Dana Gould

One of the sharper knives in the comedy drawer, Massachusetts stand-up Gould was a longtime writer and producer for "The Simpsons," and has also popped up on "The Ben Stiller Show," "Family Guy" and a memorable episode of "Seinfeld." He's done some screenwriting and National Public Radio work, as well, but it's Gould's brainy and biting and laugh-packed interactions with a live audience that resonate strongest. He used to interject a devastatingly on-the-mark parody of Larry King into his sets -- has that bit been retired, now that King's call-in show is off the air? More event details.

Tom Surowicz

'Uptown: The Musical'

It's a story all too real: A big chain moves into a neighborhood of locally owned shops, only to put them out of business. Box Wine Theatre puts its satirical touch on the familiar tale with "Uptown: The Musical" via the classic rock-opera device. The story follows the patrons of a fictional Uptown Minneapolis coffeeshop after they hear that a super-chain is moving into their neighborhood. Starbucks and McDonald's references are all but guaranteed. More event details.

• Jahna Peloquin