Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in Greater Boston's western communities.
THEATER
Boylston: Calliope Productions presents "Too Marvelous for Words" May 8-11, 16-18 at Calliope Theatre, 150 Main St. Thursday through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. $15, $12 students and seniors. 508-869-6887, calliopeproductions.org.
Framingham: Amazing Theater Company presents "The Cemetery Club" May 2-3 at 8 p.m., May 4 at 2 p.m., at Amazing Things Arts Center, 55 Nicholas Road. $15-$18. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org.
Milford: Comedy night May 3, 8 p.m. at the Portuguese Club, 119 Prospect Heights. Comedians include Michael Pettit, Paul Kennen, Tommy Dunham. Host: Annette Pollack. $15. 508-969-0217, montgomerylodge.org.
Needham: Temple Beth Shalom presents "The Music Man" May 3, 8 p.m. and May 4, 2 and 7 p.m. at Carlton Auditorium, 1155 Central Ave. $20.
Needham: New England Light Opera presents "The Roaring '20s" May 4, 3 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave. $22, $18 seniors, $5 children and students. 978-887-2045, newenglandlightopera.org.
Newton: Actor Jim Brochu presents "Zero Hour," about the life of comic actor Zero Mostel, May 3, 8 p.m., and May 4, 1 and 5 p.m., at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St. $24, $28; $22, $26 students and seniors. 617-965-5226, lsjcc.org.
Newton: Improv Jones presents improvisational comedy May 7, 7 p.m. at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St. Free. 617-796-1360.
Watertown: Improv Jones presents "Your Overactive Imagination" Fridays, 8 p.m. at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St. $10. 617-926-1770, improvjonesboston.com.
Watertown: New Repertory Theatre presents "Dessa Rose" Wednesdays-Sundays through May 18 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St. $40-$59. 617-923-8487, newrep.org.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Framingham: Sharing a New Song chorus presents international choral music May 10, 2 p.m. at the Civic League. $20, $10 seniors and students. 508-532-5574, sharinganewsong.org.
Natick: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St. May 4, 7 p.m., Wanda Paik performs works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Dohnanyi; $18. May 10, 8 p.m., Quartet San Francisco; $28. 508-647-0097, natickarts.org.
Newton: Federico Cortese conducts the Newton Symphony in Mozart's overture to "The Marriage of Figaro," Mendelssohn's "Scottish" Symphony, and Beethoven's Triple Concerto, featuring Sharan Leventhal, Jonathan Miller and Randall Hodgkinson, May 4, 7:30 p.m. at Rashi Auditorium, 15 Walnut Park. Preconcert talk 6:30 p.m. with Steven Ledbetter. $25 and $30, $5 off for students, seniors, $10 children. 617-965-2555, newtonsymphony.org.
Sudbury: The combined choirs of Memorial Congregational Church and First Baptist Church in Worcester present Mendelssohn's "St. Paul" May 3, 7 p.m. at Memorial Congregational, 26 Concord Road. With William Ness, organ; Cheryl Medeiros Nancarrow, soprano; Diana Daly Bettit, mezzo; Jason McStoots, tenor; and John Whittlesey, baritone. $5-$10. 978-443-3885.
Watertown: Day School Music Festival features Zamir Chorale, David Paskin, performances by students from Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston, South Area Solomon Schechter Day School, Jewish Community Day School, MetroWest Jewish Day School and the Rashi School on May 7, 7 p.m. at Watertown High School, 50 Columbia St. $15, $50 family of four. 617-964-7765, ext. 1360
Wellesley: St. Andrew's Performing Arts Series presents concerts at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Church, 79 Denton Road. $20, $10 seniors, $5 students. May 16, "Only A Cappella" with Fretless Voices, Mudville Madrigal Singers, Peking and the Mystics. 781-235-7310, sapas.org.
Weston: Inge Thorn Engler and Paul Huberdeau perform violin and piano music by Joplin, Mozart, Faure, Wieniawski, Vieuxtemps, Lili Boulanger, Kreisler,
JAZZ, POP, ROCK
Framingham: Blues New Orleans-style will be presented May 5, 1:30-2:15 p.m. at Framingham State College's Heineman Ecumenical and Cultural Center. Free. 508-626-4985.
Framingham: Firefly's, 235 Old Connecticut Path (Route 126). Performances 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Wednesdays at 8 p.m., open mike with Bruce Marshall. 508-820-3333.
Framingham: Amazing Things Arts Center, 55 Nicholas Road. Jazz jams Tuesdays, 8 p.m., $6. At the Amazing Firehouse, 160 Hollis St.: May 10, 8 p.m., Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick, $18. 508-405-ARTS, amazingthings.org.
Marlborough: Dante's, at Marlborough Firefly's, 350 East Main St. (Route 20). Shows at 9 p.m. May 2, Andy James Band, $7. 508-357-8883, fireflysbbq.com.
Natick: The Center for Arts, 14 Summer St. May 2, 8 p.m., the Housejacks, $24. May 3, 8 p.m., Colin Hay, $32. May 11, 2 p.m., Robin Spielberg, $18, $16 advance. 508-647-0097, natickarts.org.
Newton: Guitarist Nick Grondin performs standards and originals May 11, 2 p.m. at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St. Free. 617-796-1360.
