NYC Picks: New shows at the Whitney, MoMA

Ready to hit the museums? The Whitney's love-it-or-hate-it Biennial is up, and everyone's sure to have an opinion: Is the art ugly? Genius? Derivative? Cutting-edge? Meanwhile, over at MoMA, William Kentridge is the artist du jour, the recipient of the museum's expansive new show. Wear comfortable shoes.

WHITNEY BIENNIAL

WHAT For this year's edition of the Whitney's grand survey of American art (which opened yesterday), curator Francesco Bonami and associate curator Gary Carrion-Murayari have selected 55 artists, both well known and less so. Among them: Charles Ray, George Condo, Piotr Uklanski, Ari Marcopoulos, Lorraine O'Grady, Storm Tharp and Tam Tran. There's a lot to see - from paintings to sculptures to video - but if you need a pick-me-up, there's Sandwiched, the temporary new cafe from Danny Meyer, the man who brought you Shake Shack (not to mention Union Square Cafe).

WHEN | WHERE Through May 30 at the Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Ave. at 75th Street.

INFO $18, 212-570-3600, whitney.org

WILLIAM KENTRIDGE: FIVE THEMES

WHAT This major new retrospective (which opened at MoMA Wednesday) revisits the career of the multitalented South African-born artist, creator of animated films, drawings, prints, theater models and books. More than 100 of his artworks will be on display; many of them tackle the thorny political history of his homeland. The show won't have the pop-culture appeal of MoMA's recent Tim Burton bonanza, but it's a great opportunity to be introduced to this fascinating artist.

WHEN | WHERE Through May 17 at the Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St.

INFO $20, 212-708-9400, moma.org

THEATER

'CANDIDA'

WHAT George Bernard Shaw has serious fun with Victorian gender politics in this revival starring Melissa Errico and Brian Murray.

WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 8, tomorrow at 3 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St.

INFO $55-$65, 212-727-2737, irishrep.org

'A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE'

WHAT Christopher Walken matches wickedness with playwright Martin McDonagh in this dark comedy about a man pursuing his missing hand.

WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 8, tomorrow at 2 and 8 p.m., Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St.|

INFO $61.50-$116.50, 212-239-6200, telecharge.com

'GIRLS IN TROUBLE'

WHAT Playwright Jonathan Reynolds shakes up assumptions again in this anti-abortion drama.

WHEN | WHERE Tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., Flea Theater, 41 White St.

INFO $20; 866-811-4100; theflea.org.  - LINDA WINER

MOVIES

NY INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL

WHAT The 13th annual fest features more than 100 new animated and live-action movies at Manhattan venues, plus workshops. This weekend's offerings include short films and animation from France, Spain, New Zealand and elsewhere. The fest welcomes toddlers and teens alike, but check the schedule to see which movies or events are appropriate for your family.

WHEN | WHERE Through March 21; visit Web site for screening times and locations.

INFO $12, 212-349-0330, gkids.com  -RAFER GUZMÁN

DANCE

CHAMPIONS OF THE DANCE

WHAT Need a ballroom fix before the next season of "Dancing With the Stars"? This show, with Mayo Alanen of "DWTS" and Tony Scheppler from "America's Ballroom Challenge," features 10 world champions in an evening of dance directed by coach and judge Taliat Tarsinov.

WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 8. Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St.

INFO $45-$50, 800-982-2787, ticketmaster.com

MUSIC

ROBYN HITCHCOCK

WHAT The Brit singer-songwriter released the live "I Often Dream of Trains in New York" late last year. We wonder what the former Soft Boy will be dreaming this weekend while he's in town. (Hitchcock also takes part in The Who homage at Carnegie Hall Tuesday.)

WHEN | WHERE Sunday at 8 p.m. City Winery, 155 Varick St.

INFO $35-$55, 212-608-0555, citywinery.com  - KEVIN AMORIM

DINING

SHAD - 'CATCH OF THE SEASON'

WHAT If you've never tried shad - an American fish related to the herring whose eggs are prized like caviar - now's your chance to sample this delicacy, from North Carolina waters.

WHEN | WHERE Through Saturday at Grand Central Oyster Bar, lower level of Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St.

INFO About $28 and up for shad filet, shad roe or combo, 212-490-6650, oysterbarny.com

NIGHT LIFE

DIG DEEPER

WHAT Mr. Robinson and DJ Honky host this monthly Park Slope party dedicated to '60s funk and soul classics. New Orleans soul legend Tami Lynn is the special guest.

WHEN | WHERE Tomorrow at 10 p.m. Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn

INFO $10 (advance), $15 (door), 718-230-0236, ticketweb.com