This Week

Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk has already achieved near-legendary status in American theater. There's the story of how George C. Wolfe approached tap wunderkind Savion Glover about doing a project for New York's Public Theater, with Glover expressing his basic concept and ambition as "I want to bring in 'da noise, I want to bring in 'da funk." There's the process by which Noise/Funk was created, with tappers, poets and musicians meeting in a bare studio and constructing a phenomenal exposition of African-American history told with high-energy performance. Then there's the show's remarkable success, moving uptown from the Public to Broadway's Ambassador Theatre, becoming New York's hottest ticket and the recipient of four Tony Awards. Now comes the touring production, which has received dazzling notices with performances by those such as Debra Byrd (pictured), who is impeccably sensational in the number "I Got the Beat." With Noise/Funk playing Tuesday-Sunday, Jan. 26-31, at the Fox Theatre, there might be some conflict with another touring show, from the Vatican, on opening night, but if the choice is between piety and funky, is there really a choice? Call 534-1111 for tickets.

-- Eddie Silva