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Do It Today: The Big Bang improv show at Nova 535, Miguel Santana's book signing at The Studio@620, The $ting in Gulfport

By Franki Weddington on Thu, Apr 1, 2010 at 1:00 am

Miguel Santana provides a sneak peek at his new novel, The Marien Revelation, which re-contextualizes passages of religious texts and Biblical stories to question the tenets of Christianity. It follows Mary and her modern counterpart, Marien, who is trapped in a loveless relationship and is pregnant with an unplanned child. Santana's discussion is moderated by Professor Davina C. Lopez of Eckerd College. Visit studio620.org for more info. Thurs., April 1, 7:30 p.m., The Studio@620, St. Petersburg, "pay what you can" admission.

Island Community Theatre relives Chi-town in the 1930s, when guys, dolls and gangsters ruled the Windy City in The $ting. Johnny Hooker is a small job guy, but when he crosses the wrong boss, his friend takes the hit -- and now Johnny has to get revenge on one of the city's most powerful men. Johnny's Big Con is a multi-step process: first comes The Set-Up, followed by The Hook, The Tale and The Shut Out. And that, ladies and gents, is The $ting. Visit islandcommunitytheatre.com for more info. April 1-11, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Catherine Hickman Theatre, Gulfport, $15, $10 students.

In an effort to " ignite a resurgence of art and artists in the heart of Gulfport," a group of artists host The Gathering, a pot luck dinner, live music by Blue Cypress, and the chance to win an original work by Gulfport's resident glass blower, Owen Pach. Call Peg's Cantina at 727-328-2720 for more info. Thurs., April 1, 7-9 p.m., Peg's Pizza Cantina, Gulfport.

Wendy Wax discusses the latest in her string of successful chick-lit novels, Magnolia Wednesdays, about four wildly different Georgia women and the ballroom dance studio that brings them together. Visit authorwendywax.com for more info. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 1, Inkwood Books, 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa.

is an engaging night of laughs, created by NOVA 535 owner Michael Novilla, that combines comedy, singing, dancing and any other talents (or schticks) you can think of. It’s an American Idol/Gong Show-style competition, where a panel of judges vote on the fate of local wannabe-popsters — and many of the performers are professionals, including the show’s host, Daniel “Motown Pride” Jefferson. Kick back, dine and select tasty beverages from Nova’s full bar — but don’t booze too much, because the audience picks the winner at the end of the show, while the three-judge panel picks second and third place. First prize is $100 and a chance to compete for the $1,000 grand prize — not too shabby. Perhaps I should work on perfecting burping the alphabet backwards while jumping rope. 8 p.m. Thurs., April 1, NOVA 535, 535 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, nova535.com. —Lily Reisman

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