Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
ARTS
Beverly: An exhibition of New York-based artist Julie Mehretu's drawings and watercolors, "Julie Mehretu: Eye of the Storm," is displayed through May 29 in Montserrat College of Art's Carol Schlosberg Alumni Gallery, 23 Essex St. Mehretu creates elaborate compositions that reflect the fractured nature and constant flux of contemporary life. The exhibition features work created during her time as a MacArthur Fellow in 2005. 978-867-9604, montserrat.edu.
Danvers: North Shore Arc presents an exhibit of artwork by local artist George S. Patton Jr. through June 20. Reception, May 16, 5-8 p.m., at North Shore Arc's Gallery at Southside, 6 Southside Road. Free. 978-624-2318.
Danvers: "Silent Meaning," paintings by Lynne Cassinari, is displayed through May in the meeting room at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust St., Route 35. The exhibit may be viewed before and after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday services; Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; or by appointment. 978-774-7582.
Gloucester: North Shore Art Association, 11 Pirates Lane, opens its 86th season. More than 175 artists will exhibit work in the first show of the season, May 11-June 15. Awards ceremony, May 18, 2-4 p.m. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. northshoreartsassoc.org.
Gloucester: Gloucester Education Foundation will show Christine Lundberg's documentary film on children's author Virginia Lee Burton "A Sense of Place," May 9, 7:30 p.m., at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main St. Burton wrote and illustrated her children's books while living in Gloucester. Local personalities and school children are featured in the documentary. Lundberg will be in attendance to introduce and answer questions. $10. Proceeds benefit the Gloucester Education Foundation that supports Gloucester's public schools. 978-281-4433. The Gloucester Education Foundation also presents the Gloucester Public Schools' Arts Festival, May 10, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with exhibits, workshops and performances at Cape Ann Museum, the Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester City Hall, and the Post Office. Performance by The Docksiders at 3 p.m. in Kyrouz Auditorium in City Hall, 9 Dale Ave. All festival events are free. knoop07@verizon.net.
Ipswich: River Gallery, 4 Market St., features paintings by Ipswich artist Bob English, through May 18. Also, local artists exhibit paintings, photography, jewelry, hand-blown glass, hand-carved birds, and ceramics. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. 978-356-1559.
Lynn: Raw Art Works opens a new public gallery space on the ground floor of its 37 Central Square building, showcasing the artwork and films of its artists, ages 6-19, and hosting community events. Ribbon-cutting and exhibit opening, May 8, 6-8 p.m. RAW will auction 50 pieces of art, May 17, 7-11:30 p.m. The auction event will also include screenings of new work by Real 2 Reel Film School students, music by the ACME Blues Band, hors d'oeuvres, and complimentary wine and beer. $40. 781-593-5515, mail@rawart.org, rawart.org.
Lynn: LynnArts, 25 Exchange St., presents the annual Lynn Public Schools Art Exhibition, through May 26. 781-598-5244, lynnarts.org.
Malden: artSPACE@16, 16 Princeton Road, presents "Bedecked," an exhibit of large-scale collages, cut-paper sculpture, and dioramas by Kim Salerno, through May 31. Open May 10, 17, and 31, noon-5 p.m., and by appointment. Free. 781-321-8058, SandT.artspaceat16@verizon.net, artspaceat16.com.
Marblehead: Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., presents the New England Regional Show, an annual juried open exhibition, through May 25. Free. 781-631-2608, info@marbleheadarts.org, marbleheadarts.org.
Marblehead: Paintings, collage and mixed media work by Marblehead artist Jean Fogle is featured in the exhibit "Take a Seat" through May 31 at Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St. 781-631-1481 abbotlibrary.org.
Newburyport: Paintings by Newburyport artists Margaret Bernier and Susan Luca will be displayed in the exhibition "Views of Essex County," May 11-June 22 in the Juliet Kellogg French Room at Massachusetts Audubon Society's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike. Reception, May 11, 2:30 p.m. Free. To visit the exhibit at another time contact Joppa Flats Education Center at 978-462-9998. massaudubon.org.
