Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
ARTS
Beverly: Montserrat College of Art presents "Human Presence," an exhibition showcasing five Montserrat College of Art seniors, through Nov. 30 at 301 Gallery, 301 Cabot St. Directed and curated by the students, the show features works in a variety of media and exhibits a broad range of conceptual expressions that focus on the theme of the human presence. Reception, Nov. 28, 6-8 p.m. Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. DEWLNH@aol.com.
Beverly: J. David Broudo Gallery of Art, School of Art & Design, at Endicott College, 376 Hale St. (Route 127), is exhibiting "Eschatology", an exhibit of silkscreen works on paper and aluminum by Linda Klein through Dec. 5. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. "Eschatology" references the offshoot of religious studies which relates to such topics as the death of humanity and Judgment Day. 978-232-2655.
Danvers: Peabody artist Ruth Mowder presents "A Collection of Paintings" in the meeting room at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust St. (Route 35), through Dec. 1. Open Sundays after 10:30 a.m. service, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and by appointment. 978-531-2860.
Gloucester: Cape Ann Historical Museum, 27 Pleasant St., presents an exhibition of photographs by Leslie D. Bartlett, "Chapters on a Quarry Wall," featuring 40 vertical images displayed as unmounted scrolls, through Jan. 31. Hands-on activities for children relating to the exhibition. Free. Also, an exhibition of paintings and drawings of Cape Ann artist Jeff Weaver through Jan. 31. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. $6.50 adults, seniors $6, students $4.50, children younger than 6 free. 978-283-0455, capeannhistoricalmuseum.org.
Hamilton: Marblehead artist Charlie Allen is showing "Drawing on Ancient Hills; Sketches from Tuscany May 2007" through Dec. 2 in Bertolon Family Gallery at Pingree School, 537 Highland St., off Route 1A. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. 978-468-4415.
Ipswich: River Gallery, 4 Market St., presents a group holiday exhibition featuring original work by North Shore artists through Jan. 13. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. 978-356-1559, rivergalleryipswich.com.
Ipswich: The Caleb Stone Art Show to benefit First Church in Ipswich will be held at First Church, One Meeting House Green, Dec. 1-9. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 6-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-noon. Reception, Dec 1, 4-7 p.m., with painting raffle. For raffle tickets call First Church office, 978-356-2211.
Manchester-by-the-Sea: Beach Street Studios, 33 Beach St., is showing paintings by Kathy Connolly, Margie Florini and Joan van Roden White through Dec. 1. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. beachstreetstudios.com, 978-526-4833.
Marblehead: "Character Sketch: The Drawings of Liam H. J. McGeown" continues through Dec. 9 at Foodie's Feast, 114 Washington St. julie@foodiesfeast.com, 781-639-1104.
Melrose: Exhibitions at Beebe Estate, 235 West Foster St. Through Nov. 27: paintings by Melrose artists Ellen Rolli and Eva Cincotta. Nov. 30-Dec. 15: watercolors by Lee Benson, Dixie Clark and Luke Volpe. Reception, Nov. 30, 7-9 p.m. Open Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beebeestate.org, 781-662-6616.
Newburyport: "Land, Sea, Sky, and Wildlife," an exhibition of sculpture and photography by Sarah and Alan Ward, continues through Dec. 9 at Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike. Free. 978-462-9998, massaudubon.org/joppaflats.
Newburyport: Bridge Gallery, 113 Merrimac St., is showing an exhibit of portraits of pets and people. Thirty-minute portraits of people, priced from $50-$75, will be created at the gallery by artists Andrea Holland Hart and Susan Spellman. Spellman will be at the gallery Nov. 25; Hart will be available Dec.1. To schedule an appointment, call 978-457-0166.
Newburyport: Newburyport photographer and attorney James Harrison Sandman's street and scenic exhibit entitled "Venice: One Life If By Land; One Lifetime If By Sea," is displayed at Provident Bank, 66 Storey Ave. and Merrimac Landing through November. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Storey Avenue branch only. 978-462-9910.
Newburyport: Bridge Gallery, 113 Merrimac St., features paintings by Agnes Manning through November. Open daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Newburyport: Artwork by Julie Bokat and Sara F. Egan is displayed at the Firehouse Center for the Arts Gallery, One Market Square, through Dec. 9. Reception, Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m. Free. Open Wednesday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. 978-462-7336.
