"School's out!" may be the collective cry of America's youth this week, but not us. Not you and me, the paper pushing mid-20's citizens, who are past the point of the overwhelming freedom that only arrives at the end of a semester, or perhaps the end of an entire college career. We're stuck here inside these three-wall cubicles, pretending to care about numbers or facts or figures (or, if you're me, you're praying someone like you exists in the universe to read this little blog). But when the blinking clock at the top of the computer screen blinks 5:00 p.m., we'll jump up from our desk and forget about all of that nonsense until tomorrow. This week, let's leave work behind and nerd out with science after work, or revel in the dulcet tones of a local pianist. Let's pretend for a minute, that we grew up to be the classy people we always imagined. With this goal in mind, here are a few things to class up your work week:
Monday, May 19 Neil degrasse Tyson When it comes to astrophysics, cosmology and space exploration few people on Earth carry as much clout as Neil deGrasse Tyson. Even before Stephen Colbert's recent assertion that Tyson was his "favorite guest of all time," People Magazine named him the "Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive" in 2000. Tyson has written 10 books ranging from New York Times bestseller "Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries" to the well-written, hilariously titled "The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet." Currently, Tyson is helming the fascination "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" a 21st century update of Carl Sagan's groundbreaking TV series "COSMOS." Tyson will no doubt captivate the audience at the Winspear Opera House (2403 Flora St.) with his humorous take on the latest in space, pop astrophysics and other "COSMOS"-related topics in this special appearance. The event starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $100. For more information, visit attpac.org. --Daniel Rodrigue
Tuesday, May 20 Classical Open Mic Wandering into Buzzbrews on Lemmon Avenue on a Tuesday night is like stepping into a European cafe. Some of the city's best violinists spend the evening with Classical Open Mic, improving or performing their favorite piece from the likes of Beethoven or Mozart. Discover new music or just sit back and enjoy a beer, while the music transports you to another place in time. This event is free and starts at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Buzzbrews Kitchen, 4334 Lemmon Ave.
Dallas Comedy House's Open Mic If you need something a bit more rowdy than classical musicians, drag your laugh-hungry ass to the Dallas Comedy House, 2645 Commerce St. It's open mic night, so it's your chance to laugh with (or at) the comedians greasing their elbows, or see if your own jokes go straight to the funny bone. Stop by at 8 p.m. Tuesday and stick around until the last comic's done standing.
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure This is the last week to catch the great detective in Dallas Theater Center's Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure. See the world's most famous detective on a new case that may be his last. Tickets available at dallastheatercenter.org.
Wednesday, May 21 Booth There is so much art and literature about Abraham Lincoln and his assassination, one could fill several museums and libraries with it all, but not much is known about his killer, John Wilkes Booth, even though his personal history, and the story of his plans leading up to the attack, are complex and fascinating. Second Thought Theatre presents Booth, local playwrights Steven Walters and Erik Archilla's play that tells the story of the "American Judas." This story explores the events that preceded Lincoln's assassination and the intricate search to bring his assassin to justice. It is told as intertwined plots to expose a new perspective on the conspiracy, and provide a more indepth look at the complicated antagonist. Previews start Wednesday, with the bonafide opening on Friday evening. The show takes place at Bryant Hall, which shares a parking lot with the Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Preview shows and Monday performances are pay-what-you-can, all other shows $25. Visit secondthoughttheatre.com or call 214-522-8499 for tickets and information. --Katey Margolis
Trivia & Comedy If you're looking for some competition and a few good laughs, head to Ten Bells Tavern (232 W. 7th St) at 7 p.m. Wednesday. This Bishop Arts District pub gathers a few local comedians and some kickass trivia masters for an evening of fun and games. Grab a team and test your nerd knowledge. If you don't win, laugh off your defeat with the night's final comic.
