David Byrne’s musical comedy True Stories takes a fond look at wackiness in the American heartland. Set in the fictional town of Virgil, Texas, during a prideful “Celebration of Specialness” for the 150th anniversary of the state, Talking Heads singer Byrne directs and stars as the narrator in a project that adopts the energy of experimental theater. Supporting actors John Goodman, Pops Staples, and Spalding Gray depict characters inspired by tabloid headlines in the Weekly World News. The film culminates in a lip-sync competition and a talent show with a fantastical display of niche acts backed by a soundtrack recorded by Talking Heads exclusively for the film.
Friday 8/23. $9, 7:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net