Sun. Nov. 30

Rosie O'Donnell - heaven help us has a variety show on the way - and so does the Regent Theatre in Arlington. We recommend leaving your couch Sunday Nov. 30 at 7 for something comic/social commentator Jimmy Tingle is hosting called "Keeping the Heat On." It's to help defray the theatre's energy and heating costs. Yes, it's a benefit and it's for a very good venue - a theatre that's held a wide variety of acts, from Elivs impersonators to an experimental rock festival. “Even before these very tough economic times, it’s become more and more challenging to get people out of their homes—away from their TVs and computers—to rediscover live entertainment,” says the Regent’s Leland Stein.  “Now, it’s even more difficult with families having to watch every penny.  This event provides an opportunity for the public to enjoy a rich variety of exceptional entertainment in one evening at a reasonable price while supporting one of the many arts institutions struggling to make ends meet.” Tickets to are $35 for preferred seating and $25. for all other seats.

What you get: all-vocal group Five O’Clock Shadow, rock opera songs from Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra, Charlie Farren, Steve Baker & Bob Jennings of BeatleJuice, Airborne Dan Foley, Ryan Casey, Digney Fignus, and Dana Z as Elvis. In addition to the live performances, the evening will feature the premiere, on the Regent’s big screen, of film excerpts from the May, 2007 “Concerts For Brad,” which celebrated the life of Brad Delp, the Beatlejuice and Boston singer who killed himself in 2007.

7 Medford St., Arlington, 781-646-4849, www.regenttheatre.com