Arts Highlights

Kate Gilmore: Girl Fight

January 31 - April 20 

Artpace

445 North Main Avenue

Kate Gilmore's performance-based videos depict the artist working through a series of self-imposed challenges. Her tragicomic situations suggest the futility of personal and cultural ritual as they bring to the foreground issues of feminine identity and fear of success. "Girl Fight," a show featuring nearly 12 of Gilmore's videos and a sculptural installation, opens Thursday in the Hudson (Show) Room at Artpace, and runs through April 20. The opening reception takes place from 6:30 to 8 pm, and Gilmore will lead a gallery walk-through at 7 pm. http://www.artpace.org

Black and Blue: 400 Years of Struggle and Transcendence

February 1, 7:30 pm

Jo Long Theater for the Performing Arts

Carver Community Cultural Center

226 N. Hackberry

For the second year, Gemini Ink will launch the city's Black History Month observance. Written and compiled by the late playwright Sterling Houston (1945-2006), this hour-long examination of American slavery is performed by a quartet of professional actors and jazz musicians who bring history to life. "Black & Blue" pairs traditional jazz and blues with dramatic interpretations of literature, folklore, and historical documents, including reward posters for runaway slaves, excerpts from letters and journals by both slaves and slave owners, and a San Antonio curfew ordinance. www.geminiink.org

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!

February 1 - 24  

Cameo Theatre

1123 E. Commerce

The San Antonio cast features Mike Zaller, Becky King, Lindsey Williams and David Alford portraying over 60 roles in a collection of delightful scenes and songs. Called a "love-happy hit musical" by Broadway World, the musical has played for 12 years in New York, making it the longest-running musical revue in Off-Broadway history. Audiences fill the theatre with laughter as the cast celebrates the modern-day suburban mating game. www.cameocenter.com 

The Renaissance Guild presents: Blues for an Alabama Sky

February 8 - 24  

Jump-Start Performance Co.

108 Blue Star

Blues for an Alabama Sky is set in Harlem, New York City, in 1930, at a time when the creative euphoria of the Harlem Renaissance has given way to the harsher realities of the Great Depression. Angel is a struggling blues singer and nightclub performer who cannot find a job. Her friend Guy, a costume designer, is also out of work but dreams of being hired to design dresses for the infamous Josephine Baker. Their neighbor Delia, a social worker, is trying to organize a family planning clinic in Harlem. Their friend Sam, a doctor, works long hours delivering babies at the Harlem Hospital. www.therenaissanceguild.org