OPENING

'Meronymy'

Experimental theater Red Eye kicks off its 29th season with an out-of-the-box, thought-provoking show. Incorporating kinesthetics, kaleidoscopic visuals and live audio-visual components, "Meronymy" is described as a "portrait of memory in the Information Age." The new production written by local playwright and Jerome Fellowship honoree Rachel Jendrzejewski explores what happens when ancient mnemonic devices come into contact with high-speed modern technology. Language and technology geeks, this show's for you. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Through Oct. 28. $8-$25. Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. 612-870-0309. www. redeyetheater.org.) JAHNA PELOQUIN

'But Not for Love'

With the proposed marriage amendment dominating headlines, the local theater community has reacted with a number of productions exploring the themes of love, marriage and gay rights. The latest is "But Not for Love," a joint production from Workhouse Theatre and the Flower Shop Project written by Matthew A. Everett and directed by Richard Jackson. The comedy of errors centers around two couples -- one gay, one straight -- who attempt a double wedding. High jinks, and presumably some make-ya-think moments, are sure to ensue. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Through Oct. 28. $13-$15. The Warren - An Artist Habitat, 4400 Osseo Rd., Mpls. www.workhousetheatre.org.) J.P.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

'Dance Rhapsody'

Choreographer Karen Charles leads her Threads Dance Project into its third season with a new production, "Dance Rhapsody." Charles tackles a variety of challenging subjects, from love to grief, through her contemporary works, and this program features the premiere of "Humanity & Elysian Fields Avenue," an exploration of Hurricane Katrina's immeasurable impact on New Orleans and its surrounding areas. Performed to music by New Orleans-born jazz artist Terence Blanchard, the work will examine the human toll of a tragedy, measured not only by fatalities but also blows to the spirit caused by loss of home, families, neighbors, culture and more. (8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. $25. Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Av. S., Mpls. 612-343-3390 or www.ticketworks.com.)

CAROLINE PALMER

MONDAY-NEXT SATURDAY

10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival

While it can't in good faith guarantee a set number of guffaws, the first-ever 10,000 Laughs Fest will aim its comedic guns high. The weeklong local comedy bonanza (standup, sketch, video, live music) hits various locations (Comedy Corner Underground, Grumpy's, Spring Street) and features standouts such as Andy Erikson, Adam Quesnell and headliner Tim Harmston. (Mon.-next Sat. $27.50 for all-access pass. www. 10000laughs.com.)JAY BOLLER