Newburyport: Bridge Gallery, 113 Merrimac St., presents "A Symphony of Colors" by Danielle Gauthier McCarthy, through May 31. Reception, May 9, 6-8 p.m. The window exhibition during May is "Plum Island Revisited," paintings of local beach scenes. Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-6 p.m. 978-270-3941.
Newburyport: Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, presents "Out in the Open Secrets," work from Maine painter and former local Rings Island resident, Lane Williamson. Reception, May 17, 5-7 p.m. The exhibit continues through June. 2.
Newburyport: "On the Loose," paintings by Cheryl Dyment, are displayed through May 17 at Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St. Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 978-465-8769, newburyportart.org.
Newburyport: "Pennies from Heaven" is the theme for the Spring Members' Open Show, continues through May 17, at Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St. Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 978-465-8769, naa@newburyportart.org.
Newburyport: Walsingham Gallery, 47 Merrimac St., presents the fine-art exhibition, "Art In Bloom," through May 30. Open Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; or by appointment. 978-499-4411, TheWalsinghamGallery.com.
Newburyport: Ferry Wharf Gallery, 1R Water St., features paintings by Traeger DiPietro and Erik Minzner through May 12. 978-462-2740, ferrywharf.com.
Rockport: Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. The Arts & Flowers Gala Reception, May 16, 6-8:30 p.m., celebrates the opening of the First Summer Exhibition with an evening of hors d'oeuvres and live jazz with Jesse Ciaramirato Duo. Floral arrangements inspired by artist members' works are donated by area florists, garden clubs, and creative individuals. Tickets in advance only (by May 13), $10. Cash bar. Painting and photography workshops and classes for adults, summer classes for children, and sketch groups. rockportartassn.org, 978-546-6604, rockportart@verizon.net.
Salem: The Gallery at Grosvenor Park, 7 Loring Hills Ave., Vinnin Square, is showing paintings by Marblehead artist Natalie Umanita Bloom through June 4. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 978-741-5700.
Salem: Photography by Salem Arts Association members Bob Morin, James Goncalves, and Alyssa Jones is displayed through May 10 at Cinema Salem, 1 East India Square.
Wenham: Senior Thesis art exhibits, May 10-17 in Barrington Center for the Arts at Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road. Reception, May 10, 4-6 p.m. Open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 978-867-4235.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Hamilton: Meet local farmers and hear farm stories during Farm Day, May 10, 10:30 a.m., in the Children's Room at Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St. For all ages. Free. 978-468-5577, hwlibrary.org.
CHORAL MUSIC
Gloucester: The North Shore chamber choir, Coro Stella Maris, will perform "Full of Grace: Renaissance Devotional Classics from Palestrina, Byrd, and Guerrero," May 17, 8 p.m., at St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St., and May 18, 4 p.m., at Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington St. $15, seniors and students $10, available at the door. 617-625-1857, corostellamaris.org.
Salem: Paul Madore Chorale will perform a Boston-area premiere of legendary jazz composer Dave Brubeck's "Mass, To Hope! A Celebration," May 10, 8 p.m., at Saint Anne Church, 292 Jefferson Ave. The concert opens with "Te Deum" by Antonin Dvorak, featuring soprano Trudy Hill, mezzo-soprano Maria di Stefano, tenor Ethan Bremner, and baritone Donald Wilkinson. $20, seniors (60 and older) and students (18 and younger) $15. Advance tickets at paulmadorechorale.org; Ted Cole's Music Shop, 30 Church St., Salem; Sophia's, 105 Essex St., Salem; and Arnould Gallery and Framery, 111 Washington St., Marblehead. 781-592-7284 or 978-774-7981. paulmadorechorale.org.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Marblehead: Organ recital with Rosalind Mohnson, May 11, 5 p.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 26 Pleasant St. $10. A reception follows the performance. 781-631-0657.