Rockport: Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., presents a solo exhibition by Zygmond Jankowski, Nov. 25-Dec. 7. Reception, Nov. 25, 2-4 p.m. A major retrospective of paintings by George Carpenter continues through Dec 2. The fund-aising event "ARTxtravaganza," an online auction and exhibition, continues through 8 p.m. on Dec. 12. Bid on fine art and other items at rockportartassn.cmarket.com. The annual Holiday Ornament Fund-raiser begins Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. Purchase miniature artworks ($40 each) created by association members. 978-546-6604, rockportart@verizon.net.
AUDITIONS
Newburyport: Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, will hold non-equity auditions by appointment Dec. 1 and 2, 10 a.m.-noon, for the New Works Festival to be held Jan. 25-28. The New Works Festival will highlight 10 new works, long and short plays, from New England playwrights. Many roles open for men and women. Prepare two contrasting monologues that total no longer than three minutes. For appointment, contact Terry Blanchard at terblan@aol.com.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Hamilton: Neverland Theatre will hold a Fairy-Tale Tea Party, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. at Hamilton-Wenham Community House, 284 Bay Road, Route 1A, featuring characters such as Snow White, Cinderella, Dorothy, and Captain Hook. $15. neverlandtheatre.com, 978 948-7925.
CHORAL MUSIC
Melrose: Polymnia Choral Society presents "Messe de Minuit pour Noel" (Midnight Mass for Christmas ) by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Dec.1, 7:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 121 West Foster St. Other works will be performed followed by a holiday carol sing-a-long. $15 ($18 at the door), students and seniors $13, ages 12 and younger $5. Advance tickets at Sweet Thoughts, 504 Main St.; the Melrose Drug Center, 462 Main St.; and 781-665-5857.
Newburyport: The First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St., will hold the fourth annual Messiah Sing Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Meetinghouse. $10 donation to participate. Joel Cohen of Boston Camerata will conduct. Bring your own score.
DANCES
Peabody: Single Executives Club Social and Dance, Nov. 23 at Holiday Inn Hotel, 1 Newbury St., Route 1 north. Free dance lessons 7:30-8:30 p.m. Music by DJ 8:30 p.m.-midnight. For singles and couples 35+ years old. Admission $10 before 9 p.m. Co-sponsored by Young Professionals Club of Boston. 781-871-0545, www.se-4u.com.
DANCE PERFORMANCES
Newburyport: Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, opens its season of holiday performances with the original production "The Nutbuster" by Exit Dance Theatre, Nov. 30-Dec. 2. Performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. In this untraditional version of "The Nutcracker," the Nutcracker is a lifeguard, his buddies are surfers, and dance segments are reconceived with a modern, jazzy and comedic touch. $16, seniors $13, students $10. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.
EXTRA
Wakefield: Dec.1, Temple Emmanuel, 120 Chestnut St., will host a pasta dinner and concert. The flute and guitar duo Steve Tapper and Audie Bridges perform original compositions as well as jazz, classical music, folk music, blues, Jewish and Brazilian music, and other world music styles. $20. ages 5-12 $10. Dinner reservations required by Nov. 27. Concert only $15.Dinner at 6:30 p.m.; concert at 8 p.m. 781-245-1886, Temple EmmanuelWakefield.org.
FILMS
Newburyport: Yoga Center of Newburyport, 12 Maple St., presents a spiritual film series. Dec. 1, 7 p.m., "Kundan" (PG-13, for violent images). Films followed by discussion. $5. 978-463-4354, newburyportyoga.com.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Beverly: North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, launches the holiday season with Holiday Illumination, Nov. 30, 4-7 p.m. Festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, holiday foods, hands-on holiday crafts, appearances by cast members of "A Christmas Carol", sing-a-long caroling led by the NSMT Youth Performance Choir, and readings of "A Christmas Carol" featuring Jon Kimbell and members of the cast. Free. Overtures restaurant will open at 5:30 p.m. and serve a specially priced, family friendly menu. NSMT is accepting unopened, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 2 - 12 for Tiny Tim's Toy Drive to be donated to Beverly Children's Learning Center, Beverly Bootstraps, and Headstart of Peabody. 978-232-7200, nsmt.org.
