15 Things to Do This Week in Comedy, Theater, Storytelling, Medical Oddities and Superhero Pornography

Mike Birbiglia plays the Merriam on Friday and Saturday. (Brian Friedman)

Joe Biden @ Academy of Music | Wednesday, November 15
Former Vice President Joe Biden appears in conversation with Aaron Sorkin, creator of several memorable movies and TV shows including West Wing, The Social Network and Sports Night. Diamond Joe — who just published a new memoir, Promise Me, Dad — will discuss his life and career.

Wistar at The Mutter Museum | Wednesday, November 15
Ever walk the jar-lined halls of the Mutter Museum and think “this would be better with more pieces of dead people?” If so, you’ll dig this new exhibition that includes “preserved human specimens from the mid-1800s” pulled from the vaults of the Wistar Institute.

Mary Radzinski @ Helium | Wednesday, November 15
The hilarious Philly-based comic will be recording her first ever comedy album.

Bat Pussy @ PhilaMOCA | Wednesday, November 15
Nobody seems to know much about this ’70s “comedy action pornographic film” that loosely attempted to parody the Adam West TV show. Somebody found it in the archives of an old porno theater in the ’90s and turned it into a slow-boil cult-classic. That said, nobody thinks Bat Pussy is “good” (or even “hot”), but it does represent an early entry into the porn parody genre. I did a Google search to find an image to include here, and now I’m not feeling well. Here’s the trailer. It’s NSFW.

Tell Me A Story @ Shot Tower Coffee | Wednesday, November 15
This edition of Hillary Rea’s reading series features Mike Fenn, Kristin Finger, Nisse Greenberg, David Hutchison, Alejandro Morales and Hannah Trav telling stories related to wassailing — which can mean booze or Christmas carols.

Crimes of the Heart @ Calvary Center | November 15-December 9
Curio Theatre stages Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning dysfunctional family comedy-drama. Directed by Gay Carducci.

Puddles Pity Party @ Keswick Theatre | Thursday, November 16
I’ll always recommend a show by this seven-foot clown with a voice like Zeus himself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNBhNscGCdo

Birthright: A War Story @ Lightbox Film Center | Thursday, November 16
Civia Tamarkin’s documentary about the state of women’s healthcare in the U.S. is billed as a “real-life version of The Handmaid’s Tale.” After the film, Tamarkin and health care providers will answer questions.

The Animal Show @ The Rotunda | Thursday, November 16
A multi-media presentation by composer/performer/animal rights activist Michael Harren about protecting animals. Expect stories, music and video.

Kurt Metzger @ Punchline | Thursday-Saturday, November 16-18
Standup by the Last Comic Standing alum and host of the Race Wars podcast. Metzger is known somewhat for his controversial opinions.

Big Jay Oakerson @ Helium | Thursday-Saturday, November 16-18
The Philly-born has appeared on Tough Crowd, Louie, etc.

Mike Birbiglia @ Merriam Theater | Saturday & Sunday, November 18 & 19
The comedian/actor/director (Sleepwalk with Me, Don’t Think Twice) presents his new tour called “The New One.”

My Fair Lady @ Sedgwick Theater | Through December 17
Quintessence Theatre Group presents the two-piano version of the beloved musical. Music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics and book by Alan Jay Lerner. Stars Leigha Kato and Gregory Isaac, directed by Alexander Burns.

Flyers Wives Carnival @ Wells Fargo Center | Sunday, November 19
Raise money for a good cause while interacting with your favorite Flyer plus Andrew MacDonald.

Tokusatsu Tuesday @ PhilaMOCA | Tuesday, November 21
A monthly screening of Japanese superhero TV shows. This edition focuses on “rarities and short-lived fan favorites from the 1970s.”