Rockport: Sponsored by the Educational Outreach Committee of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, the Alcyon Chamber Ensemble will perform a free concert May 8, 7 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, 4 Cleaves St. The program includes "Melody in F" by Anton Rubenstein, "Golliwog's Cake Walk" by Claude Debussy, and "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin. rcmf.org, 978-546-7391.
DANCE PERFORMANCES
Hamilton: Hamilton-Wenham School of Dance presents its Senior Student Recital and guest performance by the Allegro Dance Ensemble, May 18, 4 p.m., at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, 775 Bay Road, Route 1A. The recital features students in grades 3-12 who have taken dance for at least five years and solos performed by high school seniors. $12, seniors and students $5. Tickets at the door. 978-468-2393.
FESTIVAL
Lynn: 3rd Thursdays in Central Square starts its 2008 season, May 15, 5-8 p.m., with The Great Lynn Pizza Bake-Off. Vote on your favorite pies from local pizzerias. Live music from rock and roll band Garfish. Pinwheel craft activity at Raw Art Works. Lynn Public School Show at LynnArts. Free. thirdthursdayslynn.com, 781-598-5244.
FILMS
Beverly: The award-winning documentary, "for the Bible tells me so," reconciles homosexuality and biblical scripture and reveals that religious antigay bias is based almost solely upon a misinterpretation of the Bible. Through the experiences of five Christian-American families - including those of former House majority leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson - discover how people of faith handle having a gay child or family member. The film will be shown May 8, 7 p.m., at First Parish Church, 225 Cabot St. An open discussion follows the movie. Free. 978-922-3968.
Hamilton: The movie "Love in the Time of Cholera" (rated R) will be shown May 14, 2-4 p.m. at Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St. Free. hwlibrary.org, 978-468-5577.
Salem: The best student filmmakers on the North Shore will be honored at the first annual Five-Minute Student Film Fest, May 15, 7 p.m., at Cinema Salem, 1 East India Square. Selected from entries by high school students throughout the region, 10 finalists will be screened including dramatic and comedy shorts, music videos, animation, and documentaries. The filmmaker awarded the top prize will be included in the 2009 Salem Film Fest. Cosponored by Film North, Inc. and Salem Film Fest. $5. Tickets at CinemaSalem.com.
FUND-RAISERS
Gloucester: The Open Door/Cape Ann Food
Lynnfield: Saugus River Watershed Council will host its annual River Night event, May 8, 6-9 p.m., at Spinelli's Function Facility, Route 1 south, with dinner, live jazz music, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the council's river restoration and youth environmental education programs. $35, includes dinner, live music, and admission to the auction. Cash bar. saugusriver.org, srw@shore.net, 781-233-5046.
Rockport: May 17 at 2 p.m., Rockport's Main Street will be transformed into "Bark Avenue" as humans and dogs parade in costume through Dock Square, Main Street and Bearskin Neck during Rockport's Motif #1 Days. The comical Dog Parade, hosted by Good Dog! Gallery, will benefit Cape Ann Animal Aid. $10 per dog donation. A nautical theme for costumes is encouraged. Prizes for most original costume, funniest costume, and most human/animal lookalike. Rain date, May 18, 2 p.m. Preregister at Good Dog! Gallery, 36 Bearskin Neck or call 978-546-1364. At the event, registration begins at 1 p.m. gooddoggallery.com.
Salem: Signatures and Peabody Essex Museum present "Spring in Salem" Fashion Show, May 17 at Old Town Hall at Derby Square. Salem Garden Club's Art in Bloom will be held noon-1 p.m. Fashion Show at 1 p.m. Raffles. Admission at the door $5. Proceeds benefit The City of Salem, Fourth of July Committee, Salem Main Streets, and Salem Garden Club. RSVP, 978-825-0015.