Danvers: Hear the Nurse Homestead Singers in concert Nov. 24 at the decorated Salem Village Meetinghouse at Rebecca Nurse Homestead, 149 Pine St. Members of the Danvers Alarm List Company will prepare and enjoy a Christmas feast in the Nurse House while revelers celebrate the holidays. Complimentary mulled cider and baked goods served to ticket holders. Holiday greens and decorations for sale. Grounds open 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Performances at 11:30 a.m, 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets for concerts, refreshments, activities, and house tours $10; seniors and students $6. essexheritage.org, 978-580-9437, gmairo@hotmail.com.
Salisbury: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society will hold its annual Holiday Open House Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the society's headquarters, 63 Elm St. Cats and kittens available for adoption will headline the event along with music, refreshments and a Giving Tree, where attendees can take home ornaments in exchange for the purchase of supplies needed to operate and maintain the society's facilities. Holiday gifts include the 2008 cat calendar, shirts and hats, homemade bags, holiday catnip toys, and more. Proceeds will help fund the nonprofit organization's free and low-cost programs and services. 978-462-0760, mrfrs.org.
Winthrop: Ring in the holiday season Nov. 23 in Winthrop Center. Festivities, 3-5 p.m., include free photos with Santa Claus at French Square and horse-drawn hayrides ($3, children $3). Meet favorite characters Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Snow White and other Disney friends, as well as Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Watch ice sculptors create Cinderella's castle. The traditional Kids Hat Contest will be at 4 p.m. with prizes for the most festive, funniest, and most original. Also a children's dance competition at 4:30 p.m. Ongoing entertainment on Main Stage. Santa arrives by fire engine, followed by the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. winthropchamber.com, 617-846-9898.
HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & SHOPPING
Boxford: The annual Winter Festival will be held in West Boxford Village, Washington St., Route 133, Dec.1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fun for all ages includes free horse-drawn carriage rides, a church fair, a craft show and free ice cream. Children can write letters to Santa at the Community Giving Tree and in the afternoon Santa will be by to take photos with kids at Lincoln Hall and with pets at the Boxford Animal Hospital. Bring new items to the hat and mitten drop off at the Community Giving Tree, 570 Main St. Sponsored by the West Boxford Improvement Society. boxfordwestvillagewinterfestival.cfsites.org.
Marblehead: Marblehead Museum & Historical Society, 170 Washington St., hosts Open Houses and a Gingerbread Festival during Christmas Walk Weekend. Visit the museum's galleries during the Candlelight Reception, Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m. Also open Dec. 1, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. and Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m. The G.A.R. & Civil War Museum in the Old Town House will be open Dec.1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Throughout the weekend, the first floor of the Lee Mansion will show unique displays of Gingerbread Houses, available for bid in a penny raffle. Buy tickets and bid for your favorite gingerbread creation. Winners selected at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lee Mansion. Bidders do not have to be present to win. The raffle will benefit the Marblehead Family Fund and the Museum. marbleheadmuseum.org, 781-631-1768.
Melrose: More than 25 crafters and gift vendors will participate in the Craft & Gift Fair, Dec.1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School, 80 West Wyoming Ave. melroseschools.com/lincoln.
Rockport: Have your dog's picture taken with Santa during the Open House at Good Dog! Gallery, 36 Bearskin Neck, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Dec. 2, noon-2 p.m. $10. Proceeds benefit Cape Ann Animal Aid Shelter in Gloucester. Complimentary goodies and refreshments all day. Also, local artist Lynn Holoway will paint a miniature pet portrait from your pet photo for $38 with 20 percent of proceeds donated to the shelter. Preorder portraits. 978-546-1364, info@gooddoggallery.com, gooddoggallery.com.
Lynnfield: Lynnfield Historical Society will hold its annual holiday Country Store Dec.1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the 1714 Meeting House, Common St., in Lynnfield Center. Decorative wreaths and greens and special foods available for purchase. Santa Claus and the Lynnfield Carolers arrive mid-morning. Not handicapped-accessible.
