8pm BurlesqueWhat a perfect name. The new...

8pm Burlesque

What a perfect name. The new burlesque crew the Velvet Hammer may be soft and sensual, but it packs a wallop. The show--a fusion of broad comedy and beautiful broads, as they define it--is a sexy retro-styled romp with a decidedly punk-feminist sensibility. Performers with wonderful pseudonyms like Scarlette Fever, Ming Dynatease and Senorita Bunnypants join special guest Ann Magnuson and comedians Craig Anton, Blaine Capatch and Ron Lynch. DJ Senor Amor and the Millionaire and his Maharajahs of Melody provide the soundtrack.

The Velvet Hammer, doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Also Sunday, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. 21 and older. $27.50. Tickets available at Wacko, 4633 Hollywood Blvd.; Squaresville, 7312 Melrose Ave.; Meow, 2210 E. 4th St., Long Beach; or www.theelrey.com.

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8pm Theater

The September Company presents the American premiere of “Toska.”Performed by an international cast, Juan Carlos Malpeli’s play, based on Victorien Sardou’s classic drama, “La Tosca” and the Puccini opera, is set in a rest home for insane artists.

“Toska,” Lee Strasberg Creative Center, 7936 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, Thursdays to Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 5 p.m. Ends April 28. $15. (323) 650-7777.

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7:45pm Theater

One brother is a successful pianist who rarely performs; his sibling is trying to stop him from squandering the family fortune. Meanwhile, a growing pile of rubbish is filling their Park Avenue mansion. Meet the Collyers, famous early 20th century American eccentrics, whose story is told in the West Coast premiere of Richard Greenberg’s tender and humorous new play, “The Dazzle.”

“The Dazzle,” South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Tuesdays to Fridays, 7:45 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 and 7:45 p.m. Ends April 28. $27 to $51. (714) 708-5555.

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all day Movies

Jacques Demy’s second film, “Bay of Angels,” unseen on U.S. screens since its original 1964 release, stars Jeanne Moreau as a woman whose whirlwind affair with a gambler (Claude Mann) parallels their luck at the roulette table. This new 35-millimeter wide-screen print shows the lovers on their escapades though the south of France.

“Bay of Angels,” which is not rated, opens Friday for one week at the Nuart, 11272 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A.

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all day Movies

“The Rookie” is that rarest of creations, a G-rated drama. Even rarer is a ballplayer who makes his big league debut at age 35. Dennis Quaid stars as Jim Morris, a real-life high school science teacher and baseball coach prodded by his players to try out for the major leagues more than a decade after an injury ended his minor league pitching career. Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez and Brian Cox co-star.

“The Rookie,” rated G, opens Friday in general release.

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5pm Pow wow

Tribes from throughout the U.S. and Canada will be represented at the 18th annual Indio Pow Wow, slated for this weekend on the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Reservation. In addition to traditional dance and singing competitions, visitors can sample Native American food and shop for jewelry, weavings, dream-catchers and art. Grand entry processions of all the dancers in their full regalia, generally considered the highlight of any powwow, are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.

Indio Pow Wow, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Reservation, north of Interstate 10 at the Golf Center Parkway exit, Indio, Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $2 to $4, children 6 and younger are free. (800) 827-2946, Ext. 3017.

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8pm Theater

The Culture Clash comedy trio--Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza--explores local history and politics in its newest irreverent satire, “Chavez Ravine,” about the Mexican American community near what is now Dodger Stadium that got caught up in the tides of change. A workshop production, it’s part of Mark Taper Forum’s Next Step series, part of the New Work Festival.

“Chavez Ravine,” Evidence Room, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A., Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $10. (213) 628-2772.