LECTURES-FORUMS
Beverly: North Shore Seminars will sponsor the lecture "Princely Pursuits: The Lobkowicz Collections; Treasures Lost, Regained and Preserved in Prague," May 11, 6 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, Celebration Hall, 705 Hale St., Beverly Farms. The Lobkowicz Collections include paintings, drawings, furnishings and musical manuscripts collected by successive generations of one family in Bohemia. Brooks Lobkowicz, a graduate of Wellesley College and founder and president of the American Friends for the Preservation of Czech Culture, will discuss how this family collection has been made available to the public again after more than 50 years. $15, students $5. Discussion and refreshments after the presentation. Reservations, 978-768-7016 or tickets@northshoreseminars.org.
Gloucester: Michael Klare, social critic and author of "Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy," will deliver a critique of US energy policy at the Cape Ann Forum, May 11, 7-9 p.m., at Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Ave. Discussion and questions will follow. Books available for sale and signing. Announcement will be made of the 2008 international awareness Gloucester High School scholarship recipient. Free. capeannforum.org.
Ipswich: The Friends of the Ipswich Public Library sponsor a talk by artist Alan Pearsall, May 14, 7:30 p.m. at the library, 25 North Main St. Pearsall will discuss the history of Ipswich represented in his 1700 square foot mural on the walls of the EBSCO building. Free. 978-356-6648, ipswich@mvlc.lib.ma.us.
Rockport: Pianists Judith Gordon and Marc Ryser will give a free lecture entitled "Four Hands, One Piano: Is It Chamber Music?," May 13, 7:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, 4 Cleaves St. Presenting music by Franz Schubert and Gyorgy Kurtag, the duo will explore what happens when two musicians collaborate. Sponsored by Rockport Chamber Music Festival. 978-546-7391, rcmf.org.
Salem: Ditto Editions Fine Art Digital Printmakers, 121 Loring Ave., Suite 570, will host a Salon Night, May 15, 6:30 p.m., with discussion and exercises for artists interested in promotingtheirart. Guest speaker Jodi R.R. Smith of Mannersmith will discuss networking as a professional skill. dittoeditions.com.
Wakefield: The Sweetser Lecture Series presents Diane Rapaport, lawyer, historian, author and genealogist, discussing "The Naked Quaker: True Crimes and Controversies from the Courts of Colonial New England," May 22, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St. $8.Tickets at Smith's Drug Store, 390 Main St. and The Medicine Store, Lowell Street at Four Corners. Tickets also at the door. Net profits benefit Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry, Wakefield Branch of the Salvation Army, and Mystic Valley Elder Services (Wakefield residents).
LITERARY EVENTS
Danvers: Martha Hodes will read from and sign "The Sea Captain's Wife: A True Story of Love, Race, and War in the Nineteenth Century," May 15, 7 p.m., at Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan St. Hodes is a professor at New York University and winner of the Nevins Prize for Literary Distinction in the Writing of History. Free. 978-774-0554.
Newburyport: Novelist Margot Livesey will read from her latest novel, "The House on Fortune Street," May 9, 7 p.m., at Jabberwocky Bookshop, 50 Water St., Tannery Mill No. 1. Free. jabberwocky.booksense.com, 978-465-9359.
MUSEUMS & HISTORY
Beverly: "Teaching Matters!" continues through July 28 in Halle Library Archive & Museum Gallery at Endicott College, 376 Hale St. The exhibit highlights faculty recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award, which is presented to one Endicott College faculty member at each graduation. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 978-232-2257.
Gloucester: Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St. The exhibition "The Paintings of Emma Fordyce MacRae (1887-1974)" continues through July 20. Walking tour of MacRae's Gloucester neighborhood, May 17, 10 a.m.-noon. Tour reservations required. Gallery talks by museum staff offered Saturdays at 11 a.m. The talks are included with the cost of admission. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. $8, Cape Ann residents and seniors $6, students $4.50. Children younger than 2 are free. 978-283-0455, capeannmuseum.org
Marblehead: "The Art of Coupling" exhibit at Marblehead Museum and Historical Society, 170 Washington St., presents three centuries of Marblehead couples through images, ceramics, paintings, and silhouettes. Learn the stories of Marblehead's husbands and wives and follow fashion, painting, and decorative styles from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The exhibition continues through May 15. marbleheadmuseum.org.
