton (the minds behind The New York Theatre Experience, Inc.) aren’t just getting a mention here because Martin writes a monthly Downtown theater column for us that’s packed with insider’s insights. What really put them over the top was the impending publication of “Plays and Playwrights 2011” — the 12th annual edition of NYTE’s series featuring some of the best new work by NYC’s indie playwrights. When they’re not out seeing plays or creating content for nytheatre.com, Martin and Rochelle are busy scoping out talent for the publication arm of their self-realized media empire. Presented by Judson Memorial Church’s Magic Time, this launch event gives you the opportunity to sample all of the anthology’s plays in five-minute snippets (performed mostly by members of their original casts). Books ($19) will be available for sale during the event. After the show, a signing with all of the promising playwrights gives you the chance to walk away with an eBay-worthy piece of merchandise. FREE. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments and conversation. Performances start at 8pm (followed by book signing and more schmoozing). At Judson Memorial Church (55 Washington Square South). For info on all the many layers of NYTE, visit nyte.org, nytesmallpress.com and nytheatre.com.
FILM: QUEST FOR CAMELTOE
Bowery Poetry Club’s been very good lately to the displaced denizens of former Allen Street performance comedy lab Surf Reality. Recently, they hosted the phenom-in-waiting production of “64 Paintings, 64 Plays”(directed by Surf open mic host Faceboy and produced by Surf proprietor Robert Prichard). Then, this week, word came to our inbox that BPC is hosting this hastily booked screening of “Quest for Cameltoe” — a 69-minute documentary by Jason Thompson, whose run time is as subtly dirty as its title. Frequent Surf art star Reverend Jen Miller stars alongside dozens of other Downtown atrocity committers (among them, Moonshine Shorey, Mike Raphone, Mike Amato, Angry Bob, Michele Carlo, Rachel Cleary, Fritz Donelly, Juggernut, Reverend Jen Junior, John King, Stormy Leather, Jim Melloan, Rob Prichard, Bruce Smolanoff and Courtney Weber). “What ‘Pull My Daisy’ was to the Beats, this movie is to the Art Stars,” proclaims its press release. Believe the hype, kids…and nourish your freaky soul by visiting revjen.com. Sat., June 25, 8pm. At The Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery). Only $5!
MULHOLLAND DRIVE BURLESQUE
What a long, short and strange trip it’s been. With only a few sold-out installments of “The Pink Room” under her belt, an exhausted Franny Fluffer and her thoroughly mad monthly series will go on summer hiatus after this next installment. What a way to go out. “The Pink Room presents: Mulholland Drive Burlesque” continues Fluffer’s obsessive tribute to all things David Lynch. 2011 marks the ten-year anniversary of “Mulholland Drive” — for which Lynch received an Academy Award nomination. Fluffer says there’s no better way to pay tribute than with blue boxes, boobs and banana hammocks! Helping you along on your trip: Once again, Parkside Lounge will be offering The Pink Room specialty cocktails throughout the evening, with “Mulholland Drive” playing on the screens in the front lounge. Stay after the show for David Lynch trivia night (complete with some surreal prizes, of course). Hosted by Schaffer the Darklord. Performances by Boots LaMae, Fem Appeal, Franny Fluffer Nutter, Gemini Rising, Iris Explosion, Nasty Canasta, Satanica, Sizzle Dizzle, Tansy Tan Dora and Victoria Privates; with go-go dancing by Foxy Vermouth and Dr. Flux. Wed., June 29. At Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston St., at Attorney St.). $10 advanced tickets (parksidelounge.net) and $15 at the door. Pre-show screening (“Franny’s Flicks” begins at 8pm). “Burlesque” begins at 9:30pm. 21+, two-drink minimum. Visit frannyfluffer.com.
