PICK OF THE DAY
Frank and Fran
As champion of the “extreme statement,” Fran Lebowitz talks politics. When he was chief drama critic for The New York Times, Frank Rich wrote about theatrical drama. Merge the two and you get a lively discussion about political drama at Frank Rich and Fran Lebowitz: A State of the Union Conversation.
F&F will participate in an audience Q&A. 8 p.m. $30 and up. Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-482-6661. www.celebrityseries.org
WEDNESDAY
Daredevils
Can you do a 360-degree, flying-forward somersault three stories in the air? Can you lift a large telephone pole and twirl it above your head (while acrobats balance on top of the pole)? If no, join the club; if yes, you’re on the payroll of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Fully Charged. 7 p.m. (through Oct. 14; pre-show party one hour before each show). $15-$140. TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston.
800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com
Beat it
Jack Kerouac wrote one full-length play, and it happened to be the same year “On the Road” was published (1957). The “Beat Generation” is set in 1953 and invites audiences to eavesdrop on a conversation among working-class friends sharing a bottle of wine. The staged reading is part of Lowell’s Kerouac Literary Festival to celebrate its native son and contemporary authors. 7:30 p.m. (through Oct. 14). $40 and up. Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell. 978-654-4678. www.mrt.org
THURSDAY
Seeing red
Our sources tell us that Graham Colton borrowed equipment from the Flaming Lips, has “innovative” concert techniques, a new EP, and a new band with Lindsey Ray called “Sooner the Sunset.” The pop/rock, Oklahoma-raised singer/guitarist (and former Kelly Clarkson beau) performs at the Red Room. Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. $12. The Red Room @ Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St., Boston. 617-747-2261. www.cafe939.com
Beware
Remember sitting in class with the lights off and watching those “educational” films about the dangers of pre-marital sex, alcohol, drugs, and raging hormones? Remember getting out of school to engage in those activities? The Gonson Society Lecture Series presents Teens in Trouble — A Look at Old Educational Films.Oct. 11 at noon. $4 suggested donation. Cambridge Center for Adult Education, 56 Brattle St., Cambridge. 617-547-6789. www.ccae.org/gonsonsociety
The voice
Hayley Smith sings standards and songs from the ’60s and ’70s in Roger’s bar on Fox’s “American Dad!” What a coincidence, Rachael MacFarlane sings the same stuff at Roger’s bar. They are one and the same, and the human (the latter and voice of the animated former) recently released her debut album, “Haley Sings.” Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. $25. Regattabar at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge. 617-395-7757. www.regattabarjazz.com
Wiggle room
Three of the four original chaps of the Wiggles retire their colorful jerseys at the end of this year, but Blue Wiggle Anthony Field keeps his and joins the new members. So, say a colorful goodbye to Red Wiggle Murray Cook, Yellow Wiggle Greg Page, and Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt (scoop: Emma Watkins will be the first female Wiggle). Oct. 11 at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. $26.50-$76.50. Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Place, Boston. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com