Genre: Puppetry
Written by: The Harvey Finklestein Institute Ensemble
Directed by: Harvey Finklestein
Performed by: Stephanie Shaterian, John Shaterian, Andrew McNeal, Sasha McNeal, Jimmy McDermott.
Running time: 45 minutes
Web site: harveyfinklestein.com

When you go to see a show called Harvey Finklestein's Sock Puppet Showgirls, you probably have some idea of what you're in for. And just in case an innocent soul accidentally wanders into the theater, a puppet purporting to be Harvey Finklestein himself delivers a stern warning: "If you find any of the following words offensive"—he then reads off a list that would make George Carlin blush—"please, get the fuck out." The one thing he doesn't tell you is this: If you've never seen the infamous Paul Verhoeven-Joe Eszterhas film (which is like a grade-Z, Las Vegas stripper version of All About Eve) or if you saw it and didn't find it funny, do not see this show. If however, you howl with recognition when you hear the quote, "It must be weird to have a job where people don't come on you" and you cackle with glee at the thought of a sock puppet pole dance, prepare yourself for a sleazy trip to hell. This X-rated extravaganza is chock-full of lowbrow gags, raunchy humor and disturbing cameos by Cookie Monster, Elmo and Lamb Chop. You'll never look at your socks—or The Muppets—the same way again.—Raven Snook

• Where: The Studio at Cherry Lane Theatre
• When: Fri, Aug 13 at 10:15 p.m.; Sat, Aug 14 at noon; Sun, Aug 15 at 7:15 p.m.; Tue, Aug 17 at 5:45 p.m.; Wed, Aug 18 at 3 p.m.