Star Democrat Entertainment Editor Greg Maki reviews the latest movies at Maki at the Movies.

Latest reviews include "This Means War," "Safe House" and "The Woman in Black."

<p>From left, Bridget Page, Ira Nelson, Sharon Gilroy, Bill Gross and Laura Todd appear in the Tred Avon Players' new production, "Life is a Cabaret: The Songs of Kander &amp; Ebb," at the Oxford Community Center.</p>

OXFORD The Tred Avon Players' 30th anniversary 2012 season is under way.

"Life is a Cabaret: The Songs of Kander & Ebb," celebrating the music of the writing duo of John Kander and Fred Ebb, opened Thursday night at the newly renovated Oxford Community Center and will continue this weekend and next weekend.

TAP's 30th season coincides with the 50th anniversary of Kander and Ebb's collaboration. Director Joe Tyler is celebrating his 25th year with TAP in presenting this song-and-dance production.

"Of all the music found on Broadway in the past 50 years, Kander and Ebb produced some of the most memorable and timeless," Tyler said. "Not since George M. Cohan at the turn of the last century has there been a composer whose music could be pulled from a musical and thrown directly into a Vaudeville show. Most of their songs stand on their own and can be used in whatever setting you choose, and it will still have the same impact on an audience."

Kander and Ebb have written songs for 20 Broadway musicals, including "Chicago," "Cabaret," "Woman of the Year," "Curtains," "The Act" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." They also worked together on the films "New York, New York" and "Funny Lady."

"Kander and Ebb had a love for the music of the '20s and '30s, as evidenced by 'Cabaret' and 'Chicago,'" Tyler said, "but they also jumped at the chance to contribute truly meaningful songs that explained the inner thoughts of the characters that sang them."

Twenty-six local entertainers are participating in the production: Gail Aveson, Jane Copple, Katie Cox, Nathalie Derakshani, Paulette Florio, Joey Frankos, Marcia Gilliam, Sharon Gilroy, Bill Gross, Dana Haddaway, Debbie Harmon, Portia Hughes, Jenny Madino, Ira Nelson, Bridget Page, Wendy Pagenstecher, Lara Prettyman, Lisa Roth, Zack Schlag, John Swann, Laura Todd, Joe Tyler, Kim Wilson and Herb Ziegler, accompanied by Ellen Barry Grunden, with Shelby Clendaniel on percussion.

"I have to be the luckiest director alive," Tyler said. "Not only do I have a passion for the genius of Kander and Ebb, but to have a cast of 25 other people who share this same passion is beyond my greatest expectations."

Tyler adds an experienced production crew with Katie Cox as assistant director, Lisa Roth as producer, Beth Driggs as stage manager, Skipper Marquess and Rob Sanchez on lights, and Tom Gross as sound operator. The choreography is by Debbie Beasley, Katie Cox, Joe Tyler, Sharon Gilroy and Nathalie Derakshani.

Show times are 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday, as well as Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25; and both 2 and 7 p.m. this Sunday and Sunday, Feb. 26.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Call 410-226-0061 or visit www.tredavonplayers.org for information.

PHOTO BY CHRIS POLK
<p>Linus (Lukas Magee), right, comforts Lucy (Maggie Vogelsang) as he totes his blanket during a rehearsal Feb. 9 of the Easton High School musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Additional performances are set for 7 p.m. tonight and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Talbot County Auditorium.</p>

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<p>LISE DE LA SALLE</p>

WYE MILLS The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Saturday night will introduce the next generation of musical greats at its concert at Chesapeake College's Todd Performing Arts Center.

Thirty-three-year-old New York City native James Gaffigan will conduct the BSO in selections by Brahms, Mozart, Wagner and Strauss, and 24-year-old French-born pianist Lise de la Salle will play Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 20."

The orchestra also will perform Brahms's "Tragic Overture," Wagner's "Overture to the Flying Dutchman" and Strauss's "Death and Transfiguration."

The concert will start at 8 p.m., preceded by a discussion led by Mathew Spivey, BSO vice president for artistic operations, at 7 p.m.

