CASTING CALL
'The Amazing Race':
Can't sing, sew or even survive? Well, luckily, this globe-trotting reality show just requires you to be really bossy and good with a map. Hosted by Phil Keoghan (above), the show is looking for fresh contestants for its next travel-athlon. Things get started at 10 a.m. Saturday at Harley Davidson of Baltimore, 8845 Pulaski Highway in Rosedale.
CONCERT
New Kids on the Block:
The much-mocked, but beloved boy band is still hanging tough. While the comeback campaign for the early '90s hitmakers hasn't translated in album sales, the national tour has been a big hit with their now grown-up fan base. Show starts 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the 1st Mariner Arena.
More: www.baltimorearena.com
CIRCUS
'MUMBO':
The big top bonanza continues this week with another, albeit saucier, circus act. Promising partial nudity and shameless humor, burlesque performers Keri Burneston and Adam Krandle offer up a naughtier version of the Greatest Show on Earth. Starts 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and runs till March 22 at Theater Project.
More: theatreproject.org
FILM
Paul Rudd:
in 'I Love You, Man':
My favorite comedic straight man is looking for a little bromance. Rudd plays a friendless groom-to-be on the hunt for a best man for his impending nuptials. But in true awkward, gross-out, comedy fashion, his "selection" (a disheveled Jason Segel) is more than he bargained for. In theaters Friday.
DVD
Twilight:
If you were wondering why teen girls and cougars were freakin' about someone named Robert Pattinson, you're in luck. Thanks to DVD, you can check out uber-cheesy vampire romp without getting busted. It will be our little secret. In stores Saturday.
THEATER
' The Cherry Orchard':
It may be more than 100 years old, but Chekhov's final play about a family on the financial brink sure has some added resonance these days. And the Everyman Theatre is back doing what it does best: modern classics. Clinton Brandhagen (below) stars. Opens 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
More: everymantheatre.org
CONCERT
'Lil Wayne :
Fresh off his smash album Tha Carter III, the rapper returns to Baltimore, but here's hoping he shows up on time. He may be a great recording artist, but he has struggled with live shows. The spectacle Show stars at 8 p.m. Friday at the 1st Mariner.
More: www.baltimore-arena.com
ART
'Custer's Last Stand ...':
by Raoul Middleman:
A fixture on the Baltimore scene for decades, Middleman gives us a peek into his painterly obsessions both past and present with a new show at the C. Grimaldis Gallery. The huge oil painting Custer's Last Stand serves as the centerpiece. Runs through April 11.
More: cgrimaldisgallery.com
TV
Iraq war documentaries:
Hard to believe, but it has been six years since U.S. troops entered Iraq. The Sundance Channel offers a series of films that show how drastically life changed for Americans and Iraqis alike. The stories are both broad and personal, including a profile of an Iraqi heavy metal band (pictured). Starts 10 p.m. Thursday.
POP MUSIC
'Fist of God':
:
by MSTRKRFT:
They may be biased against vowels, but the dance-music duo of Jesse F. Keeler and Alex Puodziukas isn't squeamish about mixing it up musically. Their second album is a potent blend of electronica, piano pop and a little punk. Look for the band next month at Sonar. In stores Tuesday.