Simon Cowell’s “The X Factor” is the latest TV program to use the mysterious,
Simon Cowell’s “The X Factor” is the latest TV program to use the mysterious, vaguely ominous-sounding 24th letter in its title. Here are five others:
v “The X-Files” (1993-2002): Spooky series in which two stalwart FBI agents (David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson) searched for The Truth ... which was out there.
v “The X Games” (1995-): Annual summer and winter action sports competition created by ESPN.
v “The X Show” (1999-2001): Male-oriented late-night talk show on FX.
v “XFL” (2001): Short-lived, made-for-TV pro football league created by wrestling impresario Vince McMahon.
v “The X-Men” (2011): The newest TV incarnation of the Marvel superheroes debuted this past Friday night on G4.
entertainment news
Recording studio to open its doors
BOARDMAN
Method 8 studio, 4800 Market St. (second floor), will have its grand opening from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Method 8 is a fully equipped media company where artists can record music or theatrical performances. The first five emcees at Sunday’s event will receive free studio time. For more information, contact Marquis Williams at 330-402-5165.
TNT offers play by Steve Martin
NILES
“Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” the first play written by comedian Steve Martin, opens Friday at Trumbull New Theatre, 5883 Youngstown-Warren Road.
Curtain times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and again Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19; and 3 p.m. Nov. 20. Tom Hitmar is the director.
Call 330-652-1103 for reservations. The play is intended for mature audiences because of its content.
The setting for “Picasso” is the Lapin Agile, a tavern in Paris, and the year is 1904. Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso — both on the verge of fame but unaware of it — engage in a debate about genius and talent as a host of bar patrons chime in.
Polka jam session and dinner event
SHARON, PA.
There will be a free polka jam session from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Slovenian Home, French and Baldwin streets, featuring Don Tortola, Ron Pivovar, Tony Trontel, Mike and 6-Pack, and Don Novak.
A baked ziti and sausage dinner will be available for dine-in or takeout starting at 5:30 p.m.
Christian talent show seeks acts
AUSTINTOWN
A Christian talent showcase/open-mic night will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at Second Chance Community Outreach Ministry, in Wedgewood Plaza, Raccoon Road at New Road.
Singers, actors, skits, poets and other artists who want to participate can sign up before the show.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, call Dave Fidram at 330-301-6501.