Wakefield: The annual Christmas Fair at Saint Joseph Parish Hall, Albion St., will be held Nov. 30, 4-8 p.m. and Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday wreaths, raffles, and distinctive gifts. Children's face painting Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
HOUSE TOURS
Salem: The annual Christmas in Salem House Tour welcomes visitors into 15 architecturally distinguished homes and buildings dating from the mid 18th to the early 19th century. The event marks the 250th anniversary of the birthday of Samuel McIntire, Salem's premier architect, master builder, and carver. McIntire's Hamilton Hall on Chestnut Street will house an artists' showcase and a retail boutique. Live music by area artists at many of the properties. Advance ticket holders may visit five homes in the Washington Square/Salem Common area on Friday 5-8 p.m. All 15 homes will be open Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m. $20 in advance; $25 day of tour. Proceeds benefit Historic Salem Inc., a nonprofit community preservation organization. historicsalem.org, 978-745-0799.
LECTURES, FORUMS
Beverly: Endicott College School of Art and Design presents the slide lecture "Poland and Russia, On the Edge of Western Art and Architecture," Nov. 27, 12:30-1:45 p.m. in the Art Center Lecture Hall AD 100, at Endicott College, 376 Hale St. Robert Curtis Anderson, assistant professor of Interior Design at Endicott College, will show works from Poland and Russia where he recently traveled under the Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad Program. Free. 978-232-2655.
Gloucester: Field ornithologist Jim Berry will talk about migratory and winter resident birds on Cape Ann during his free lecture "Fall and Winter Birds of Cape Ann," Nov. 28, 7 p.m. at Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave. Learn about ducks, grebes, loons, guillemots, razorbills, gannets, gulls, and cormorants. Part of the Schooner Adventure Lecture Series. 978-281-8079, schooner-adventure.org.
LITERARY EVENTS
Beverly: Monday Morning Lecture Series at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex St., presents "The Modern Heroine," an author panel with local mystery writers Dana Cameron, Jan Brogan, and Toni Kelner, Nov. 26 at 9:30 a.m. Free. 978-921-6062, flynn@noblenet.org.
Peabody: Ed Emberley, illustrator of children's books and instruction books on how to draw for children, will demonstrate his drawing techniques and sign his books, Nov. 24, 1 p.m., at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 210 Andover St. 978-573-3268, bn.com.
Salem: Eve LaPlante will speak about her new book "Salem Witch Judge: The Life and Repentance of Samual Sewall," Nov. 28, 7 p.m., at Salem Athenaeum, 337 Essex St. $10. Reservations, 978-744-2540. salemathenaeum.net.
MUSEUMS & HISTORY
Peabody: "In the Spirit of Clara Barton: Almira Fales and the Women of South Danvers," an exhibition of letters written by women aiding and nursing the wounded during the Civil War, continues through Dec. 1 in the Eben Dale Sutton Room at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main St. 978-531-0100, peabodylibrary.org.
MUSIC
Beverly: St. John's Concert Series presents a Candlelight Christmas Concert, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. at St. John's Church, 705 Hale St., Beverly Farms. St. John's Singers perform carols and lullabies accompanied by harp, guitar, marimba and organ. $20, students and seniors $10. 978-283-9046, sjcs.info.
Gloucester: Cape Ann Symphony's annual Holiday Pops concert, Nov. 24, 8 p.m., and Nov. 25, 2 p.m., features gospel vocalist Renese King. The symphony performs holiday favorites during this festive evening of music. Held at Fuller Auditorium, Blackburn Circle/Route 128. $25, children younger than 18 free. 978-281-0543, capeannsymphony.org.
Hamilton: Hamilton Historical Society presents the music duo Poor Richard's Penny, performing comical tavern songs, lively dance tunes and Colonial ballads Nov. 27, 7 p.m., at Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St. Free. hwlibrary.org, 978-468-5577.
NATURE
Essex: The Essex Country Greenbelt Association will host a free presentation of the new radio documentary "Down River: Life and Landscapes in Essex, Massachusetts," Nov. 30, 6:30-8 p.m. at Greenbelt's Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave. Project producer Ashley Ahearn will present her newly completed 25-minute audio-documentary of life and history connected to the Essex River, along with her slide images. Attendees will enjoy wine, cheese, and the opportunity to share their own memories of life along the Essex River.
Newburyport: Brookline Bird Club will sponsor a free birding field trip, Dec. 1, at Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Led by William Drummond of Andover. Meet at Newburyport Train Station, off Parker St., at 8:30 a.m. Park at the southern parking lot on the west side of the tracks. The station is near the Route 1 traffic circle and parking is free. Bring binoculars and lunch. 978-975-1167, WCDrummond@aol.com.
