This Week Ahead marks the unofficial start of fall and the start of the fall theatre season. Plus, a Tony Award winner plays its final performance.

So put on a chunky sweater and get thee to the theatre!
Blake

Friday, September 11 GO? The Big Gay Musical will make its New York debut this Friday before it hits the festival circuit. The indie flick, written and produced by Fred Caruso, boasts a great soundtrack courtesy of Rick Crom. The film’s website calls it a story of “coming out, coming to terms, and the occasional tap dancing angel!” (info)

Saturday, September 12
GO? Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman will return to the stage with frequent collaborator and LABrynth cohort, John Ortiz, for a new production of Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by Peter Sellars. (Through October 4, NYU’s Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square South, for tickets call 212.352.3101)

Sunday, September 13

BEFORE IT CLOSES? The Tony Award winning, beloved puppet musical, Avenue Q, will close on Sunday after six years of keeping Broadway from taking itself too seriously. I’ll sure miss those hysterically inappropriate puppets! (The John Golden Theatre, 252 W. 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, tickets)

Monday, September 14
 GO? Friends and colleagues of the late Bea Arthur will gather at the Majestic on Monday to honor the Tony and Emmy Award winner. Arthur’s Mame co-star and good friend Angela Lansbury will serve as host. Those participating in the memorial include Adrienne Barbeau (Maude co-star), Zoe Caldwell, Billy Goldenberg (Arthur's longtime accompanist), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof lyricist), Charlie Hauck (Maude head writer), Norman Lear (Maude producer), Clinton Leupp, Anne Meara, Rosie O'Donnell, Chita Rivera, Daryl Roth (Bea Arthur on Broadway producer), Jerry Stiller and Rue McClanahan (The Golden Girls). (1pm, open to the public on a first-come first-served basis, Majestic Theatre, 247 W. 44th Street, between Broadway and 8th Ave., info)

GO? Who ever thought a spicy tuna roll could be so scandalous!? You have no-doubt heard all about the fishy tale that followed Jeremy Piven’s abrupt exit from Speed-the-Plow last year. Well hold on to your chopsticks because this Monday, Joe’s Pub will host an evening dedicated to the drama called The Piven Monologues. (Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, between Astor Place and E 4th Street, for table reservations call 212.539.8778, info)

Tuesday, September 15
GO? The LA-based dance team Groovaloo will bring their show (aptly titled Groovaloo) on the road this Tuesday. The show combines Groovaloo’s thrilling form of hip-hop/freestyle dancing with personal stories of the troupe’s members to form a show they liken to “A Chorus Line with the energy of Stomp.” (Through September 27, Joyce Theatre, 175 8th Avenue, between 18th and 19th Streets, tickets)

Wednesday, September 16
GO (FREE)? The New York Philharmonic is letting us get a sneak peak at the upcoming season with a free-to-the-public dress rehearsal this Wednesday. Go watch how soprano Renée Fleming, Music Director Alan Gilbert and the Philharmonic prepare for the show that evening. (9:45am, seating stars at 8am and is on a first come, first-served basis, Avery Fisher Hall, 132 W 65th Street, between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves., info) 

Thursday, September 17
WATCH? VH1’s Divas Live special to benefit Save the Music is back! This time, the show will be filled with some Diva-ettes including Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Miley Cyrus, Adele, Leona Lewis, and Jordin Sparks. The night will be hosted by Paula Abdul. (9/8c on VH1, info)