Gaffigan recently was appointed chief conductor of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. He has guest-conducted the Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Houston and other leading American orchestras.

His international career was launched when he was a first-prize-winner of the 2004 Sir George Solti International Conducting Competition. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and holds a master's degree from Rice University, Shepherd School of Music.

De la Salle began studying piano at age 4, and at 9, she gave her first concert, which was broadcast live by Radio France. She studied with some of Europe's leading teachers and has won numerous prestigious competitions. She has made a specialty of Russian composers, particularly Prokofiev and Shostakovich, but her growing discography also includes Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Liszt and Ravel.

Now in its 41st year, the Mid-Shore Symphony Society presents the BSO concerts. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at the door or by calling 410-827-5867.

<p>Vance Gilbert will perform tonight in the Avalon Theatre's Stoltz Listening Room.</p>

EASTON Vance Gilbert is known for a lot of things.

His acoustic guitar playing and tenor voice immediately come to mind. So does his repertoire of classic folk standards and original compositions.

But what sets Gilbert apart from many performers is the way he bonds with an audience. Whether he's playing for thousands at a folk festival or in a more intimate venue, Gilbert's stage presence and humor always builds a warm relationship with his audience.

Gilbert will bring that at 8 p.m. tonight to the Avalon Theatre's Stoltz Listening Room.

Tickets for the show are $20, and available by calling the Avalon box office (410-822-7299) or visiting www.avalontheatre.com.

Gilbert burst onto the singer-songwriter scene in the early 1990s, when buzz spread in Boston folk clubs about an ex-multicultural arts teacher who was thrilling audiences at open mic nights. His reputation took off nationwide after Shawn Colvin invited him to be a special guest on her 1993 tour.

The Fort-Worth Star Telegram summed up Gilbert this way: "The voice of an angel, the wit of a devil and the guitar playing of a god."

<p>Folk singer-songwriter SONiA will perform tonight at NightCat.</p>

EASTON Award-winning folk singer-songwriter SONiA tonight will come to NightCat on her reunion tour with Disappear Fear. Show time is 8 p.m.

From the Opera House in Sydney to the Open House in Jerusalem, SONiA writes and performs love songs, and confronts hypocrisies and biases with a message of openness and optimism. Her Judaic roots live in the colors of her songs and paintings.

SONiA has received the GLAMA Award for Female Artist of the Year, Best Band and Best Song; WAMA Award for Best Vocalist; Out Music Award for OUTstanding World Music CD, OUTstanding Single, Best in Blues finalist for the IMA Awards; and finalist for the Telluride Song Competition.

In declaring her the city's best singer-songwriter, Baltimore City Paper said, "Her songs teach us, seduce us, remind us of happy growing up days."

Tickets are $20, and can be purchased by calling 410-690-4544 or going online to www.nightcatmusic.com.

FEDERALSBURG Friday Nites in Caroline tonight will present the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Jazz Ensemble in concert at 7 p.m. at Colonel Richardson High School.

The group, under the direction of Dr. John R. Lamkin II, consists of 20 members five saxophones, four trombones, five trumpets, two bass players, two percussionists, a pianist and a vocalist.

In 2007, the band performed during the Inaugural Ball for Governor-Elect Martin O'Malley at the Baltimore Convention Center. Locally, it has entertained the Cambridge Elks Club during its Veterans Day ceremony and performed at Salisbury VFW Post 10159.

The ensemble also has toured St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, in spring 2004 and 2008, and Ghana in spring 2005, and has played in Chicago, Florida and New York.

The UMES Jazz Ensemble has performed with jazz greats such as organist Shirley Scott, trombonist Steve Turre, trumpeter Nicholas Patton, saxophonist Benny Golson, bassist Larry Ridley, pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs, trumpeter Dr. Donald Byrd, saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, vocalist Bilal and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

For more information, contact the Caroline County Public Library at 410-479-1343 or infocarolib.org.

Friday Nites in Caroline is presented by the Caroline County Council of Arts and the Caroline County Public Library; sponsored by Tri Gas & Oil, Best Western Denton Inn and the Maryland States Arts Council; and is free for all attendees.