NIGHTCLUBS
Manchester-by-the-Sea: The Landing at 7 Central. Friday and Saturday entertainment, 9 p.m.-midnight. Nov. 23, Nat Simpkins & Henri Smith; Nov. 24, Janice & Will. Casual dress. No cover charge. 978-526-7494.
Marblehead: The Marblehead Landing, 81 Front St., at State Street Landing. Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. in the pub. Nov. 23, Code 51. Casual dress. No cover charge. 781-639-1266.
THEATER
Beverly: North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, presents an original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale "A Christmas Carol," Nov. 30-Dec. 23. Performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. ASL interpretation Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. $70 - $35. Free events: Dec. 9, 16, and 23, Christmas with the Cratchits, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance; Dec. 14, Out at the North for the gay and lesbian community with a post show reception. 978-232-7200, nsmt.org.
Beverly: "An Anthology of Stage Magic," classic stage magic and variety entertainment performed by the Spectacular Magic Company, at Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis St. Performance Nov. 23, 2 p.m.; $20; children 11 and younger $12. 978-927-3677, legranddavid.com.
Chelsea: Apollinaire Theatre Company presents the New England premiere of "Dead City" by Sheila Callaghan, a modern comic drama based on James Joyce's "Ulysses," through Dec. 2, at Chelsea Theatre Works, 189 Winnisimmet St. Performances Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; matinees, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 3 p.m. $20; in advance, $18. Student rush one hour before show $10. 617-887-2336, apollinairetheatre.com.
Hamilton: Neverland Theatre's Holiday Talent Show will be on stage Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton-Wenham Community House, 284 Bay Road, Route 1A. $10. Tickets at the door. Box office opens at 7 p.m. neverlandtheatre.com.
Ipswich: The Company of Ipswich High School presents "Babes in Toyland" Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec.1 and 2 at 2 p.m. in the high school's Performing Arts Center, 134 High St. $7, students $5, seniors $3. If a small, unwrapped toy is brought to the box office, one free student or two free preschool tickets will be given. 978-356-3137, ext.138.
Newburyport: Sirius Theatre Company will perform three short plays by Samuel Beckett. "Not I," "Footfalls," and "Act Without Words #1," illustrating three different sides of the 1969 Nobel prize-winner in literature. Performances Nov. 23 and 24, 8 p.m.; and Nov. 25, 3 p.m., at Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square. $18, seniors and students $13. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.
Salem: Salem Theatre Company presents Arthur Miller's drama "The Crucible," through Nov. 25 at First Church at Salem, Unitarian, 316 Essex St. Performances Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. $18, seniors and students $15. 978-790-8546, salemtheatre.com.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Durham: University of New Hampshire Department of Theatre and Dance presents "Midwives," an intimate and intense story by Vermont playwright Dana Yeaton, exploring the personal costs paid when our choices profoundly affect the welfare of others. A postshow discussion with the playwright will follow the Nov. 28 performance. Performances Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. in Hennessy Theatre in Paul Creative Arts Center, 30 College Road, UNH Durham campus. $12.50, seniors and groups of 15 or more $10.50. 603-862-2290, unhmub.com/ticket. Box office opens one hour before the show. Information, 603-862-2919, unh.edu/theatre-dance.
Durham: The exhibitions "Shadow and Memory: Ellis Island's Unrestored Buildings: The Photographs of Christopher Barnes" and "In Residence: Artists and the MacDowell Colony Experience" continue through Dec. 17 at the Art Gallery, Paul Creative Arts Center, 30 College Road, University of New Hampshire. The ArtBreak Series is held Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m., in the Paul Creative Arts Center. Gallery hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; closed Nov. 21-25. Guided group tours available with advance reservation (catherine.mazur@unh.edu or 603-862-3713). 603-862-3712, art.gallery@unh.edu.
Exeter: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Frederick R. Mayer Art Center and Lamont Gallery, Phillips Exeter Academy presents "RedHOUSE: Architecture for Art," including artworks from the collection of Frederick and Jan Mayer and architectural sketches, plans, and models by Jim Olson, through Dec. 1. The Lamont Gallery in the Frederick R. Mayer Art Center, on Tan Lane, is open Monday, 1-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 603-777-3461, exeter.edu.
