Baltimore arts briefs: March 16

Daniel Ettinger, Steven J Satta-Fleming, Katie Ellen Simmons-Barth and Sarah Gorman star in the Baltimore area reading of "8" on Monday. (Photo courtesy Iron Crow Theatre.)

New Black play explores Prop 8 controversy

Iron Crow Theatre Company presents American Foundation for Equal Rights and Broadway Impact’s “8,” a new play by gay screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, for a one-night-only staged reading on Monday at Baltimore Theatre Project (45 W. Preston St.) at 8 p.m.

“8″ chronicles what happened during the landmark trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger using actual court transcripts and first-hand interviews, showing both sides of the debate.

Tickets range from $12 to $17 and can be purchased online at ironcrowtheatre.com. Proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights and its lawsuit for marriage equality.

For more information, visit 8theplay.com.

Rivers coming to Baltimore next weekend

Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Joan Rivers plays the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (12 North Eutaw St.) on March 23 at 8 p.m.

The evening will feature some of Rivers’ newest work including riffs on “The Celebrity Apprentice,” Hollywood, pop culture, reality TV, award show fashion and more.

Tickets range from $42 to $62 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.

Hippo searches for new faces

Club Hippo (1 West Eager St.) has two special events happening this weekend.

First up on tonight is Baltimore’s Newest Face, a monthly contest for anyone who hasn’t previously competed in a state or national pageant. All contestants will presents a talent number running seven minutes or less. For more information, contact Josie at 410-274-7118.

Then its Workout Saturday with special guest DJ Carl Michaels of Woodys and Voyeur Nightclub in Philadelphia.

There’s also the clubs weekly events like bingo on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. and karaoke with Gary and Paulie on Friday at 9 p.m.

Evening of feminist theater at Centerstage

Centerstage (700 North Calvery St.) is partnering with the University of Maryland-Baltimore County Department of Theatre for the production, “Grrl Parts: The Extra Bits” on Saturday at 2 p.m.

The production will showcase UMBC’s “Grrl Parts 2012″ directed by Eve Muson and featuring UMBC students in short plays written by notable female playwrights such as Kate Moira Ryan and Lucy Thurber. There will also be readings of past “Grrl Parts” plays featuring local professional actors.

The night will end with a panel discussion featuring all five playwrights, led by “Grrl Parts” artistic director, Susan McCully; and professor, performer and advocate, Susan Jonas, on the importance of women’s plays, playwrights and overall presence in today’s theater world.

This is a free event. For more information visit umbc.edu/grrlparts.