PHOTO BY PETER HECK
<p>The Crawdaddies, seen in this August 2011 file photo performing in the parish hall of Emmanuel Church in Chestertown, will perform Saturday night at the Avalon Theatre.</p>

EASTON Get out your masks, beads, and purple, green and gold.

Mardi Gras comes to Easton at 8 p.m. Saturday, when The Crawdaddies will bop into town for a dance party at the Avalon Theatre.

Tickets are $25, and available by calling the Avalon box office (410-822-7299) or visiting www.avalontheatre.com.

The Crawdaddies' musical gumbo of Cajun, Zydeco, blues, ska, roots, rock and reggae has allowed them to share the stage with a wide range of artists, including Etta James, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Cliff, Marshall Crenshaw, Joan Jett and Buckwheat Zydeco.

But it was when Dr. John and the Neville Brothers invited the Baltimore-based band to join their Mardi Gras Mambo Tour in 2009 that the band really saw how to cook up New Orleans-style party music.

<p>Johnny Neel, keyboard and piano player for the Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule, will perform Saturday night at NightCat.</p>

EASTON Johnny Neel, who has played keyboard and piano for the Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule, will take the NightCat stage at 9:30 p.m. Saturday with his cousin, Joshua Woodard.

This will be Neel's second NightCat performance. His first was a set that included a mix of original songs, classic rock favorites and an improvisational set that promoter Mark Mangold described as "one of the most fun moments we've seen here at the club."

During one set, Neel asked audience members to write song titles and place them in a hat. Woodard drew them out, and Neel made up songs on the spot based on the titles.

"There are a lot of songwriters who would give up on the spot after seeing that," Mangold said. "He was able to write better songs on the spot instantly than some people can write in years. It was awesome."

Neel joined the Allman Brothers as a full-time member in 1990, and he, Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts co-wrote the group's No. 1 AOR hit "Good Clean Fun" from the "Seven Turns" album.

Tickets are $20, and can be purchased by calling 410-690-4544 or going online to www.nightcatmusic.com.

<p>Blues legend John Mayall will perform Monday night at the Avalon Theatre.</p>

EASTON It isn't often that a bona fide living legend comes to town.

But that's what will happen at 8 p.m. Monday when John Mayall, the godfather of British blues, will take the stage at the Avalon Theatre.

Tickets are $50, and available by calling the Avalon box office (410-822-7299) or visiting www.avalontheatre.com.

Mayall's pioneering band The Bluesbreakers, which he founded in 1963, inspired a generation of England's greatest blues and rock performers, including Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Peter Green and John McVie.

When The Bluesbreakers split in the late '60s, Mayall went on to help define an era of hard-hitting Chicago-style blues in the '70s and '80s. Throughout the '90s and beyond, Mayall has recorded a string of hit albums and continues performing live gigs to critical and popular acclaim.

Although widely known for his mastery of the blues guitar, Mayall also plays harmonica and keyboards, and has fused other influences, such as funk and pop, into his approach to the blues.

<p>The Reminders will perform Wednesday night in the Avalon Theatre's Stoltz Listening Room.</p>

EASTON Using a range of musical genres from Americana/roots to gospel and praise, The Reminders sing about the faith they have in friends and family, in new chances and nature's beauty, and most of all, their faith in God.

The award-winning Christian trio will celebrate this musical faith in the Stoltz Listening Room at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $20, and available by calling the Avalon Theatre box office (410-822-7299) or visiting www.avalontheatre.com.

The Delaware-based band shares songs about people wrestling against personal shortcomings and life's challenges while searching for something sacred and life-sustaining moments of grace. Other songs highlight the everyday life of ordinary people, as in their song "The Waterman" about life and work on the Chesapeake Bay.

John W. Thompson, whose Grammy-winning song "El Shaddai" was named Gospel Song of the Decade (1980s) by Billboard, plays guitar and sings; Kevin Short, who has produced recordings for RCA/BMG, Smithsonian Folkways, Sierra and Rebel Records, is on vocals and bass; and Ed Shockley, who has headlined the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival and was recognized by the Delaware Celebration of Jazz Society as "The Ambassador of Music," is on percussion.

