Joe Rogan thinks he's funny, though you may not know it from his poker-faced persona as host of NBC's Fear Factor. Rogan, who formerly appeared in the sitcom NewsRadio alongside Phil Hartman and Andy Dick, and is now a rookie host of The Man Show on Comedy Central, professes that standup comedy is his true passion, and wants to demonstrate it for you when he appears at the Tempe Improv this weekend. Rogan's live shows are so filthy-mouthed that he asks the venues in which he appears to slap disclaimers on their ads, promising "the strongest language and material content imaginable." We hope it's funnier than the new Man Show, which, after the departure of Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Corolla, bears a remarkable likeness to the Hindenburg. Showtimes are Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11, at 8 and 10 p.m., and Sunday at 8 p.m. only. Tickets are $25 at the Improv, 930 East University in Tempe. Call 480-921-9877 for reservations. - Brendan Joel Kelley
Musical Genius
Bob Fosse is honored in performance
10/14-10/20
Theater League's Fosse showcases the work of Broadway legend Bob Fosse, whose choreography was behind memorable shows from Chicago to Cabaret. The hit musical starts its seven-day run at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday, October 14. For tickets, visit www.tickets.com or call 1-800-905-3315. - Michele Laudig
Cruel Intentions
Shakespeare's wicked tragedy takes the stage
10/9-10/18
Southwest Shakespeare Company's newest production, The Tragedy of Richard III, opens this weekend, vividly bringing to life the scheming and seduction that led wicked Richard III to the throne of England, and the battle that ultimately brought the vicious War of the Roses to an end. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, through October 18, at the Mesa Amphitheatre, 251 North Center. For tickets or information, call 480-990-4404. - Michele Laudig
Bruce Almighty
Former TV host performs
10/10-10/11
Since opening the Comedy Spot in June, owner and comedian Sean Dillingham has proven to be dead serious about creating a buzz at his downtown Scottsdale comedy bar. In a short period of time, the club has displayed a knack for attracting proven national acts, a trend that continues when funnyman Bruce Baum, late of America's Funniest People and soon to star as himself in an upcoming episode of The Simpsons, visits the Valley on Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11. The club is located at 7117 East Third Avenue in Scottsdale. Tickets are $12. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Friday and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. For details call 480-945-4422 or visit www.thecomedyspot.net. - Craig Wallach