'Steampunk Delusions'
Two new plays inspired by the Victorian-era sci-fi fantasy genre are coming together for one night of steampunk-flavored theatrics. The first is Hardcover Theater's "The Diamond Lens," a dark comedy based on the 1858 short story by Fitz-James O'Brien about a young man who creates the most powerful microscope in history -- with the help of dark supernatural forces. It will be followed by English Scrimshaw Theatrical Novelties' "To Mars With Tesla," a staged silent comedy based on the title of a 1901 novel by Weldon J. Cobb, in which the extraordinary inventor Nikola Tesla visits Mars to match wits with his evil archnemesis, Thomas Edison. Both hourlong plays will be accompanied by steampunk costumes and set decor. -Jahna Peloquin
Bo Burnham
If you can't guess how 21-year-old Burnham is already headlining theaters, check your Internet connection. A few years ago the youngster's vulgar bedroom piano ditties and raps exploded on YouTube. Today he has a résumé that includes two full-length comedy albums and an appearance on "Conan." Oh, yeah, he can also drink now. Burnham is stylistic blend of Stephen Lynch's musical taboo-nudging and Demetri Martin's affable braininess. With ADHD pacing and hyper-literal punctuations, his creatively strong act has matured as rapidly as the rest of his career. -Jay Boller
