Reality is bleak in Jennifer Haley’s award-winning play, The Nether—a story set in a colorless, dystopian future. Within this barren world, however, lies a seemingly effective antidote—a virtual reality known as the Nether, where users can assume alternate identities, leave behind their familiar grim realities, and satisfy whims unavailable to them in their actual lives. There is, of course, a fundamental problem with this solution: the scope of the experiences it offers participants—experiences that, in some cases, would be illegal in the real world. Read more >>> The play runs April 4 to May 1 at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. $20–$68. (202) 393-3939. woollymammoth.net. (Victoria Gaffney)

EAT THIS

Mulebone is hosting an event called Dark Tower Social tonight with live music, cocktails, art, and food. The event is the restaurant’s take on the cultural salons of Harlem in the late 1920s. The $30 tickets (available here) include unlimited cocktails and punch plus spirit samples. Chef Joseph Paire, who recently appeared on Guy’s Grocery Games, will prepare hors d’oeuvres, while Nomad Yard Collectiv will offer some vintage shopping. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. Mulebone, 2121 14th St. NW. (202) 332-9672. mulebonedc.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Mellow funk rock practitioner Ben Harper takes the stage at 9:30 Club with his longtime backing band, the Innocent Criminals. They’re joined by opening act Christopher Paul Stelling, a folk artist out of Brooklyn. 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $57.50.

Hi-hop artist Jay IDK headlines a multi-artist bill at DC9, along with fellow performers Kasey Jones, Cicero, KAAN, and Tyler Wrightious. 8:30 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $10–$12.

Laugh Index Theater kicks off its “Improv Wars,” a weekly face-off between area comedy troupes, tonight at DC Arts Center. The audience chooses the winner, so show up ready to make noise. 7:30 p.m. at 2438 18th St. NW. $10.

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