Salem: Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, presents "Wedded Bliss, The Marriage of Art and Ceremony," an exploration of the wedding as artistic inspiration, through Sept. 14. Mother's Day Story Time, May 11, 3-4 p.m., in the Art & Nature Center and Art Studios. For children ages 3-6 with accompanying adult. Reservations required by May 9. "Creative Salon: Iconic Poster Design," May 15 in Phillips Library Auditorium, a lecture and discussion of poster art with experts in the field. See the museum's collection of art deco ocean liner posters. Refreshments at 6:30 p.m.; presentation at 7 p.m. No reservations needed. Lecture fee $10, students $8. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15; seniors $13; students $11. Free admission for youth 16 and younger and residents of Salem. 866-745-1876, pem.org.
MUSIC
Amesbury: Danny Harrington performs Sundays, noon-3 p.m., at Powow River Grille, 33 Main St. powowrivergrille.com, 978-388-2300.
Gloucester: Boston singer and folk/rock musician Deborah F. Galiga and friends will take a musical journey through the music and persona of Joni Mitchell, May 16, 8 p.m., at West End Theater, 1 Washington St. Galiga performs a theatrical one-woman show in costume and accompanying herself on piano, guitar, and dulcimer. $10. Reservations, 978-281-0680.
Gloucester: The Cape Ann Symphony performs its Spring Pops Concert, May 17, 8 p.m., and May 18, 2 p.m., at Fuller Auditorium, Blackburn Circle, Route 128. Special guest WHDH-TV's Randy Price will narrate Copland's "Lincoln Portrait." $25, seniors and college students $20, younger than 18 free. 978-281-0543, capeannsymphony.org.
Haverhill: International recording artist David Olney will perform with multi-instrumentalist Sergio Webb, May 17, 8 p.m., at New Moon Coffeehouse at Universalist Unitarian Church, 16 Ashland St. (routes 125 and 110).This concert is part of the New Moon's 20th anniversary celebratory season. Opening act, Danielle Miraglia. $15. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. 978-459-5134, newmooncoffeehouse.org. Day of show (after 4 p.m.), call 978-372-5173.
Lynn: The duo Two Old Friends perform folk, Irish and sea shanty music in a free concert, May 15, 7 p.m., at Lynn Public Library, 5 North Common St. Reservations required. 781-595-0567, ext.105.
Marblehead: me & thee Coffeehouse at Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. May 9, me & thee Showcase concert featuring Electric Farm, John Elliott, Eve Goldberg, and The Goodhues Band. $5. Shows start at 8:30 p.m. Discounts for students and seniors. Advance tickets at Spirit of '76 Bookstore and Arnould's Gallery. Tickets also at the door. 781-631-8987, meandthee.org.
Marblehead: The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor will honor Marblehead veterans and those in active service on Armed Forces Day, May 17, 7:30 p.m. with a "Star Spangled Pops" concert at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. The evening of patriotic music includes work by American composers, including Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, George M. Cohan, Tommy Dorsey, and John Philip Souza, performed by The Hillyer Festival Orchestra. A highlight of the event will be Judge Joseph Dever's narration of "The Lincoln Portrait" by Aaron Copland. $35 for floor seats, $25 for balcony seats. Advance tickets at Arnould Gallery & Framery, The Garden Collection, National Grand Bank, and The Marblehead Reporter Office. Tickets also at the door, subject to availability. Proceeds benefit local and international projects of Rotary International. rcomh.org.
