SATURDAY

Demetri Martin

Martin is a comic of few words. But that's no slight. Understanding the importance of word economy is essential to the craft and it's an area in which the 41-year-old comic excels. "I like people watching – mostly this one woman. Yeah, I'm doing them one at a time," he quips on his latest, aptly titled album "Standup Comedian," which was recorded at Acme Comedy Company. Incorporating everything from video to glockenspiel to his performances, Martin, now almost two decades into his career, continues to stand out as one of the most creative and consistently funny performers in the world. Read an interview with Martin at www.vita.mn/arts. (8 p.m. Sat. $39. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-339-7007 or www.hennepintheatretrust.org.) Raghav Mehta

SUNDAY

The Rockstars Get Literary

Local storytelling troupe the Rockstar Storytellers are an irreverent, sardonic, button-pushing bunch. So it should come as no surprise that the group would pay tribute to the queen of literary irreverence herself, Jane Austen. Their latest show, subtitled "No Sense and Bruised Pride," promises stories inspired by the words and characters of arguably the greatest romance writer in the English language in honor of Valentine's Day. From the feisty Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice" to the amorous trials and tribulations of "Sense and Sensibility," these rowdy raconteurs are sure to find plenty of material to soothe your romantic woes. (7 p.m. Sun. $10-$15. Bryant-Lake Bowl, 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-825-8948 or www.bryantlakebowl.com.) Jahna Peloquin

OPENING

'Ballet Works Project'

Each year, James Sewell Ballet steps outside of the box for this laboratory of dance experimentation. This year's "Ballet Works Project" features guest choreographer Joanna Kotze, who will be showing "The Rest of Everything." It's the first of two opportunities for Twin Cities audiences to experience the Bessie Award winner's choreography, as later this year she'll be creating a new commission for Zenon Dance. "Ballet Works Project 2015" also features Houston choreographer Jane Wiener's "Suspicious Fisherman" and work by the Reif Center's Amy Earnest and Lance Hardin and JSB company member Nic Lincoln. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., 7:30 p.m. Thu. Ends Feb. 15. $16-$20. JSB Tek Box, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-206-3600 or thecowlescenter.org.)Sheila Regan