For more information, visit www.thereminders.net.

<p>New York-based comedian Steve Hofstetter will perform Thursday at Chesapeake College.</p>

WYE MILLS Steve Hofstetter calls himself a social critic and uses that approach in putting on his comedy shows, like the one he'll bring Thursday to Chesapeake College.

"My target audiences are people that think," Hofstetter said in a phone interview from his home in New York City. "It's whatever I think is important at the time the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration), home makeover or whatever."

"It's just me and my microphone," he continued.

He figures he gives about 300 performances a year all around the country, with about 100 of those taking place at colleges. In fact, when he launched his comedy career, it was with material related to college life.

He got interested in doing stand-up comedy when he was 13. A girl he knew invited him to an improv group in New York. That's all it took for the bug to bite, and he took it from there. He has been on the comedy circuit for the past 10 years.

In addition to his trips around the country he maintains his own club in New York and has appeared on a variety of television shows. He has been on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," "E! True Hollywood Story," "Comics Unleashed," "Comedy All-Stars," "Quite Frankly," "White Boyz in the Hood," "Countdown" and more.

Besides his work as a stand-up comedian, Hofstetter also is a writer, having written a column for Sports Illustrated and NHL.com. Some of his other written work has appeared in The New York Times, Maxim and other publications. He also has several books to his credit.

He has produced a number of comedy albums, the newest of which, titled "Steve Hofstetter's Day Off," reached No. 1 on iTunes' comedy charts.

Hofstetter also is the recipient of a number of industry awards

"I want to talk to people. I believe I have something to say," he said of his live shows. "There are good and smart people everywhere."

"Nothing's off limits," he added.

During a performance, he said, he will talk directly to his audience and ask open-ended questions to get people involved, but he does not arbitrarily look at someone in the office and use him or her as a foil during performances. "Live comedy is a world of difference from watching TV," he said.

Hofstetter will appear at noon Thursday in the Caroline Center on the Wye Mills campus of Chesapeake College. There is no admission charge. For more information on the event, call 410-820-5826.

Hoftsetter's appearance is part of the Student Government Association activities program at the college. His website is www.stevehofstetter.com.

<p>A photo by David Biehler, co-curator of the Chestertown Arts League's March show, "Spring is in the Air," is shown. The show will be in the Main Gallery from March 2 to April 1, and it is open to all artists. All forms of media, including paint, pastel, sculpture, graphite and photography, are welcome. Artists may submit up to two pieces of original work that have not been entered previously in a CAL-sponsored show. Work must be properly framed and wired for hanging. On the back of each piece, provide the title, artist's name, phone number and/or email, and sale price (or NFS if not for sale). Entry fees are $5 per piece for CAL members and $12 per piece for others. For more information, call 703-533-8318, email dabiehleraol.com or visit www.chestertownartsleague.org.</p>

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<p>Local artist Stephen J. Griffin views paintings during the Plein Air-Easton! exhibit. In 2012, for the eighth annual Plein Air-Easton! National Competition, local artists have new guidelines for entering the national competition. Details can be found online at www.pleinaireaston.com.</p>

EASTON Updates for local artists are in the works for the eighth annual Plein Air-Easton! Competition & Arts Festival, which is set for July 14 to 22.

This year, local artists will have a new opportunity. The Mid Shore "Choose Three" competition has been incorporated into the Plein Air-Easton! National Competition. Any artist whose primary residence is in the five counties surrounding Easton (Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne, Caroline or Kent) should enter the Plein Air-Easton! National Competition by following the Plein Air-Easton! Competition Prospectus. The prospectus, which describes the process for artist entries and outlines the competition guidelines, is available on the event website, www.pleinaireaston.com.

Along with the artists selected for the national competition, the entry jurist will select an additional three local artists to include in the final slate of competition artists. This gives local artists two chances to be juried into Plein Air-Easton!

In 2012, competition artists will vie for close to $20,000 in prizes.