Melrose: Tenor Brad Peloquin will perform with Polymnia Choral Society in "Broadway and Baseball: A Pops Concert in Nine (Short) Innings," May 17, 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 590 Main St. "Broadway and Baseball" is a family-friendly program of Broadway gems featuring songs about baseball and other sporting events. $15 ($18 at the door), students and seniors $13, children 12 and younger $5. Table seating $22. Advance tickets at Sweet Thoughts, 504 Main St.; the Melrose Drug Center, 462 Main St., or 781-665-5857.
Salem: Latin violinist Juan Chavez and his eight piece band will perform in the first of the Saturday afternoon Derby Square jazz concerts May 10, 5-7 p.m., on stage in front of Old Town Hall, Front St. Three free concerts lead up to the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival in August. salemjazzsoul.com, info@salemjazzsoul.com.
Wakefield: Wakefield Choral Society celebrates its 20th anniversary with a Spring Pops concert, May 10, 8 p.m., at Americal Civic Center, 467 Main St. (next to Galvin Middle School). The concert begins with the Wakefield Choral Society, accompanied by pianist Joe Beninati of Reading. In the second half of the show Middlesex Concert Band will perform popular hits from American composers. For the finale, the chorus and band perform together. Reserved tables for eight $120; tables for ten $150. Unreserved seats $10, seniors and children $5. For table reservations, 781-246-6444. Unreserved tickets available at the door. wakefieldchoralsociety.org.
Wakefield: Linden Tree Coffeehouse, Unitarian-Universalist Church, 326 Main St., presents Brooks Williams and Jack Williams, May 10, 8 p.m. $20 at the door, $18 in advance. Reservations recommended. 781-246-2836, Lindentree85@comcast.net, LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org.
NATURE
Ipswich: Trustees of Reservations will hold a Farmstead Tour, May 11, 3-5 p.m., at Appleton Farms, 219 County Road. The guided walk (approximately 2 miles of dirt road terrain) goes through meadows and historic barns. Visit the dairy during milking time, see the spring calves. $5. Minimum age 8. Meet at Waldingfield Road Parking Area (off Route 1A). Preregistration required. 978-921-1944, ext. 8815 or needucation@ttor.org. thetrustees.org.
Newburyport: Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, is a natural history education and visitor center. Open Tuesday-Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette leads a weekly birding field trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $15. Gette and Education Coordinator Dave Larson lead the Wednesday Evening Birding program, Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $10. Preregistration is not required for these programs. For full schedule of programs and events, 978-462-9998 or massaudubon.org/joppaflats.
Newburyport: Free programs at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike. The Refuge offers a variety of hikes for all ages, as well as Nature Tots and Homeschool programs. May 10, 1-2:30 p.m., Dune Discovery Hike, an interactive hike for ages 6-9. May 18, 8-10 a.m., Sunday Morning with the Birds, a guided bird walk. Interpretive materials provided. All skill levels welcome including children age 8 and older accompanied by an adult. Preregistration required. Registration is complete when you receive confirmation from a staff member. 978-465-5753, parkerriver.fws.gov.
Topsfield: Celebrate National Astronomy Day with the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, May 10, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row. An indoor presentation on spring constellations, galaxies and other celestial objects, will be followed, weather permitting, by viewing the night sky through telescopes. For adults and families with children 6 years and older. Advance registration requested. Fee $5. 978-887-9264, massaudubon.org/ipswichriver.
THEATER
Beverly: North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, presents Mel Brooks' musical comedy, "The Producers," May 13-June 1. Performances Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 2 p.m. $79-$42. Related free events: May 20, Meet the Theatre after the 7:30 p.m. performance, for an audience discussion with the artists; May 25, Spotlight on History, a free preshow discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance; May 29, Out at the North Shore, an evening for the gay and lesbian community with a post-show reception; May 31, Meet the Theatre after the 2 p.m. performance. nsmt.org, 978-232-7200.
Beverly: Storyteller and vocalist Judith Black performs "The Home Front: A Musical Tale from America's WWII Years," May 16, 5:30 p.m., at Monet's Garden Cafe, 95 Rantoul St. The story of a young woman's evolving relationship with her GI husband in Italy features the music of Gershwin, Porter, Mercer, and Berlin. Dinner and show $28. Cash bar. Reservations, 978-927-9270.
