Raleigh
John Pinette
Goodnight’s Comedy ClubFans of the recently released-on-DVD Parker Lewis Can’t Lose might remember John Pinette from the show’s later seasons as the coach who ran the diner. Pinette’s been a regular on the stand-up comedy circuit for a long time, with a number of “Hey! It’s that guy!” jumps into TV and movies. (He was the obese neighbor in Thomas Jane’s take on The Punisher and the carjacking victim who kicked off the trial in the final episode of Seinfeld.) He’s also appeared in Broadway’s Hairspray as Edna Turnblad and does a lovely rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Pinette appears at Goodnight’s through Aug. 16 with special guest Eric Hunter. For more information, visit www.goodnightscomedy.com or call 828-5233. Zack Smith
Garner
Seussical, Jr.
Garner Historic AuditoriumArriving on Broadway in 2000, Seussical featured characters from many popular Dr. Seuss books, with the Cat in the Hat acting as narrator and occasional participant. Seussical, Jr. is an offshoot of that play, designed for performance by middle schoolers in the guise of a one-act. The “adult” version having been criticized for lack of focus, this version is stripped down to basics and designed to appeal primarily to a young audience. The Garner production takes this to heart, since Towne Players Teens and Kids are presenting it. The show weaves beloved characters like Horton the Elephant (subject of last year’s CGI feature film) and ye olde Whos of Whoville. Interspersed musical numbers depict a smorgasbord of styles, from swing to funk. The musical debuts today and runs through Aug. 15. Nightly performances are at 8, with a 2 p.m. matinee on the Saturday. For more information, visit www.towneplayers.org. Sarah Ewald
