Red-hot director
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday
Red-hot director Red is a primary color for director Zhang Yimou (left) -- "Raise the Red Lantern," "Red Sorghum," a red dress in "The Story of Qiu Ju," red silk in "Ju Dou." He raised part of the money to buy his first camera by selling his blood. Zhang is a member of the Fifth Generation film movement, the first post-Cultural Revolution graduates of the Beijing Film Academy. The Coolidge Corner Theatre awards Zhang its first Coolidge Award on May 26 at 8 ($25). The director is present for testimonials, film excerpts, a dance performance, and martial arts exhibition. "The Turandot Project" screens May 23 at noon ($5). "Hero" is shown May 27 at 7:30 ($15) with an introduction by Zhang.
290 Harvard St., Brookline 
617-734-2500.
Sunday 23
You would think that poor, gloomy Faust would think of another way to find meaning in life. Before he made a pact with that devil Mefistofele, why didn't he consider regular workouts at the gym or a new wardrobe? Chorus pro Musica performs Arrigo Boito's opera "Mefistofele," complete with heroines, angels (including children), and raging demons. The Metropolitan Opera's Raymond
30 Gainsborough St. 617-585-1260.
Monday 24
The Duke knew women. John Wayne said Marlene Dietrich was "the most intriguing woman I've ever known." Director Josef von Sternberg knew films. He collaborated with Dietrich on seven of them. Tonight's double bill at "Josef von Sternberg: Dietrich & Beyond" is "Morocco" (5:30, 9:30) and "Shanghai Express" (7:30), both with Dietrich. Other films screen on May 31 and June 7. Brattle Theatre tickets are $9; $7.50 for students; $6 for seniors.
40 Brattle St., Harvard Square 617-876-6837.
Tuesday 25
Here's your musical-theater final exam. Name the show originally titled "Away We Go" (Hint: It was the first collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and featured the choreography of Agnes de Mille.) OK? "Oklahoma!" with Laurey, Curly, Jud, and the surrey gallops into the Colonial Theatre through June 5. Tonight's show is at 8. The tickets are $30-$78.
106 Boylston St. 617-931-2787.
Wednesday 26
If you're 14-year-old Kaitlyn Lusk, how in the ruby slippers do you follow up last year's debut with the Boston Pops? You get a second gig with the Pops and salute the young Judy Garland. "The Great American Songbook" concerts tonight and May 27 at 8 at Symphony Hall feature Lusk singing "The Trolley Song" and "Over the Rainbow." The Pops also play music by Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. Tickets are $16-$69.
301 Massachusetts Ave. 888-266-1200.
Thursday 27
We know, we know. Since "Friends" ended, there's nothing to do on Thursday nights except organize your sock drawer. We feel your pain and offer help. British jazz pianist, singer, and 26-year-old Jamie Cullum travels across the ocean to Scullers to promote his third album "Twentysomething" at 8 and 10. His version of "Singin' in the Rain" is swell. Tickets are $14.
DoubleTree Guest Suites-Boston, 400 Soldiers Field Road 617-562-4111.
Friday 28
In 1987, John McVie said to Lindsey Buckingham: "Why don't you just leave." Buckingham left the group. According to McVie, he meant leave the room. Fleetwood Mac is at the Tweeter Center at 8 with original members McVie, Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and Stevie Nicks doing songs from their tumultuous togetherness. Tickets are $38.50-$125.
885 S. Main St., Mansfield 617-931-2000.
Saturday 29
Does a storm chaser take his or her kids to work once a year when other parents are schlepping offspring to corporate offices? Our kids would definitely prefer watching a tornado rip across the Great Plains to sitting at an old metal desk staring at a computer terminal. The Museum of Science's Mugar Omni Theater screens "Forces of Nature" through Oct. 1. Today's shows are at noon, 2, 4, 7, and 9. Tickets are $8.50; $7.50 for seniors; $6.50 for ages 3-11.
Science Park 617-723-2500.
Events can always be canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; call to confirm. Submit items and color photos to: June Wulff, Living/Arts, The Boston Globe, PO Box 55819, Boston MA 02205-5819 or e-mail event info to jwulff@globe.com.