Beverly: Open Road Theatre presents "Alice in Wonderland" at Memorial Building, 502 Cabot St., Route 1A. The cast includes 50 students from Hamilton, Wenham, and Beverly in grades K-11. Performances May 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and May 18 at 3 p.m. $14; seniors, students, advance tickets and groups $12.Tickets at Banbury Cross Children's Bookstore, 62R Main St. info@theopenroadtheatre.org, 978-468-2039, theopenroadtheatre.org.
Hamilton-Gloucester: New England Light Opera remembers the Gaiety Theatre on Washington Street in downtown Boston in its new revue, "The Roaring '20s: A New Musical Revue." Set in the Gaiety, "The Roaring '20s" traces this tumultuous decade in Boston through song, story, and sketch. Performances May 11, 3 p.m., at Hamilton-Wenham Community House, 284 Bay Road, Route 1A at Patton Park, Hamilton; and May 18, 3 p.m., at West End Theatre, 1 Washington St., Gloucester. $22, seniors (65 and older) $18, children and students with current ID $5. 978-887-2045, newenglandlightopera.org.
Gloucester: Landmark High School Department of Performing Arts presents the Broadway musical, "Anything Goes," May 8-10, 7:30 p.m., at Fuller School Auditorium, 4 School House Road, on the northern rotary of Route 128. Music and lyrics by Cole Porter, including "Anything Goes," "You're the Top," and "I Get a Kick Out of You." $5. landmarkschool.org.
Ipswich: The Company of Ipswich High School presents "Alice in Wonderland," May 8, 7 p.m.; May 10, 7:30 p.m.; and May 11, 2:30 p.m., in the high school's Performing Arts Center, 134 High St. $7, students $5, seniors $3. 978-356-3137, ext. 138.
Newburyport: The Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children's Theater presents "The Myth of Persephone: How the Seasons Came to Be" at Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square. Performances May 17 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This adaptation of the ancient Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter is an imaginative and entertaining show for families with children of all ages. $10, students $8. Advance ticket purchase recommended. The Gryphons offer a preperformance theater workshop, open to the first 35 youngsters, ages 6 and older, who purchase tickets. Those taking part in the workshop will be incorporated into the action of the play. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.
Salem: A musical version of "Charlotte's Web," based on the story by E.B. White, will be presented by Theatre of Light, May 10, 11, 17, and 18 in the auditorium at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 24 St. Peter St. Performances Saturday, 7 p.m., and Sunday, 3 p.m. $15, students and seniors $10, ages 5 and younger $5. Reservations, 781-210-9818.
Saugus: The Theatre Company of Saugus performs Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera, "The Pirates of Penzance," May 9 and 10, 8 p.m.; May 11, 2 p.m.; and May 16 and 17, 8 p.m., at Belmonte Middle School, Dow Street. $18, seniors and students $15, children $10. tcsaugus.home.comcast.net, 781-231-5204.
Wakefield: Theatre to Go presents the musical, "Oliver!," adapted from the book, "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens. Performances May 9 and 10, 8 p.m., at Greenwood Union Church, 4 Oak St. This venue is not accessible to the handicapped and involves stairs. $15, students and seniors $12. Reserved seating. theatretogo.com, 781-279-0835. For groups of 10 or more, e-mail Jenn at jmacrobbie@comcast.net for discounted pricing.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Durham: The University of New Hampshire celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution with the exhibition, "The Freedom '56: Commemorating the Hungarian Revolution." The exhibition, showing the struggle and success of the Hungarian Revolutionaries' heroic fight for freedom, continues through July 3 at University Museum at Dimond Library, 18 Library Way. Free. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, noon-4 p.m. The museum is closed Saturdays between semesters and during the summer. 603-862-1081.
