COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
PANEL:
Jewish Crime in America
Call it “Kosher Nostra.” Apparently, that’s what you get when the chosen profession of the chosen people is crime. Presented by The Museum of the American Gangster, this panel discussion unites three acclaimed experts for the purpose of discussing, and dishing, on the topic of “Jewish Crime in America: From the Ghetto to the Boardroom.” From the time of prohibition through World War II, an unlikely alliance was formed between Jewish and Italian mobsters. Much of the high drama that ensued happened in our own backyard. Native New Yorker, distinguished justice and author Judge Edwin Torres moderates the panel: Eric Dezenhall (author of “The Devil Himself” — a historical novel about the U.S. Navy and Meyer Lansky’s mob efforts to stop Nazi saboteurs); Roberta Newman (cultural historian and humanities professor, New York University); and Ron Ross, (author of “Bummy Davis vs. Murder, Inc.” — an anecdotal history of the legendary Jewish boxer). Thurs., July 28, 5pm at Theatre 80 (80 St. Mark’s Place, next to the Museum of the American Gangster) — followed by a book signing at 6:45pm. Tickets are $15 at the door. For info, call 212-388-0388.
MANIPULATION
Will Pomerantz directs Victoria E. Calderon’s play about a woman’s struggle for freedom and self-discovery. Privileged Cristina has money, power and status — but somehow still feels helpless. Drawing from sources as strange and diverse as magic realism and a little-known Biblical tale, “Manipulation” plunges its audience and troubled cast of characters into a world of deception and surprise. Through August 21 at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce St.), Tues.-Fri. at 8pm; Sat. at 2pm and 8pm; and Sun. at 3pm and 7pm. For tickets ($68.50), visit telecharge.com, call 212-239-6200 or purchase at the box office. For more info, visit manipulationtheplay.com.
DANCE:
ROSES ON THE FLOOR
Movement in C and Salma Allam Dance Theater’s world premiere — “Roses on the Floor” — explores what happens when its creator (writer, choreographer and director Salma Allam) asks “To love or not?” — and finds the answer in the form of an emerging triangle representing different parts of her soul. Performed by Allam, Rachel Monahan, Cathy Richards and Penelope Thomas. Fri., July 29, 8pm at Salmagundi Art Club (47 Fifth Ave., btw. 11th & 12th Sts., lower gallery). Tickets are $10 (cash only). To reserve, send an email to salmaallamdancetheater@gmail.com.
ASS STUDIOS LAUNCH PARTY
As fun to say as it is to spell, the newly minted Lower East Side filmmaking venture ASS Studios bills itself as “The Most Underfunded Motion Picture Studio in History!” — and boy is it ever. At this launch party, the studio founders (filmmaker Courtney Fathom Sell and visionary Lower East Side art star pioneer Reverend Jen) will host screenings of two new ASS Productions: “Elf Workout” and “Bowery Bitches” — along with live performances by Reverend Jen, Faceboy, Fem Appeal, Brer Brian and Jugger-Nut. This “Dreamworks of the Lower East Side” (minus millions of dollars) promises satire, sleaze, pants-pissing laughs and more art stars than you can shake your stick at. The event also serves as a birthday party for Reverend Jen — which translates into plenty of cake, pony rides, possible clowns and definite drink specials. Wed., July 27, 7-9pm at Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery, btw. Houston and Bleecker). The $8 admission fee goes to fund ASS’s next production (“Satan’s Bitches!”). Visit bowerypoetry.com and revjen.com.
