Our Picks for the Weekend Star-Bulletin staff

---

COMICS

ARTafterDARK takes on manga theme for event

Our illustrious manga and anime columnist Jason Yadao has already mentioned this in his Cel Shaded Monday column, but just to remind you, this month's ARTafterDARK event Friday night at the Honolulu Academy of Arts has a major manga theme.

Besides having all the galleries open starting at 6, things should be lively as guests are encouraged to dress up Harajuku style or in their best cosplay finery. There'll be a contest to go along with that, plus live character creation body art, an Asian art scavenger hunt, live music by Bari Bari 13 and house and J-pop beats provided by DJs Kentaro, Slant and Xhift.

Japanese cuisine and beverages will be provided by E&O Trading Co., and a Yoyogi Park-themed bar featuring mixologist Joey Gottesman.

Call 532-6099 or visit artafterdark.org.

THEATER

Loose Screws to host improv event at church

The Loose Screws improv comedy troupe does a rare appearance outside their regular downtown venue at the ARTS at Marks Garage to actually play, of all places, a church. But don't worry, they promise to be family-friendly clean during their two sets at the Bethel Chapel Assembly of God in Waipahu, located at 94-371C Ana Lane.

The shows are a benefit to raise funds for the church's missions team to the Philippines.

Tickets are $5 advance and $8 at the door, with group and church discounts available. Call 677-3992.

FAMILY

WCC Imaginarium brings in furry friend in tale

Starting Friday, it's "Larry Cat in Space" at the Windward Community College's Hokulani Imaginarium.

Targeted primarily for kindergarten through third grade, the show is an imaginative tale about an inquisitive cat who hitchhikes a trip to the moon with his human family, there to join the rest of the inhabitants of Imbrium Village.

The show will be in rotation with other special Friday evening offerings like "The Search for Life in the Universe," "Sky Pirates" and "Stargazing" through May 23.

It all starts at 7 p.m., with admission prices at $5 adults, $4 University of Hawaii students, military and seniors, and $3 children 12 and under. Call 235-7433.

TICKETS

French pianist tickling ivories for symphony

This weekend's Honolulu Symphony offering in the Halekulani MasterWorks series features French pianist Pascal Rogé in a performance of Ravel's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G Major.

The all-French program with conductor Andreas Delfs includes Dukas' "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique."

Rogé's name is synonymous with the best playing of French repertory today, and is recognized as one of the great pianists of his generation and as a worldwide ambassador of French music. His interpretation of the two Ravel concertos with Charles Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra won both a Grand Prix du Disque and an Edison Award.

Tickets are $21, $28, $44, $55 and $74 (including service fees), with students, military and seniors receiving a 20 percent discount, and sold at Ticketmaster outlets at all Times Supermarkets and charge by phone at (877) 750-4400.

Call 792-2000 or visit www.honolulusymphony.com.