Another opportunity for local artists is the Local Color Show, which features artists from the Delmarva Peninsula. The show will run from July 20 to 22 at the Tidewater Inn in conjunction with the Plein Air-Easton! Arts Festival. The awards judge will be Camille Przewodek, 2011 Grand Prize winner. The entry jurist will be Robert J. Barber, past Grand Prize winner and third-place winner in 2011.

The Local Color Prospectus will be released March 23 online at www.workingartistsforum.com and www.pleinaireaston.com. For more information, contact Marianne Hollis at mwhollisgoeaston.net or Nancy Thomas at 410-820-1120.

Important dates

March 9: Plein Air-Easton! submissions deadline

• March 23: Local Color Show prospectus to be released

• March 30: Plein Air-Easton! competition artists to be announced

• May 4: Local Color Show entry deadline

• June 15: Local Color Show accepted artists to be announced

• July 12-13: Plein Air-Easton! pre-competition paint-outs (locations to be announced)

• July 14-22: Plein Air-Easton! Competition & Arts Festival

Plein Air-Easton! is a project of the Avalon Foundation. The Academy Art Museum is the accredited museum venue for the competition exhibit. The event is supported by the Talbot County Arts Council and corporate and individual donors.

• Annie's Paramount Steak House, Kent Narrows: Karaoke w/ Eddie Hitt, 9 Friday.

• The Big Pickle, St. Michaels: Gerry Mack, 8:30 Thursday.

• Carpenter Street Saloon, St. Michaels: Karaoke, 9:30-1 Friday. Three Penny Opera, 9:30-1 Saturday. C-Street's Got Talent, 8-12 Wednesday. Open mic, 8-12 Thursday (electric).

• Character's Café, St. Michaels: Dave and Stix, 8:30-12:30 Saturday.

• D&B Tavern, Greensboro: Sounds Unlimited Karaoke & DJ, 9-1 Friday. SweetWater, 9-1 Saturday.

• Dave's Place, Ridgely: Karaoke Outlaw, 9 Friday. Mardi Gras party w/ 2 DJs, 9 Saturday. Open mic w/ Mr. Roger's Neighborhood & Bike Night, 9 Wednesday.

• Eastern Shore Brewing, St. Michaels: Open jam, 6-8 Thursday.

• Jetty Dock Bar, Grasonville: Loose Cannon, 8 Friday. No Pants Dance, 8 Saturday.

• Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar and Grill, Cambridge: DJ Mark, 10 Friday. Anna Burgess & Jeff Calder, 10 Saturday. Open mic w/ Anna Burgess, 8 Thursday.

• Ledo Pizza, Easton: DJ, Friday & Saturday. Karaoke, Tuesday. Trivia, Thursday.

• Luke's Grille, Stevensville: Kajun Kelley, 8:30 Friday. Tony Sciuto, 8:30 Saturday. Trivia & karaoke, Thursday.

• Market Street Public House, Denton: Guthrie Matthews & Kentavius Jones, 9 Friday. Trivia w/ Norm Amorose, 7:30 Monday.

• Martini's Restaurant, Easton: Spin Cycle, 9-12 Friday. Blitzed Band, 9-12 Saturday. Open jam, 9-12 Thursday.

• NightCat, Easton: SONiA & Disappear Fear, 8 Friday. Maggie Rogers, 7 Saturday. Johnny Neel & Joshua Woodard, 9:30 Saturday. Meg Hutchinson, 8 Thursday.

• Point Break Beach Bar, Cambridge: Open Mic Night, Tuesday. Karaoke, 10 Thursday.

• Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis: Gary Puckett and The Union Gap, 8 Friday. America, 8 Saturday & 7 Sunday. Ben Lee, 8 Monday. Lalah Hathaway, 6 & 9 Tuesday. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, 8 Wednesday. Otis Taylor Band, 8 Thursday.

• Rams Head Shore House, Stevensville: Mike and Darby, 8:30 Friday. Chris Sacks Band, 9 Saturday.

• Riverside Country Inn, Greensboro: Bluegrass jam, 7:30 Friday. Couple Days, Sunday.

