Teahouse of Artful Serenity

[ ON STAGE ] Judah Friedlander This local boy (Gaithersburg's finest) has gone Hollywood, but always manages to stay in character -- he is always wearing a trucker hat and T-shirt that looks like it might be dirty-- whether he's on "30 Rock" or on stage, self-aggrandizing. He returns to D.C. for a run that begins tonight at the Improv. $15-$17. Tonight at 8:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday at 8 and 10:30 p.m., and Sunday at 8 p.m. DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-296-7008.

Tomorrow

[ ON STAGE ] Aaron Karo Who is this guy and why is his show at the 9:30 club tomorrow night one of those rare, seated affairs? Karo is not one of those singer-songwriters/guys with guitars, it turns out. He is a writer/comedian whose highest point to date arrived when he was a sophomore at U-Penn. That is when he penned an e-mail to his friends describing the idiosyncratic life of a college freshman; it was circulated so widely, it eventually became a book, "Ruminations on College Life." Now just under 30 and a self-described "recovering fratboy," he's still writing his ruminations (Seinfeldian thoughts on modern life, including notes on women and their little cameras, traveling in Japan, and filing taxes if you're a comedian.) Karo performs tomorrow. $30. Doors at 9 p.m. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. 202-393-0930.

Saturday

[ CONCERT ] DJ Rekha Returns Get funky when the founder of New York's regular Basement Bhangra parties visits the Black Cat again to spin traditional folk rhythms from India's Punjab region, mashed up hip-hop, Bollywood hits and dancehall. So how does one who is not from the subcontinent dance to Indian music? Just remember: Pretend you're simultaneously screwing in a light bulb and turning a doorknob. Works every time. $13. 9 p.m. 1811 14th St. NW. 202-667-7960.

Maryland

Today

[ ON STAGE ] "Elephant Man" Silver Spring-based Troika Theater -- a new company staging its first work -- presents this story of a hideously disfigured young man who maintains his dignity. Troika's spin: The troupe reworks the tale into something a little more avant-garde, with non-traditional casting. $18.50; $45, tickets and dinner. 8 tonight. Various times through April 27. Jackie's Restaurant, back room, 8081 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Reservations, 301-445-0145.

Tomorrow

[ FILM ] "Contempt" You can see the exact moment the insecure screenwriter (Michel Piccoli) loses the love (and respect) of his blindingly beautiful bride (Brigitte Bardot) in Jean-Luc Godard's "Contempt." She watches him cower before and butter up a producer (Jack Palance), even letting him make advances toward his wife. From then on, it's all downhill for the marriage. But the real treats are the tongue-in-cheek references to Hollywood staples -- oversexed blondes and stunning, beachy locations among them. A restored print of 1963's "Contempt" is at the AFI Silver tomorrow though next Thursday. $9.75; seniors, students and AFI members, $8.50. Daily at 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. (except on opening day, when there is no 12:30 screening). AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. 301-495-6720.

Northern Virginia

Today

[ FILM ] "Forgotten Ellis Island" This documentary by Boston journalist Lorie Conway looks at the massive hospital complex that treated immigrants at Ellis Island (and held the sick for long periods), an institution that sprang up in part to respond to the severe diseases that entered the United States through its new populations, and in the end, sent some people packing for reasons that included being "feebleminded." The movie, shown as part of the Planet Arlington series, is tonight at the Arlington Central Library. Free. 6:30 p.m. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. 703-228-6340.

[ ON STAGE ] "The Eccentricities of a Nightingale" This play marks the first time American Century Theater has tackled Tennessee Williams, and true to form, the company chose a rare one, Williams's reworking of his own "Summer and Smoke." The play follows a would-be couple whose ideals are so different that they threaten to keep them apart. $23-$29; age 18 and younger, free with adult. Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., also Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Theater II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington. 703-998-4555.

[ LITERATURE ] Poetry Night Marking National Poetry Night, Olsson's bookstore is opening its floor (on Thursdays, anyway) for people to read favorite poems or originals. Perhaps a good place to practice your delivery? Free. 7 p.m. Olsson's Books in Old Town Alexandria, 106 S. Union St. 703-684-0077.