Launching the month-long event is Civilians member Damiam Baldet performing his play Pugilist, which features direction by Alison Weller and choreography by John Carrafa. "Two boys battle eternal on the blacktop," according to press notes. "A French thug unleashes his bloodlust in occupied France. Insult, slander and gossip lead to the most famous duel in American history." (Jan. 8-11).

Also launching Jan. 8 is the musical improv group Baby Wants Candy. "Baby Wants Candy asks the audience for a title of a musical that has never been performed before. The first title they hear becomes the title and basis for that evening's 60 minute, completely improvised, musical, accompanied by a full band." (Jan. 8-11).

Singer Lisa Biales will be joined by cellist Michael Gilbert Ronstadt for a collection of songs that run the gamut from "Eleanor Rigby" to "Stormy Weather" (Jan. 20-21); The Improvised Shakespeare Company follows with a 75-minute improvised play, incorporating the language and themes of Shakespeare, which takes its title from an audience suggestion (Jan. 22-25); the group Mother, a fixture of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, performs The Harold, The Deconstruction, The Soundtrack and The Sleep Over (Jan. 15-17).

Matt Olber will perform John Clancy's The Event, "a one-man comic ritual," Jan. 10-12. "Armed only with his memorized words, can an actor say something else? Dealing directly, honestly and humorously with the technician, the stage manager, the critics and the audience, the actor moves into dangerous and slippery territory."

Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez will perform their breakneck character-switching performance Pajama Men, Jan. 16-18. Also on the bill is the solo play Stefan Golaszewski Speaks About a Girl He Once Loved (Jan. 25-Feb. 1). Additional events include the sketch comedy The Striking Viking Story Pirates (Jan. 24); as well as the Concrete Temple Theatre's adaptation of "Moby Dick," The Whale, (Jan. 9-25); and Second City alums Sue Gillan and Dave Pasquesi in their evening of variety comedy, The Third Coast (Jan. 29-31).

Returning events include improv duo TJ and Dave (Jan. 30-Feb. 1) and Murray Nossel and Paul Browde in Two Men Talking (Jan. 31-Feb. 1).

For tickets, phone (212) 868-4444 or visit Smarttix.

The Barrow Street Theatre is located at 27 Barrow Street at 7th Avenue South, in Manhattan. For further information visit www.barrowstreettheatre.com.