Eartha Kitt

ON this day, the cat-like Eartha Kitt is more tigress than kitten.She growls about a rehearsal delay -- then sighs, stretches and lights a cigarette. Stagehands deliver her chaise lounge to the wrong spot. Exasperated, she stalks over and adjusts it herself."What are we waiting for?" she asks twice, repeating the question more stridently when she gets no response. "Let's not waste time. Let's go!"And when a nervous amateur, who is performing with her, muffs his line, she waves him away. "That's enough!"

Sharon Shapiro, a court reporter who also worked as a freelance sound engineer, died Friday of breast cancer at Washington Adventist Hospital. The Silver Spring resident was 56. Ms. Shapiro was born in Baltimore and raised on Upper Park Heights Avenue. While attending Northwestern High School, she performed in musicals. After graduating in 1970, she earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1974. While at UM, Ms. Shapiro hosted Ms. Understood on the college's radio station.

LIFESONGS 1990" was an affirmation of life, a re-dedication to the fight against AIDS and a celebration of the victory of style over adversity.And really, who has more style on this planet than George Burns and Eartha Kitt?Both charmed a sold-out audience at Meyerhoff Hall last night, which was decked out for the third-annual "Lifesongs" benefit for the Health Education Resource Organization, or HERO.Burns, 94, puffed on a cigar, rasped through his standard tunes, and delivered a stand-up (and part sit-down)

Switchfoot -- Rams Head Live / Since the release of its 2003 double-platinum hit The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot has been steadily proving itself. Drawing inspiration from talents such as U2, Michael Jackson, the Beatles and Miles Davis, the band prides itself on diversity and instrumental experimentation. The group performs with the Florida band Copeland at 7 p.m. Sunday at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore. Tickets are $22.50 -$25. Call 410-244-1131 or go to ramsheadlive.com.

She's difficult to categorize -- and proud of it. In a career spanning more than five decades, Eartha Kitt has been a member of the first major African-American dance troupe, an international cabaret singer (performing in 10 languages), an author of three autobiographies, and an actress with theater and screen credits ranging from Helen of Troy in Orson Welles' stage production of "Faust" to Catwoman on the 1960s ABC-TV series "Batman." People magazine dubbed her "one of entertainment's most enduring -- and enigmatic -- icons."

The shoe fits. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote "Cinderella" for television, but the theatrical touring version now at the Mechanic Theatre suits this 1957 musical as perfectly as a dainty foot gliding into a custom-made glass slipper. The production - adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs and directed by Gabriel Barre - isn't just a charming diversion for the kids at holiday time, however. It's also got a dash of sass and sophistication, as well as a new theme about the Fairy Godmother's relationship to Cinderella, which contributes an added level of poignancy.

In what amounts to more fair warning than you normally expect from Hollywood, "Ernest Scared Stupid" opens with Ernest P. Worrell in a pile of garbage. The recycled trash that follows is, therefore, no surprise.When last encountered, in "Ernest Goes to Jail," Ernest had entered a plea of inanity and was in the slammer. Unfortunately, he's now back on the streets, free to continue his one-man dumbing of America. In demeanor and deportment, Ernest still looks like someone you might find passed out under the stadium seats in the final quarter of a pro football game.

Switchfoot -- Rams Head Live / Since the release of its 2003 double-platinum hit The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot has been steadily proving itself. Drawing inspiration from talents such as U2, Michael Jackson, the Beatles and Miles Davis, the band prides itself on diversity and instrumental experimentation. The group performs with the Florida band Copeland at 7 p.m. Sunday at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore. Tickets are $22.50 -$25. Call 410-244-1131 or go to ramsheadlive.com.

Eddie Bracken, 87, a stage and film comedian who spent more than 70 years in show business, died Thursday in Montclair, N.J., of complications after surgery. Born and raised in New York, Mr. Bracken was best known for his roles in The Miracle of Morgan's Creek and Hail the Conquering Hero, both released in 1944 and directed by Preston Sturges. His start in show business came at age 9, when he appeared in "Kiddie Troupers," a New York rival of the "Our Gang" comedies. After moving to Hollywood in 1940, Mr. Bracken signed with Paramount.

JUST ANNOUNCED: The Ellis Marsalis and Marcus Roberts evening of solo and duo piano originally advertised for March 15 will take place Feb. 15 at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis. Call (410) 263-5019.THE CAPITAL CENTRE, Landover: Dire Straits, Feb. 24. Call (410) 481-SEAT.MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL, 1212 Cathedral St.: The Big Band Salute to Benny Goodman on Feb. 12; Mel Torme appears with Maureen McGovern on Feb. 25. Roberta Flack, Feb. 29. Call (410) 783-8000.