• Sheldon's 313, Greensboro Road: DJ, Friday & Saturday.

• Washington Street Pub, Easton: Gypsy Collective, 10-1 Friday.

COLUMBIA PICTURES
<p>A scene from "Ghost Rider: Spirt of Vengeance" is shown.</p>

THE ARTIST (PG-13) In 1927, silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) faces the arrival of talking pictures, while Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), a young dancer, is set for her big break. Rated PG-13 for a disturbing image and a crude gesture. 100 minutes. Greg's Grade: A. At Annapolis Harbour 9.

BIG MIRACLE (PG) In small-town Alaska, a news reporter (John Krasinski) recruits his ex-girlfriend (Drew Barrymore) a Greenpeace volunteer on a campaign to save a family of gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. Rated PG for language. 107 minutes. At Easton Premier Cinemas (Friday through Monday only), Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

CHRONICLE (PG-13) Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery and find their lives spinning out of control as they embrace their darker sides. Rated PG-13 for intense action and violence, thematic material, some language, sexual content and teen drinking. 84 minutes. At Cambridge Premier Cinemas, Annapolis Harbour 9 and Regal Salisbury 16.

THE DESCENDANTS (R) A land baron (George Clooney) tries to reconnect with his two daughters (Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller) after his wife (Patricia Hastie) suffers a boating accident. Rated R for language including some sexual references. 115 minutes. Greg's Grade: A. At Easton Premier Cinemas, Annapolis Harbour 9 and Regal Salisbury 16.

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE (PG-13) A 9-year-old amateur inventor, Francophile and pacifist (Thomas Horn) searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father (Tom Hanks), who died in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Rated PG-13 for emotional thematic material, some disturbing images and language. 129 minutes. At Annapolis Harbour 9.

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE (PG-13) As Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) hides out in Eastern Europe, he is called upon to stop the devil, who is trying to take human form. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, and language. 95 minutes. At Easton Premier Cinemas, Chester 5 Theatres, Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

THE GREY (R) In Alaska, an oil drilling team struggles to survive after a plane crash strands them in the wild and they are hunted by a pack of wolves. Rated R for violence/disturbing content including bloody images, and for pervasive language. 117 minutes. Greg's Grade: A-. At Easton Premier Cinemas (Friday through Monday only), Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

HUGO (PG) Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan (Asa Butterfield) who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. Rated PG for mild thematic material, some action/peril and smoking. 125 minutes. At Annapolis Harbour 9.

THE IRON LADY (PG-13) A look at the life of Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep), the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, with a focus on the price she paid for power. Rated PG-13 for some violent images and brief nudity. 105 minutes. At Annapolis Harbour 9.

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (PG) Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) partners with his mom's boyfriend (Dwayne Johnson) on a mission to find his grandfather (Michael Caine), who is thought to be missing on a mythical island. Rated PG for some adventure action, and brief mild language. 94 minutes. At Easton Premier Cinemas, Cambridge Premier Cinemas, Chester 5 Theatres, Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

RED TAILS (PG-13) A crew of African-American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard (Terrence Howard). Rated PG-13 for some sequences of war violence. 125 minutes. At Annapolis Harbour 9.

SAFE HOUSE (R) A young CIA agent (Ryan Reynolds) is tasked with looking after a fugitive (Denzel Washington) in a safe house. But when the safe house is attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge. Rated R for strong violence throughout and some language. 115 minutes. Greg's Grade: B+. At Cambridge Premier Cinemas, Chester 5 Theatres, Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (G) The Clocks are a family of four-inch-tall people who live anonymously in another family's residence home. Life changes when their daughter, Arrietty, is discovered. With the voices of Will Arnett, Amy Poehler. 94 minutes. At Annapolis Harbour 9 and Regal Salisbury 16.

STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-D (PG) The 1999 "Star Wars" prequel returns to the big screen in 3-D. Rated PG for sci-fi action/violence. 136 minutes. At Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

THIS MEANS WAR (PG-13) Two top CIA operatives (Chris Pine, Tom Hardy) wage an epic battle against one another after they discover they are dating the same woman (Reese Witherspoon). Rated PG-13 for sexual content including references, some violence and action, and for language. 98 minutes. Greg's Grade: B. At Cambridge Premier Cinemas, Chester 5 Theatres, Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING (R) When human forces discover the existence of the vampire and lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences. The vampire warrioress Selene (Kate Beckinsale) leads the battle against humankind. Rated R for violence and gore, and for some language. 88 minutes. Greg's Grade: D. At Annapolis Harbour 9 and Regal Salisbury 16.

THE VOW (PG-13) A car accident puts Paige (Rachel McAdams) in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo (Channing Tatum) works to win her heart again. Rated PG-13 for an accident scene, sexual content, partial nudity and some language. 104 minutes. At Easton Premier Cinemas, Chester 5 Theatres, Annapolis Harbour 9 and Regal Salisbury 16.

THE WAY (PG-13) A father (Martin Sheen) heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son (Emilio Estevez), who died while traveling the "El camino de Santiago," and decides to take the pilgrimage himself. Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements, drug use and smoking. 123 minutes. At Easton Premier Cinemas (Thursday only).

THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PG-13) A young lawyer (Daniel Radcliffe) travels to a remote village, where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals. Rated PG-13 for thematic material and violence/disturbing images. 96 minutes. Greg's Grade: C-. At Cambridge Premier Cinemas, Annapolis Mall and Regal Salisbury 16.

Show times: Easton, 410-822-9950, www.tritonmovies.com; Cambridge, 410-221-8688, www.tritonmovies.com; Chestertown, 410-778-2227, www.pandgtheatres.com/chester.asp; Annapolis, 410-224-1145, www.bowtiecinemas.com; Salisbury, 410-860-0211, www.regmovies.com.

TODAY

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, a musical presented by Easton High School, at the Talbot County Auditorium, Easton. 7 p.m. TIX: $10 adults, $5 students.

ERIC CHURCH, with Brantley Gilbert and Sonia Leigh, in concert at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Salisbury. 7:30 p.m. TIX: $34.75-$199; 410-548-4911 or www.wicomicociviccenter.org. Info: www.ericchurch.com.

VANCE GILBERT in concert in the Avalon Theatre's Stoltz Listening Room, Easton. 8 p.m. TIX: $20; 410-822-7299 or www.avalontheatre.com. Info: www.vancegilbert.com.

SONIA & DISAPPEAR FEAR in concert at NightCat, Easton. 8 p.m. TIX: $20; 410-690-4544 or www.nightcatmusic.com. Info: www.disappearfear.com.

LIFE IS A CABARET: SONGS OF KANDER & EBB, a musical revue by the Tred Avon Players, at the Oxford Community Center. 8 p.m. TIX: $15 adults, $5 students; 410-226-0061, www.tredavonplayers.org.

333 COFFEEHOUSE, featuring We're About 9 in concert at Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. Info: 443-333-9613, www.uuca-md.org/333, 333coffeehousegmail.com.

GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP in concert at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $39.50; www.tickets.ramsheadonstage.com. Info: www.garypuckettmusic.com.

LOVE LETTERS, a play presented by Bay Theatre Company, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $45; www.baytheatre.org. Info: 410-268-1333, infobaytheatre.org.

CHAPTER TWO, presented by the Colonial Players of Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $20; 410-268-7373 or tickets.cplayers.com. Info: www.thecolonialplayers.org.

SATURDAY

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, a musical presented by Easton High School, at the Talbot County Auditorium, Easton. 6 p.m. TIX: $10 adults, $5 students.

MAGGIE ROGERS in concert at NightCat, Easton. 7 p.m. TIX: $12; 410-690-4544 or www.nightcatmusic.com. Info: www.youtube.com/maggierogersmusic.

THE CRAWDADDIES MARDI GRAS PARTY at the Avalon Theatre, Easton. 8 p.m. TIX: $25; 410-822-7299 or www.avalontheatre.com. Info: www.thecrawdaddies.com.

