We want to hate Bill Maher. We've wanted to smack that smug look off his face since his Politically Incorrect days, and his 2008 film Religulous, in which he interviews the nuttiest, most ignorant people he can find about their religious beliefs in a purported quest to discover why faith is important, perfectly encapsulated all his worst qualities. But we also have to admit it also brought up some very legitimate questions about the wisdom of voting for a politician based on the religion he or she claims--pretty lofty stuff for a guy whose film debut was in D.C. Cab and whose résumé includes the title Cannibal Women In The Avocado Jungle of Death. And for every easy target he picks, there are about a dozen incredibly bold statements that few would be willing to make, from his 2002 protest of the word "cowardly" to describe the 9/11 hijackers to last week calling the Koran a "hate-filled holy book." Maher will smirk, pat his own back for how smart he is and, much as you hate to admit it, make you question some of your own beliefs and sacred cows 8 p.m. Sunday at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St. Tickets ($45 to $75) are available at 214-880-0202 or attpac.org.
Sun., March 27, 8 p.m., 2011