Eddie Bracken, 87, a stage and film comedian who spent more than 70 years in show business, died Thursday in Montclair, N.J., of complications after surgery. Born and raised in New York, Mr. Bracken was best known for his roles in The Miracle of Morgan's Creek and Hail the Conquering Hero, both released in 1944 and directed by Preston Sturges. His start in show business came at age 9, when he appeared in "Kiddie Troupers," a New York rival of the "Our Gang" comedies. After moving to Hollywood in 1940, Mr. Bracken signed with Paramount.

The shoe fits. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote "Cinderella" for television, but the theatrical touring version now at the Mechanic Theatre suits this 1957 musical as perfectly as a dainty foot gliding into a custom-made glass slipper. The production - adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs and directed by Gabriel Barre - isn't just a charming diversion for the kids at holiday time, however. It's also got a dash of sass and sophistication, as well as a new theme about the Fairy Godmother's relationship to Cinderella, which contributes an added level of poignancy.

She's difficult to categorize -- and proud of it. In a career spanning more than five decades, Eartha Kitt has been a member of the first major African-American dance troupe, an international cabaret singer (performing in 10 languages), an author of three autobiographies, and an actress with theater and screen credits ranging from Helen of Troy in Orson Welles' stage production of "Faust" to Catwoman on the 1960s ABC-TV series "Batman." People magazine dubbed her "one of entertainment's most enduring -- and enigmatic -- icons."

Holiday House Tour Get an up-close look at the diverse architectural styles in Federal Hill and Otterbein during the Preservation Society's annual self-guided Holiday House Tour. Residents in the historic neighborhoods open their doors to visitors from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Also enjoy an open house and holiday music throughout the afternoon at Old Otterbein United Methodist Church, 112 W. Conway St. Festivities wrap up at 7 p.m. with a community tree lighting in Federal Hill Park. Parking is available at Martini Lutheran Church, Henrietta and Hanover streets.

JUST ANNOUNCED: The Ellis Marsalis and Marcus Roberts evening of solo and duo piano originally advertised for March 15 will take place Feb. 15 at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis. Call (410) 263-5019.THE CAPITAL CENTRE, Landover: Dire Straits, Feb. 24. Call (410) 481-SEAT.MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL, 1212 Cathedral St.: The Big Band Salute to Benny Goodman on Feb. 12; Mel Torme appears with Maureen McGovern on Feb. 25. Roberta Flack, Feb. 29. Call (410) 783-8000.

In what amounts to more fair warning than you normally expect from Hollywood, "Ernest Scared Stupid" opens with Ernest P. Worrell in a pile of garbage. The recycled trash that follows is, therefore, no surprise.When last encountered, in "Ernest Goes to Jail," Ernest had entered a plea of inanity and was in the slammer. Unfortunately, he's now back on the streets, free to continue his one-man dumbing of America. In demeanor and deportment, Ernest still looks like someone you might find passed out under the stadium seats in the final quarter of a pro football game.

Sharon Shapiro, a court reporter who also worked as a freelance sound engineer, died Friday of breast cancer at Washington Adventist Hospital. The Silver Spring resident was 56. Ms. Shapiro was born in Baltimore and raised on Upper Park Heights Avenue. While attending Northwestern High School, she performed in musicals. After graduating in 1970, she earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1974. While at UM, Ms. Shapiro hosted Ms. Understood on the college's radio station.

Holiday House Tour Get an up-close look at the diverse architectural styles in Federal Hill and Otterbein during the Preservation Society's annual self-guided Holiday House Tour. Residents in the historic neighborhoods open their doors to visitors from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Also enjoy an open house and holiday music throughout the afternoon at Old Otterbein United Methodist Church, 112 W. Conway St. Festivities wrap up at 7 p.m. with a community tree lighting in Federal Hill Park. Parking is available at Martini Lutheran Church, Henrietta and Hanover streets.

ON this day, the cat-like Eartha Kitt is more tigress than kitten.She growls about a rehearsal delay -- then sighs, stretches and lights a cigarette. Stagehands deliver her chaise lounge to the wrong spot. Exasperated, she stalks over and adjusts it herself."What are we waiting for?" she asks twice, repeating the question more stridently when she gets no response. "Let's not waste time. Let's go!"And when a nervous amateur, who is performing with her, muffs his line, she waves him away. "That's enough!"

LIFESONGS 1990" was an affirmation of life, a re-dedication to the fight against AIDS and a celebration of the victory of style over adversity.And really, who has more style on this planet than George Burns and Eartha Kitt?Both charmed a sold-out audience at Meyerhoff Hall last night, which was decked out for the third-annual "Lifesongs" benefit for the Health Education Resource Organization, or HERO.Burns, 94, puffed on a cigar, rasped through his standard tunes, and delivered a stand-up (and part sit-down)