Going out

Public reading: Hear for yourself Glyn O'Malley's controversial Paradise, the play about an Israeli and a Palestinian teenager that was to be part of Playhouse in the Park's educational outreach touring program, but got yanked after arousing controversy. Public reading 7 p.m. today, Robert S. Marx Theatre, Playhouse, free tickets available at 6 p.m. 421-3888.

JC Superstar: The national touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar with Sebastian Bach parades in for a two-week run at the Aronoff Center. Opens 8 p.m. today, Procter & Gamble Hall, $20-$55. 241-7469.

Chanticleer: America's leading male vocal ensemble belts out chant, Renaissance polyphony, gospel and jazz. 8 p.m. today, Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral, Eighth and Plum streets, downtown, $15-$28. 421-2222.

On TV

Top pick: Tristate American Idol fans must stay up until after the UC-St. Louis basketball game (8-10 p.m., Channel 19) to see the last group of eight semi-finalists (10 p.m.). Loyal viewers of Fox's 24 will have to wait until 6 p.m. Sunday for tonight's episode - unless you can tune in Dayton's Channel 45 to catch the national broadcast of Idol (8 p.m.) and 24 (9 p.m.).

New on CD

Critic's pick: Facing morals charges, R&B singer R. Kelly tries to win back fans with Chocolate Factory (RCA; $18.98), which includes a bonus CD, the first authorized release of his much-bootlegged "Loveland Sessions."

The rap-heavy soundtrack to Jet Li's Cradle 2 the Grave (Def Jam; $19.98) features heavyweights Eminem and 50 Cent.

AC/DC, Back in Black (Sony; $18.98).

New on DVD/video

Critic's pick: Enquirer film critic Margaret A. McGurk suggests indie-film fans check out the Robin Williams' gripping but Oscar-snubbed performance in One Hour Photo.

For kids, this week's best bet is Robert Rodriguez's gadget-crazy sequel Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams.

For lovers of the classics, nothing beats the nicely restored silent film Metropolis, from the still-revered Fritz Lang.

The long awaited DVD version of the third season of M*A*S*H, hits the stores today. $39.98 or $31.98 if you order from www.foxhome.com.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The Main Public Library hosts University of Cincinnati African-American studies professor Keith Griffler with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center-sponsored "Journey Through Black History." 7 p.m. Wednesday, 800 Vine St., downtown.

72 hours 'til Friday: Jazz guitar master Charlie Hunter, riding high with the release of his Blue Note CD Songs from the Analog Playground, hits town. 11 p.m., Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington, $16-$18. (859) 655-4807.

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com