LIFE IS A CABARET: SONGS OF KANDER & EBB, a musical revue by the Tred Avon Players, at the Oxford Community Center. 8 p.m. TIX: $15 adults, $5 students; 410-226-0061, www.tredavonplayers.org.

NEW LINE BRASS BAND in concert at the Mainstay, Rock Hall. 8 p.m. TIX: $15; 410-639-9133. Info: www.mainstayrockhall.org, www.dixiepowertrio.com/newline.html.

AMERICA in concert at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $95; www.tickets.ramsheadonstage.com. Info: www.venturahighway.com.

LOVE LETTERS, a play presented by Bay Theatre Company, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $45; www.baytheatre.org. Info: 410-268-1333, infobaytheatre.org.

CHAPTER TWO, presented by the Colonial Players of Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $20; 410-268-7373 or tickets.cplayers.com. Info: www.thecolonialplayers.org.

JOHNNY NEEL & JOSHUA WOODARD in concert at NightCat, Easton. 9:30 p.m. TIX: $20; 410-690-4544 or www.nightcatmusic.com. Info: www.johnnyneel.com.

SUNDAY

LIFE IS A CABARET: SONGS OF KANDER & EBB, a musical revue by the Tred Avon Players, at the Oxford Community Center. 2 and 7 p.m. TIX: $15 adults, $5 students; 410-226-0061, www.tredavonplayers.org.

LOVE LETTERS, a play presented by Bay Theatre Company, Annapolis. 2 p.m. TIX: $45; www.baytheatre.org. Info: 410-268-1333, infobaytheatre.org.

CHAPTER TWO, presented by the Colonial Players of Annapolis. 2 and 7:30 p.m. TIX: $20; 410-268-7373 or tickets.cplayers.com. Info: www.thecolonialplayers.org.

AMERICA in concert at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis. 7 p.m. TIX: $95; www.tickets.ramsheadonstage.com. Info: www.venturahighway.com.

MONDAY

JOHN MAYALL in concert at the Avalon Theatre, Easton. 8 p.m. TIX: $50; 410-822-7299 or www.avalontheatre.com. Info: www.johnmayall.com.

BEN LEE in concert at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $19.50; www.tickets.ramsheadonstage.com. Info: www.ben-lee.com.

TUESDAY

LALAH HATHAWAY in concert at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis. 6 and 9 p.m. TIX: $50; www.tickets.ramsheadonstage.com. Info: www.lalahhathaway.com.

WEDNESDAY

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO in concert at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $35; www.tickets.ramsheadonstage.com. Info: www.mambazo.com.

THURSDAY

COMEDIAN STEVE HOFSTETTER live at the Caroline Center, Chesapeake College. Noon. FREE. Info: 410-820-5826, www.stevehofstetter.com.

MEG HUTCHINSON in concert at NightCat, Easton. 8 p.m. TIX: $15; 410-690-4544 or www.nightcatmusic.com. Info: www.meghutchinson.com.

OTIS TAYLOR, with Cris Jacobs, in concert at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $25; www.tickets.ramsheadonstage.com. Info: www.otistaylor.com.

LOVE LETTERS, a play presented by Bay Theatre Company, Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $45; www.baytheatre.org. Info: 410-268-1333, infobaytheatre.org.

CHAPTER TWO, presented by the Colonial Players of Annapolis. 8 p.m. TIX: $20; 410-268-7373 or tickets.cplayers.com. Info: www.thecolonialplayers.org.

FEB. 24

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, presented by The Country School, Easton. 7 p.m. TIX: $8. Info: 410-822-1935, www.countryschool.org.

DR. RALPH STANLEY in concert at the Avalon Theatre, Easton. 8 p.m. TIX: $45; 410-822-7299 or www.avalontheatre.com. Info: www.drralphstanley.com.

PHOTO BY GREG MAKI
<p>Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash will perform with his band, featuring Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge on vocals, Thursday, May 3, at Rams Head Live in Baltimore. Slash will release his second solo album May 22. Tickets for the Baltimore show are $35 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today. To order, call 410-244-1131 or visit www.ramsheadlive.com. In this photo, Slash performs in May 2010 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.</p>

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