Also this issue: Boom Town CP's dance critics take a look at all four evenings of DanceBoom! at the Wilma. -D.K and J.A Artsbeat -Debra Auspitz A Night with Dame Edna -David Anthony Fox Face Time -Lori Hill Party On, Garth -Deni Kasrel Stephen Dubner -Andrew Milner La Traviata: Verdi Good -David Shengold

January 30-February 5, 2003

artpicks

For the Love of Pig Iron!

Since its start in 1995, Pig Iron Theatre Company, led by artistic directors Dito van Reigersberg, Quinn Bauriedel and Dan Rothenberg, has specialized in an experimental physical performance art/dance/comic schtick that's garnered Pew Fellowships and Barrymore Awards. So when they decided to have a fundraiser for themselves, it was only natural that their guest-talent list be equally provocative. The "For The Love Of Pig Iron!" cabaret promises to be a raucous event as a well as a charitable one.

Along with debuting his power-angsty duo FrITO (with Brothers Suggarillo's Victor Fiorillo) with a Tenacious D-like take on "Total Eclipse of the Heart" co-starring Headlong dancers, van Reigersberg will sing the "History of Pig Iron." Joining Headlong and Fiorillo around the Ethical Society's baby grand will be Philly perf-art and music A-listers like She-Haw, the now forever-labeled "Girls from FLOP" (New Paradise Labs' Lee Ann Etzold and Headlong's Nichole Canuso), Madi Distefano and special guest Mariana the Ukrainian Songbird (a former member of Poland's Gardzienice Theatre). Plus you're sure to see many a Pig Iron-er in the mix. If that doesn't grab you, just go to the after-party dance jam where local thespian David Disbrow tackles his most challenging role to date -- funk-o-fied DJ.

For the Love of Pig Iron!, Fri., Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.­midnight, (cabaret runs 8­9:30 p.m.), $10, The Ethical Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Sq., 215-627-1883.

—A.D. Amorosi