Go for Plan R

During the unendurably extended Democratic primary season, amid arguments about race, religion, economics and foreign policy, no political reporters have bothered to ask Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton what lessons about leadership they have derived from President Merkin Muffley’s performance during our nuclear exchange with the Soviet Union in the 1964 black comedy Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Tonight’s 7:30 staged reading of the film’s screenplay at La Esquina (1000 West 25th Street, 816-221-5115) asks the hard questions the candidates won’t face: Should the Soviets have told us about their doomsday weapon? (Yes.) Is fluoridated water contaminating our precious bodily fluids? (No.) And how much is admission? (Five dollars.)

Mon., May 12, 7:30 p.m., 2008