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The best things to do this week Find more events for your weekend in Thursday’s Weekend Pass.
AwesomeCon
TODAY
‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’
Forget Channing Tatum: The National Theatre is celebrating the original stud, Paul Newman, with a weekly series showcasing his films. Up today is 1958’s “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” which stars Newman as an alcoholic who takes out his frustrations on his wife (Elizabeth Taylor). Free tickets will be distributed 30 minutes prior to showtime.
SUNDAY
FX
You’ll be able to spot Captain Americas of all types at AwesomeCon this weekend.
TUESDAY
‘Fargo’ Wait … isn’t “Fargo” a Coen Brothers movie? It is, but now it’s a TV show, too. FX has adapted the 1996 black comedy’s setting and tone for an entirely new story featuring an all-star cast: Billy Bob Thornton, above, Martin Freeman, Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt and many more. “Fargo” premieres at 10 p.m. Tuesday on FX. TUESDAY
DC Brau’s Three-Year Anniversary It’s been three years since DC Brau started pouring pints, and the brewery is celebrating with a blowout at Meridian Pint. Enjoy $3 pints of Brau’s signature brews — Public, Corruption and Citizen — or try one of the more than 15 rare and
Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright was once known for little else other than his famous parents, Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. Ten albums and an opera later, the melancholy singer has released a best-of album, “Vibrate.” Sister Lucy Wainwright Roche opens for him Wednesday. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW; Wed., 7 p.m., $45; 202-8880050, thelincolndc.com. (U Street)
THURSDAY
Ben Taylor The son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, singer-songwriter Ben Taylor has big footsteps to follow. Thankfully, he makes his pop-rock music his own, while also showing shades of both his parents. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW; Thu., 8:30 p.m., $15-$20; 202333-7700, gypsysallys.com.
‘Transcendence’
Meridian Pint, 3400 11th St. NW; Tues., 5 p.m., free; 202-588-1075, meridianpint.com. (Columbia Heights)
FRIDAY | Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp, below) is an artificial intelligence researcher who uploads his brain to a computer system when he’s given months to live. Apparently there’s more to being inside a computer than updating your Facebook status, because he soon gets drunk with power, putting all of mankind at risk.
WEDNESDAY
‘American Futures’
Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW; Wed., 7 p.m., $15; 202-408-3100, sixthandi.org. (Gallery Place)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW; Fri.-Sun., $30-$60; 202-2493000, awesomecondc.com. (Mt Vernon Sq)
WEDNESDAY
IN THEATERS
barrel-aged beers on tap.
A few months ago, James and Deborah Fallows hopped on a small plane and took flight in search of small towns where Americans were recovering from the financial crisis. They found stories of resilience amid hardship, all of which they’ve documented in The Atlantic — and will discuss on-stage Wednesday.
BILL O’LEARY ( THE WASHINGTON POST)
National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; Mon., 6:30 p.m., free, tickets required; 202-628-6161, nationaltheatre.org. (Metro Center)
AwesomeCon is setting the bar pretty high for itself with a name like that. But D.C.’s version of Comic-Con has earned it with guests like Cary Elwes from “The Princess Bride,” Billie Piper from “Doctor Who,” Nicholas Brendon from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and Sean Astin from “The Lord of the Rings.” For a more comprehensive preview of AwesomeCon — including an interview with panelist and punk rocker Andrew W.K. — check out Thursday’s Weekend Pass.
WEDNESDAY
Emancipation Day Concert
Talib Kweli, above, joins D.C.’s Raheem DeVaughn, Arrested Development, MC Lyte and more for a free, BET-sponsored concert celebrating the day D.C. abolished slavery. Hang out after the show for a fireworks display. Freedom Plaza, 455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; Wed., 5-8:30 p.m., free; emancipationdc.com. (Metro Center)