Today The Stranger suggests:

Eugene Mirman, Michael Showalter, Leo Allen
(COMEDY) In the United Kingdom, during the Thatcher years, when “alternative comedy” first gained ascendancy, there was a popular joke: “Hi, I’m an alternative comedian. Every other joke I tell is funny.” These three boys have affiliations with Stella, The State, and SNL, but, more importantly, they beat the alternative-comedy average—two out of every three jokes they tell are funny. (Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison St, 324-8000. 9 pm, $10 adv, 21+.) BRENDAN KILEY

Elsewhere:

Roberta Smith on whether art museums should be free. I’m inclined to think she’s being ridiculous with her comparisons to libraries: until all art museums are funded by the state or by private universities (which is probably not a good idea, given the politicization of such entities as the NEA), charging for admission seems like a reasonable way to raise money for acquisition and conservation of new works, to keep crowds down when blockbusters pass through, and so forth. I did learn from Smith’s rundown of free museums that SAM’s admission price is apparently “suggested” as opposed to mandatory. I certainly have never had that feeling at their ticket desk. She does not mention the Frye, which is free thanks to a large endowment. More NYT reporting on freeness here and here. (Thanks to CultureGrrl for the instant archive.)

Now, please enjoy this animated film funded by the National Film Board of Canada. It is the best movie about Scrabble you will ever see.