• Hal Holbrook in "Mark Twain Tonight": Julia Sugarbaker's husband and Oscar nominee for this year's Into the Wild, Broadway veteran Hal Holbrook won a Tony Award in 1966 for playing satirical American writer in this performance, and he's been doing it ever since. This one-man show draws on observations taken from Twain's own material. A real treat for admirers of American literature. The show starts tonight at 8 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco; $55.
• Robyn at popscene: This Swedish "pint-sized atom bomb" import -- who sounds a whole lot like Kate Bush, and we mean that in the best way possible -- spits out bite-sized pop ballads on love, heartbreak, and the "post-adolescent condition." Oh my. Doors open at 10 p.m. at 330 Ritch; $10, $12 (18-and-over).
• Ben X (2007): An autistic teenager immerses himself in the comfy world of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (i.e., MMORPG) The film is based on Nic Balthazar's novel that was inspired by the real-life story of an autistic boy who committed suicide in part due to constant bullying. Though not the most cheery film, it is a most fascinating one nevertheless. This kicks off the 10th Annual SF Indiefest. Screens tonight at 9:15 p.m. at the Castro Theatre; $6-9.

-- Grilled Cheese Invitational : What's better than a grilled cheese sandwich? Nothing, that's what. (Our apologies go out to all and any lactose-intolerant readers. You live a life of heartache we can only imagine.) This competition, though, will feature ingredients ranging from Kraft Singles (yum!) to truffle butter, brie, rice, and more. Starts at 8:30 p.m. at Eli's Mile High Club, Oakland; $5. more ›

Edward Gorey's art is perhaps the greatest combination of cute and grotesque we've seen. And it's not just for goth kids; everyone can enjoy the new exhibit at the Cartoon Museum of Art (655 Mission St.) through January 20, 2008. more ›

-- Avenue Q: This tee hee-inducing musical features un-Seaseme Street-like puppets (e.g., a closeted homosexual republican, for starters) and an ode to racism. What's more, the indie production won a surprise Tony Award for best musical, as well as best score and book, beating out Disney's Wicked. It opens tonight at 7 p.m at the Orpheum Theater, 1192 Market; $25-$90. more ›

-- Are you ready for the genius that is Peaches Christ and her Midnight Mass cult-film series? [Bay Area Reporter] -- Television -- glorious, warm, loving television! -- on BART cars? Hmm. [Inside Bay Area, Oakland Tribune] -- Matt Stroud takes a brief, much-needed break from his Rocky-like boxing bootcamp training. [The Snitch] -- Affordable housing advocates get pinched by the fuzz. Remember, purveyors of justice: don't drop the soap! [Fog City Journal] --... more ›

We've got a killer North American premiere and a Tony Award-winning play with its Tony Award-winning actresses--we've even got some sketch comedy from New York. more ›

This week, Geary Street has two shows that are next door neighbors, but couldn't possibly further from each other on the theatrical spectrum. more ›

What can we say? This week's offerings are b-r-i-l-l-i-a-n-t. more ›

Theater doesn't really pick up again until the middle of January, but this week you have a chance to catch some pretty hot shows. more ›