Sci-Fi

The Church of Scientology has shown its willingness to bully critics in the courtroom, and because I could no sooner afford to defend myself in a lawsuit than I could afford my own personal E-meter, I'll just say that any religion that offers protection from spirits trapped on Earth by the evil alien Xenu seems reasonable to me. I hope director Jaime Castañeda's take on Kyle Jarrow's rock musical A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant tells the story of the religion, its founder/science-fiction author and its following of wealthy philosopher-entertainers like Tom Cruise and John Travolta with the solemn respect all parties deserve. Previews are Thursday through Saturday, and the show opens at 8 p.m. Saturday. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays through December 20 at Circle Theatre, 230 W. 4th St. in Fort Worth. Preview tickets are $10 to $15 and show tickets are $20 to $30 with discounts for seniors, students and groups. Call 817-877-3040 or visit circletheatre.com for reservations or information.
Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m. Starts: Nov. 20. Continues through Dec. 20, 2008