Best of the Week (April 14-21): 'Hedwig,' Billy Bragg, Earth Day, more

Stalking the Ritz Theater stage in a blond wig, high heels and denim miniskirt, Tyler Michaels King presents a spectacle of tawdry, feral mystery in the title role of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." At times, Theater Latté Da's production of the glam-rock musical is a blisteringly loud rock concert — ushers rightly hand out earplugs at the door — but it arrests you with much more than arena-sized volume. "Hedwig" embraces the ambiguities of people in the process of becoming truer to themselves. Rohan Preston

2 p.m. today and next Sun., 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat. Ends May 5. Ritz Theater, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. $31-$51; 612-339-3003, latteda.org.

Art is not funny. At least, that's what we are told to think. The Theater of Public Policy has decided to change that, taking improv games into the American Swedish Institute's exhibition "Imagine: Surreal Photography by Erik Johansson." The Swedish-born photographer creates impossible scenes like a man paddling his canoe on a lake made of a shattered mirror, or a road splitting in half as a biker approaches. A complimentary libation from the Fika Cafe is provided.

Alicia Eler

7 p.m. Thu. American Swedish Institute, Mpls. $30-$35, 612-871-4907 or asimn.org.

The SPCO's Liquid Music Series pairs music with dance for a full evening of experimentation. First up, London-based dancer (and Thom Yorke collaborator) Fukiko Takase, pictured, worked with composer Dustin O'Halloran to create "1 0 0 1," an ethereal piece grappling with artificial technology. Then comes uber-talented composer, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Lewis (Bon Iver, Happy Apple) joining forces with Eva Mohn of Sweden's Cullberg Ballet.

Sheila Regan

In his fourth decade on the road, British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg has fashioned a special strategy. On what he calls the One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Tour, the sometimes folk, sometimes punk, always politicized singer will explore three different aspects of his career. Opening night is a retrospective of his 35 years of recording. Night 2 revisits his first three kinda punkish albums. On the final night, the repertoire is in a pop vein from Bragg's second three albums.

Jon Bream

8 p.m. Thu.-Sat. Fine Line, Mpls., $40-$55, etix.com.

A newly announced 2019 State Fair grandstand act, perky and percolating boy band Why Don't We first makes a stand at one of Minnesota's least grand venues as it continues to try to break through as the new New Kids. The quintet has landed minor hits with "Something Different" and "8 Letters," the title track of last year's full-length debut. But it has a strong internet and live following — especially in the Twin Cities, which eldest member Jonah Marais, 20, calls home.

Chris Riemenschneider

Explore the world beyond Earth with members of NASA's Solar System Ambassadors program. See a model rover up close and find out how NASA scientists use the vehicle to move across planets and other celestial bodies. Go inside an inflatable planetarium and gain insight on the stars and planets through hands-on demonstrations and activities.

Melissa Walker

Noon-4 p.m. Sat. $14.95-$18.95. Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul. smm.org.

Few bands since AC/DC have survived the loss of their lead singer as well as Alice in Chains has after the untimely passing of Layne Staley 17 years ago this month. Proof that guitarist and bandleader Jerry Cantrell has kept the fires burning strong lies in last year's album "Rainier Fog," which has been paired with an impressive series of thematically tied music videos that have unfolded like a cool sci-fi series. The band still plays the old grunge-era hits in concert, too.

C.R.

In the days before talkies, silent films were routinely screened with live performances of synchronized music. Twin Cities chamber group Accordo has resurrected this tradition in recent seasons. Its latest program features Los Angeles composer Stephen Prutsman's vivid new score for the 1924 Buster Keaton film "Sherlock Jr." Rounding out the program are Prutsman's "Journey to the Moon" and music by Iranian composer Hooshyar Khayam.

Terry Blain

7:30 p.m. Tue. Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul. $29-$35.50, schubert.org.

Pay homage to Mother Earth with a day of environmental fun. Help spiffy up the park by helping caretakers clean debris from the area. Breathe some fresh air and get a little exercise on naturalist-led hikes. Self-guided nature exploration and art activities are also on tap. Have nature-themed art painted on your face. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

M.W.