CRITICS' CHOICE: What's Happening This Week in Nashville

Looking for something fun to do in Nashville this week? Have no fear, gentle BWW Nashville readers, our team of writers have done the necessary legwork - we're all about saving you time and helping you make informed decisions about how to spend your entertainment dollar, after all - and we are delighted to present you with our very first Critic's Choice column, filled to the veritable brim with suggestions for great stuff going on around our fair state. Now, get out there and have some fun, y'all! And while you're at it, you'll be doing some good for the community by supporting the arts in the Volunteer State!

Monday, April 20 at 5:45 p.m.: Featuring Jess Darnell, Zero is an experimental theater piece combining mask, mime, music, and dance to create a unique, entertaining experience. Join Zero, the Clown, in a solo show that promises spectacle, laughter, and wonderment in this red-nosed study of the human spirit.

Clown Nashville is a non-profit organization that provides emotional and therapeutic outreach to those in need of a smile at children's hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other humanitarian organizations alike.

Zero will be presented Monday, April 20 at Montgomery Bell Academy, 4001 Harding Road, in the Dead Poets Society Room. There's a $5 suggested donation at the door, going toward Clown Nashville's efforts. The show lasts about 40 minutes, and is appropriate for all ages.

Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m., join Nashville Repertory Theatre at TPAC's Andrew Johnson Theatre as performances of Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike resume with a pay-what-you-can performance (use the promo code "Masha" for the discount). The discount is active only from 5 to 6:25 p.m. on Tuesday at the TPAC box office, in person. See what theater critics are calling "the perfect conclusion to Nashville Rep's 30th anniversary season." Did I say that? Actually, I referred to it as "a wondrous conclusion" to the season, but who's to quibble?

Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.: Mr. Marmalade by Noah Haidle will be presented at The east Room, and tickets are just $3 at the door (cash only, please)...so you can come out, grab some drinks and see some theater for three bucks! The doors open at 7!

So what's Mr. Marmalade about? Lucy is a four-year-old girl with a very active imagination. Unfortunately, her imaginary friend Mr. Marmalade doesn't have much time for her. Not to mention he beats up his personal assistant, has a cocaine addiction, and a penchant for pornography. Mr. Marmalade is a savage black comedy about what it takes to grow up in these difficult times.

Featured in the cast are Lauren Sauer, Gerald Pitts, Bunny!!!, Molly Weinberg, Ross Hamilton, Sean Staggs, Gabe Atchley, Narado and Daniel Swinney.

Thursday, April 23 at noon, the hilarious hijinks and terrific music of The Andrews Brothers resumes performances at Dickson's Gaslight Dinner Theatre.

What happens when The Andrews Sisters are quarantined with a case of chicken pox and can't perform at a USO Show? Join Peggy, The Pin-Up Girl (played by Jenny Norris-Light) and The Andrews Brothers: Max, Lawrence and Patrick (Brian Best, Curtis LeMoine-Reed and Chase Miller) to find out.

Directed by Greg Frey, with vocal direction by Randy Craft and choreography by Tosha Marie Pendergrast...this jukebox musical promises to make you laugh, smile and tap your feet! Matinees are set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 23, 24,25 and 30 (Tickets are $28 and includes lunch; show-only tickets are just $15. Lunch is served at noon, with the show at 1 p.m. each day. Evening performances are Friday April 24 and 25; tickets are $40, including dinner, or just $25 for show-only. Don't miss the salted caramel-bacon brownies - or so we're told!

Go to www.gaslightdinnertheatre.org for ticket information and other details.

Saturday, April 25: Join LOL Nashville as they return to City Winery Nashville for their April show at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.).Tickets are $10 if purchased online; $12 at the door. VIP Admission is $15, which guarantees you front row table seating.

"We sold out of both General Admission and VIP well before our show last month - so we strongly encourage you to grab your tix early!" according to a press release...so go to www.lolnashville.com/tickets/ to take care of that before Saturday.

"We are known for our hilarious, fast-paced short-form (as seen on Whose Line is it Anyway?) and our unique long-form improv styles," says that same press release. "LOL Nashville is the only Nashville improv group that regularly performs at venues that have a full bar, food, and cocktail servers."

Every part of every show is unscripted and is made up on the spot with the help of suggestions from the audience and no two shows are alike.

Saturday, April 25: Ultra-talented seniors in the theatre department at Nashville's Lipscomb University will be spotlighted during the LDoT Senior Showcase 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Shamblin Theater, 3909 Granny White Pike, on the Lipscomb University campus in Green Hills.

"Join us for a night as we celebrate our past few years of training with performances to show just who we are!" is the big draw for the show, which is free and open to the public.

Featured among the class of 2015 are the enormously talented Taylor Browning, Emily Grace Eytchison, Mary Hankins, Lacy Hartselle, Austin Ryan Hunt, Andrew Johnson, Chelsea Keeggy, Virginia Lodholz, Will Miranne, Candace Nichols, Scoutt Pittman, Tyler Russell and Blair Thornton.

What is the Senior Showcase? Showcases started in New York City as a way for young artists who have completed their initial training to showcase their skills. Casting Directors, Agents, and other industry professionals were invited to preview the work of up-and-coming performers in a single night event.

"Our Showcase is a celebration of our last four years of training but also a way for us to give back to those who have helped us along our Artistic Journey. Friends and family are invited to join us, along with all of our Nashville Theatre Community friends. We'll be sharing work that is near and dear to our hearts that shows who we really are.

"We hope to see you at Showcase as we say thank you and farewell to this chapter of our lives and launch into the next."