Durham: "2008 Senior BA and BFA Exhibition" features the work of bachelor of arts and bachelor of fine arts degree candidates, through May 24, at The Art Gallery, Paul Creative Arts Center, 30 College Road, University of New Hampshire. "2008 M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition (II)" works by Master of Fine Arts degree candidates Erik Geoffrey Johnson and Kathi Smith, May 8-24. Reception, May 9, 5-6:30 p.m. Free ArtBreak gallery talk, May 14 at noon, with Master of Fine Arts degree candidates Erik Geoffrey Johnson and Kathi Smith. Open Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Visitor parking in C Lot (across from the Mill Road Shopping Center), $1 per hour. 603-862-3712, art.gallery@unh.edu, unh.edu/art-gallery.
Exeter: Oil paintings, watercolors, and prints by Exeter artist Barbara Clark are displayed at Blue Moon Natural Foods, 8 Clifford St., through May.
Exeter: Exeter Fine Crafts, 61 Water St., features gold and sterling silver jewelry by John and Susan Pearsall of Pearsall and Son Goldsmiths during May. 603-778-8282.
Exeter: The Mother's Day Tea d'Jazz features jazz trumpeter Tom Palance and his Jazz Quartet performing swing jazz favorites in an elegant tearoom setting. Teas, coffees, desserts, and finger foods served. Held May 11, 2-4 p.m., at Congregational Church in Exeter, 21 Front St. $12, seniors and students $10, children younger than 8 free. Tables in advance and at the door. Reservations, 603-772-4216, exetercongchurch.org.
Hampton: Nationally known comedian Jimmy Dunn will perform at Winnacunnet High School auditorium, 4 Alumni Drive, on May 9 to benefit the Friends of Winnacunnet Foundation. Also appearing is hostess-comic Jess Casciano from WFNX Radio and Rich Ceisler, who has appeared on HBO, MTV, and the "Comedy Club Connection." The comedy show is rated PG-13. Doors open at 7 p.m. Musical acts and a door prize before the show. Tickets $20, available at Caffe Fresco and Jumpin' Jacks Java on Route 1, Hampton; Village Market, Route 1, Hampton Falls; Joe's Meat Market, Atlantic Avenue, North Hampton; and O'Brien's and Richdale's in Seabrook. 603-926-7850.
Portsmouth: RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. UNH professor John Carroll will talk about restoring food independence, the subject of his new book, "Pastures of Plenty: The Future of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Conservation in New England," May 8, 7 p.m. Free. riverrunbookstore.com, 603-431-2100.
Portsmouth: Pontine Theatre will premiere an original stage adaptation of Thomas Bailey Aldrich's novel, "The Story of a Bad Boy (1869)," in which Aldrich chronicled his boyhood years in his grandfather's house on Court Street in Portsmouth. Performances through May 11 at Pontine's West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. $25. Tickets online at pontine.org. Information, 603-436-6660 or info@pontine.org.
Portsmouth: Writers on a New England Stage series at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St. Award-winning novelist Louise Erdrich will be featured May 14. Journalist Barbara Walters, known for her interviews of leading politicians and celebrities, will discuss her memoir, "Audition," May 23. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. $12. Vouchers for presigned hardcover copies of each authors' book, redeemable at the event, can be purchased through the box office or at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. 603-436-2400, themusichall.org.
Portsmouth: Novelist Jack O'Connell will read from his book "The Resurrectionist," May 11, 5 p.m., at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. Portsmouth resident Harold Whitehouse Jr. will read from his book about growing up in the South End, "Home By Nine: The Real South End," May 13, 7 p.m. Free. riverrunbookstore.com, 603-431-2100.
Portsmouth: "Together," an exhibit by mother and son artists Wendy and Ty Williams, opens May 9 at ellO Gallery and Shop, 110 State St. The exhibit includes a set of three pins, with a portion of the proceeds from pin sales being donated to Families First Health and Support Center. 603-433-9110, ellogallery.com.
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.
rising
falling 