It's hard not to fall in love with a sweet transsexual Transylvanian whose sole purpose is growing the perfect sex toy. While he (using the pronoun loosely) might be a hero to some, he's also The Rocky Horror Show's Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a naughty heathen clad in fishnets and obsessed with finding pleasure anywhere he can get it. Nearly Naked Theatre brings the stage version of the cult movie classic to the Phoenix Little Theatre at 100 East McDowell on Friday, August 27, through September 18. For the authentic experience, showgoers should dress like freaks, throw toast and persecute the "virgins" (people who have not seen the show, relax). But save the interactive urges for the audience-participation nights scheduled for September 4, 11 and 18 at 10:30 p.m. The rest of the show dates are for those who actually care about the . . . umm . . . plot. For tickets, $12 to $14, call 602-274-2432. --C. Murphy Hebert
Silly Love Songs
Classical music to get you in the mood
Wed 9/1
Love is all around us on Wednesday, September 1, at ASU's Katzin Concert Hall, 40 East Gammage Parkway in Tempe, for the Red Rocks Music Festival "Love Themes" concert at 7:30 p.m. The free show -- which "delves into love's complexities" -- includes works by Mendelssohn and Dvorá, and Boccherini's String Quartet. Call 480-965-8863. --Joe Watson
Rain O.A.R. Shine
Band mixes it up at Mesa Amphitheatre
Tue 8/31,/b>
Conveniently, Without a Paddle is drowning in movie theaters this week, and O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) is in town to stay afloat. On Tuesday, August 31, the reggae roots-rock band headlines, with Guster, Howie Day, and Matt Nathanson opening the show at 5:30 p.m. at Mesa Amphitheatre, 201 North Center. Tickets are $26. Call 480-784-4444. --Joe Watson
Last Laugh
Comics hash it out in Comedy Finals
Thu 8/26
The next time you're driving through Old Town Scottsdale, stop and smell the melting asphalt. Better yet, stop and check out the Arizona State Comedy Finals at The Comedy Spot, 7117 East Third Avenue, on Thursday, August 26. The competition began with 76 entrants, and only 12 locals remain for the finals. Three "celebrity judges" (two from local radio and one from the local press) will judge each comedian on 12 criteria, including stage presence, originality of material, and body language (judges consider audience reaction, too). The winner receives $500 cash, as well as paid opening slots at The Comedy Spot, the Tempe Improv, and Laffs in Tucson. Tickets are $15. No reservations will be taken for the event, so arrive early if you want to grab a seat within heckling distance. Call 480-945-4422 or visit www.thecomedyspot.net. --Niki D'Andrea
Venus Envy
Girls just want to have fun--and respect, too
8/27-9/19
Hey, ladies in the place, we're callin' out to you: Gather up your gal pals for a girls' night out at Scottsdale's Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 North Scottsdale Road, for the troupe's production of A . . . My Name Is Alice starting Friday, August 27. Forget Oprah and all her schmaltz, this show's a real source of girl power. A series of lively vignettes and musical numbers is packed with emotions ranging from the uproarious to the heart-rending, all detailing the experiences of the fairer sex and the various roles they handle -- whether it be mother, working woman or diva. The boys can come along, but will the play help them decipher the feminine mystique? "Oh, please, if the show did that, we men would be lining up around the block," says director Gerry Cullity. "Women will come away from it understanding themselves better, but I didn't. I still don't get 'em." Answer the female call through September 19. Tickets are $22 for adults, and $20 for seniors and students. Call 480-483-1664 or see www.desertstagestheatre.com. --Benjamin Leatherman