Greenland: Greenland Community Congregational Church will hold its annual Christmas Fair Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Greenland Parish House, Post Road, Route 151 in Greenland Center. Two floors of merchandise and activities include a Cookie Walk, silent auction, lunch, handcrafted items, gourmet foods, a Children's Shop, and free children's activities. Proceeds benefit programs and services provided by the church including a free weekly food pantry, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, and local and international mission work. 603-431-4966, HeidiDuncanson@aol.com.
Newington: The 70-voice Community Chorus at South Berwick will perform a Christmas Concert, with chamber orchestra, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., at Newington at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 22 Fox Run Road (near
Portsmouth: Gallery 280 at The Children's Museum, 280 Marcy St., presents "Masks: Changing Faces" through Dec. 31. Fifty colorful, imaginative, humorous, and elegant masks celebrate the whimsical vision of various artists and cultures. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. 603-436-3853, childrens-museum.org.
Portsmouth: New Hampshire Theatre Project, committed to using theater as a catalyst for community dialogue and personal transformation, explores the theme of politics, freedom, and personal responsibility this season. "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," through Nov. 25, was inspired by conversations with hostage Brian Keenan, who spent nearly five years imprisoned in Beirut. Performances at 959 Islington St. Shows Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $22, students and seniors $15. Reservations recommended. 603-431-6644, ext. 5, or tickets@nhtheatreproject.org.
Portsmouth: Strawbery Banke Museum will hold it annual Candlelight Stroll Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16, 4-9 p.m.The stroll showcases 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions. Historic houses will be adorned in period-appropriate holiday decorations and costumed role players demonstrate the traditions of times past. Live music and entertainment each night. Hearth cooking demonstrations, craft demonstrations, and winter crafts for children. The new Carter Collections Center and Rowland Gallery is showing period toys and games of centuries past in the exhibit "Leisure Time." A free trolley connecting Strawbery Banke, The Music Hall, the Sheraton Harborside, the Hilton Garden Inn, the municipal parking garage on Hanover Street, and numerous free satellite parking areas will run 1:30-10:30 p.m. Map of the trolley route at strawberybanke.org. Sundays are Family Days with special activities for children. $18, ages 5-17 $10, families $40, ages 4 and younger free. Take a guided tour of of 5 historic homes during Holiday House Tours, Dec. 4-8,11-15, 22 and 23,10 a.m.-2 p.m., on the hour. $12, ages 5-17 $10, families $30, ages 4 and younger free. Advance ticket purchase recommended. $2 discount on tickets purchased by Nov. 30. Purchase tickets at Tyco Visitors Center, Hancock St. Through Nov. 30, tickets also at strawberybanke.org and 603-433-1107.
Portsmouth: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., presents the holiday musical "Striking 12 Starring GrooveLily," as part of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, Dec. 8 at 4 and 8 p.m. $32 and $26. 603-436-2400, themusichall.org.
Portsmouth: John-Michael Albert and other New Hampshire poets will read from the new anthology "The 2008 Poets' Guide to New Hampshire," Nov. 25, 4 p.m. at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. Free. 603-431-2100.
Portsmouth: "Scrooge" will be on stage at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.$45-$20. 603-436-2400, themusichall.org. Group discounts (15 or more), 603-433-3100, ext. 25, Monday-Friday noon-6 p.m.
Portsmouth: Sacred Circle Dance, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. at Portsmouth Center for Yoga and the Arts, Brewery Lane No. 9. Dances are from a ulti-cultural folk dance tradition. Steps taught - no experience or partner needed. $5. 603-750-7506, amyla44@juno.com.
Rye: The Gallery at Christine's, 1000 Washington Road, is showing "Cornucopia of Color" featuring works by Julie Cyr, Dennis Bailey and others through Dec. 6. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 603-964-6063.
Rye: The Speaker Series program at Rye Public Library, 581 Washington Road, presents Denise Blaha and Julia Dundorf, co-directors of the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge, a residential outreach initiative of the University of New Hampshire, speaking about "New Hampshire's Changing Climate and What You Can Do," Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Free. 603-964-8401, ryepubliclibrary.org.
Items may be sent three weeks in advance to carson@globe.com or mailed to Sharon Carson, Boston Globe North, 1 Corporate Place, Suite 200, 55 Ferncroft Road, Danvers 01923. Listings are not accepted over the telephone.
