Chris Cornell

If any modern vocalist were to challenge Frank Sinatra for the nickname “The Voice,” our money would be on Chris Cornell. His stratospheric howling (not to mention his smart, Beatles-touched songwriting) helped make Soundgarden one of alt-rock’s greatest acts. His solo records (1999’s Euphoria Morning and this year’s Carry On) are underappreciated slabs of try-anything-once goodness. Cornell’s James Bond theme (“You Know My Name,” from Casino Royale) was the best since “A View to a Kill.” And that iconic voice was pretty much the only good thing about Audioslave. The proof comes this Saturday, when Cornell brings a retrospective-themed show to Clifton Park. Word has it the set list will include music from his entire 20-plus-year career. It may even include “Hunger Strike,” although we’re reasonably certain the role of Eddie Vedder will be played by someone other than Eddie Vedder.

Opening the show will be New York-based retro-rock trio Earl Greyhound. Don’t be put off—they’re an excellent band despite the lame moniker.

Chris Cornell, with special guests Earl Greyhound, will perform at Northern Lights (1208 Route 146, Clifton Park) this Saturday (Nov. 10) at 7 PM. Tickets are $37. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 371-0012.

Blame It on Fidel

The conflict between the personal and political creates a domestic crisis for a 9-year-old girl in Julie Gavras’ Blame It on Fidel. Set in the 1970s, this French film tells the story of young Anna and her frustrating attempts to understand the political awakening and activism of her parents.

If the director’s name rings a bell, that’s one for you: Gavras is the daughter of Constantine Costa-Gavras, legendary director of such political dramas as Z and Missing. Blame It on Fidel won an MPAA prize as a “promising French film.”

Blame It on Fidel will be screened tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 9) at 7:30 PM and Sunday (Nov. 11) at 5 PM at Time & Space Limited (434 Columbia St., Hudson). There will also be screenings Nov. 16 and 18 at TSL. Tickets are $7, $5 members. For more info, call 822-8448.

Tiny Ninja Theater

“Grand spectacle on a tiny stage.” For the final offering of Capital Repertory Theatre’s Biggest Little International Play Fest, Tiny Ninja Theater presents Hamlet, as performed by a cast of inch-high plastic ninjas.

The curious brainchild of puppeteer Dov Weinstein and some carefully selected vending machines, these dime-store actors portray the Dane and his cohorts as you’ve never seen. Weinstein voices all 33 roles on behalf of the plastic thespians in the production, and uses live video feed to magnify the drama.

According to our own James Yeara, “The most expensively trained and/or famous actors couldn’t create a Hamlet whose characters and plot are clearer or more engaging.”

Tiny Ninja Theater’s Hamlet is being presented at Capital Repertory Theater (111 N. Pearl St., Albany) this Monday through Thursday (Nov. 12-15) at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15-30. For more information, or to make reservations, call 445-SHOW.