"Mo-to-the-oncle"
I didn't have a chance to see this award-winning one-woman show by Melissa Cole during its acclaimed run at last year's Fringe, but I'm not making that mistake again this time. The play tells the story of Bronx teen Detroit Prince Jr., who takes to wearing a monocle to school after his father can no longer afford proper vision care. Cole portrays a host of characters, in addition to singing and rapping throughout the show, and the results have made it a hit at Fringe festivals across the country. (Saturday, September 15, 6 p.m.; Sunday, September 16, 4 p.m. School of the Arts: Ensemble Theatre. $15. Appropriate for ages 13 and older.)
"Totally Rad! An 80's Pop Adventure"
If you could say just one fact about me, it's that I'm always down for pop adventure. And an 80's pop adventure? Even better! So naturally I'm pumped for this solo cabaret show created by Alma Haddock. The Nazareth College theater major performed "I Don't Have to Be Funny All The Time" at last year's Fringe, and this new act finds Haddock exploring some of her favorite 80's pop and hard-rock music. Awesome to the max! (Saturday, September 15, 4 p.m. School of the Arts: Ensemble Theatre. $10. Appropriate for ages 13 and older.)
"A Jazz Musician Walks into a Comics Shop"
This live multimedia experience is inspired by "Instrumental," a graphic novel fable and accompanying soundtrack about a musician who's gifted an old trumpet by a mysterious stranger, only to discover that great and often terrible things happen whenever he starts to play it. The story and music sprung from the mind of trumpeter and Eastman Music alumnus Dave Chisholm, who acts as author, illustrator, composer, and performer. (Wednesday, September 19, 6 p.m. Lyric Theatre: Main Stage. $10. Appropriate for ages 13 and older.)
"Truly Divine"
My gay little heart is all atwitter over this world premiere production starring Rupaul's Drag Race alum Ginger Minj, who'll be giving her patented Glamour Toad spin to the role of legendary drag icon Divine. Billed as a blend of cabaret and biographical play, the show features music originally recorded by Divine. There's nothing about this that doesn't sound fabulous. (Wednesday, September 19, through Saturday, September 22, 9 p.m. School of the Arts: Ensemble Theatre. $20. Appropriate for ages 18 and older.)
"One Frogless Evening: A Tribute to the Amphibian Artiste Michigan J. Frog"
I mean, who doesn't have love in their heart for Michigan J. Frog, the beloved cane-and-top-hat-sporting amphibian star of several Merrie Melodies cartoons and one-time mascot of The WB Television Network (up until his untimely death in 2005)? If you ask me, it's high time someone gave that dapper frog the recognition he deserves. I don't entirely know what to expect from this musical revue performed by RIT's Flower City Lilly Pads, but I am intrigued. Sing it with me: "Hello my baby, hello my honey, hello my ragtime gal..." (Saturday, September 22, 5:30 p.m. The Little: Theatre 5. Free. All ages.)