This Week’s Picks: Get Frisky in Phoenix, Salute Stritch & Party Like a Rock Star with Constantine Maroulis

It’s hot. It’s so hot, you can barely walk two feet without looking like you went through a car wash. But towel off, guys! There’s tons of cool happenings, including a return of a Rock of Ages favorite, a musical tribute to a Broadway legend and a concert version of a beloved '70s musical. It’s all part of this week’s picks!


See a Homecoming for the Ages
August 4 at the Helen Hayes Theatre
General Douglas MacArthur and the Philippines. LeBron James and Cleveland. Those reunions mean squat compared Constantine Maroulis’ return to Rock of Ages! The Tony nominee begins a 12-week engagement in the hit ‘80s rock musical, reprising the role of Drew, a shaggy-haired jukebox hero, that he originated five years ago. We’re glad you took your talents back to the Great White Way, Constantine. Welcome home. Click for tickets!


Spend the Night in Phoenix
August 7 at the Cherry Lane Theatre
Bruce (James Wirt) and Sue (Julia Stiles) have a one-night stand. (Cue sitcom audience “ooohh…”) She has a wonderful time, but wants to move on. Bruce sees potential and isn’t ready to let go. Thus begins the parry-and-thrust—pun fully intended—in Scott Organ’s dark comedy that covers 4,000 miles and two very different, very attractive people testing their boundaries. Runs through August 23. Click for tickets!


Pay Tribute to Elaine Stritch
August 7 at the Metropolitan Room
When a Broadway legend departs, solemn obituaries and earnest tributes are not enough. A proper tribute to Elaine Stritch, who died at age 89 on July 17, must include music. The Metropolitan Room has the right idea, inviting Broadway stars (Annaleigh Ashford, Lisa Brescia, and more) to sing Stritch’s signature tunes. Though let’s be honest: Nobody’s gonna sing "Ladies Who Lunch" quite like our favorite salty gal. Click for tickets!


Venture Downtown for Fringe NYC
Starts August 8, various locations
You love theater, right? That’s why you’re here, and not reading “18 Microwave Snacks You Can Cook in a Mug!” And that’s why you’ll love the colossal New York International Fringe Festival (Fringe NYC), which runs through August 24. It features everything from improv to puppetry to performance art. With 5,000 artists and 18 venues, you're certain to find something really funky and totally wonderful. Your microwave will understand. Click for tickets!


Follow The Wiz Underground
August 10 at 54 Below
The Wiz! For kids of the '70s and '80s, it’s infectious, gold-plated nostalgia. Remember how many times HBO aired the kick-ass movie musical back in the day? We named our cat Nipsey Russell! 54 Below is offering two servings of 54 Sings The Wiz so we can savor those catchy days of yesteryear. Directed by After Midnight alum T. Oliver Reid, this revue features Ken Page, N’Kenge, and Vivian Reed. Click for tickets!