Sherborn: Sherborn Inn, Main Street. Jazz, 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, $10. May 6, Dave Whitney Orchestra. May 13, Jazz Jesters Novelty Orchestra. 508-655-9521, sherborninn.com.
FOLK, WORLD MUSIC
Framingham: Amazing Firehouse, 160 Hollis St. May 9, 8 p.m., Dust Poets, $15. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org.
Franklin: Singer-songwriter Susan Werner performs May 3, 8 p.m. at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, First Universalist Society meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. Pat Wictor opens. $20. 508-528-2541, circlefolk.org.
Holliston: Over the Top, a group of teen singers, performs May 4, 7 p.m. at Holliston Town Hall. $10, $8 students and seniors. 508-429-9968.
Hudson: Harvest Cafe, 40 Washington St. Third Saturday of the month, 1-3 p.m., songwriters circle with Lauren Passarelli. Wednesdays, open mike with Steve Howard. Performances 8-10 p.m. 978-567-0948, harvestcafeonline.com.
Natick: The Center for Arts, 14 Summer St. May 5, 8 p.m., open mike with Curt Bessette, $5. May 9, 8 p.m., Chris Trapper, $16. May 12, 8 p.m., open mike with the Accident that Led Me to the World, $5. 508-647-0097, natickarts.org.
Newton: Boston Bluegrass Union Springfest Regional Band Showcase featuring Back Eddy Bluegrass, Pine Hill Ramblers, and Kids Academy Band on May 3, 6:30-10 p.m. at Second Church, 60 Highland St. Picking party at 5 p.m. $6. bbu.org.
Southborough: Five O'Clock Shadow performs a cappella May 10, 7:30 p.m. at Steeple Coffeehouse, Pilgrim Church, Southborough Common. 508-485-4847, steeplecoffeehouse.org.
DANCE
Medway: Medway Contra Dance at Christ Episcopal Church, 14 School St. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. $7, teens half-price, ages 12 and under free. Dances 7:30-10:30 p.m. on first Saturdays: May 3, June 7. 508-740-8508.
Needham: Great Plain Squares hosts square and round dancing Wednesdays at Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Ave. Beginner square dance class 7-8:15 p.m., club level 8:15-10 p.m. Beginner round dance lessons 7-8:15 p.m. Singles welcome. $7. Chris Stacy calls first and third Wednesdays each month, Bob Butler calls on second and fourth. 781-444-7258, greatplainsquares.org.
Newton: Cheryl and Steven Adcock teach Latin dance and Argentinean tango on Tuesdays through May 6, 7:15-9:15 p.m., at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St. 617-558-6480.
Watertown: Dance Friday. Barefoot dancing in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment Fridays, 8 p.m.-midnight, at Watertown School Administrative Building, 31 Marshall St. Sliding scale, $8-$12; teens $4; younger than 12 free with adult. 617-876-3050.
FAMILY
Framingham: First Sunday drop-in program features art activities and docent tours May 4, 2-4 p.m. at the Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Ave. Free. 508-620-0050, danforthmuseum.org.
Framingham: Performing Arts Center of MetroWest faculty and students perform music including songs from the upcoming production of "Once Upon a Mattress" May 4, 1-3 p.m. at Barnes & Noble. 508-875-5554.
Framingham: Ben Rudnick and Friends perform May 10, 11 a.m. at the Amazing Firehouse, 160 Hollis St. $8. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org.
Franklin: ArtBeat store's walk-in art camp meets Saturdays, 3-6 p.m. at 9 Summer St. $12-$18 for supplies. May 3, Cinco de Mayo Tin Art. May 10, flower bouquet for Mother's Day. May 17, silk mandalas. May 24, peace lanterns. 781-646-2200, artbeatonline.com.
Natick: Trout Fishing in America performs May 10, 2 p.m. at the Center for Arts, 14 Summer St. $15, $10 under 12. 508-647-0097, natickarts.org.
Waltham: Boston Lyric Opera presents "Hansel and Gretel" May 4, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Brandeis University's Spingold Theater Center, 415 South St. $18, $12 children. 617-542-6772, blo.org.
HAPPENINGS
Framingham: Spring Into Arts Festival May 3 at the Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St. Deraldo Ferreira and the Afro-Brazilian Ensemble present Capoeira at 10:30 a.m. Storyteller Valerie Tutson presents international myths and folktales at 2 p.m. framinghamlibrary.org.
Framingham: Workshop with clarinetist Billy Novick on "Improvising in a Variety of Musical Styles" May 10, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Amazing Firehouse, 160 Hollis St. $25. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org.
Lincoln: Cinco de Mayo celebration May 2, 7:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Dancing to music by Alter Ego. 781-259-9471.
Newton: New England Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents a reading of a W.S. Gilbert play, "Engaged," May 4, 2 p.m. at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St. Free. 617-796-1360.
Newton: Newton Open Studios wine and cheese reception May 6, 7 p.m. at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., offers preview of May 17-18 event. Free. 617-796-1360, newtonopenstudios.com.
Southborough: Open Studios May 3-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Strung Jewelry, 15 Summit Road. 508-667-2046.
Watertown: New Repertory Theatre Gala featuring Broadway, film and recording star Rachel York on May 6, at Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St. 617-923-8487, newrep.org.
Wellesley: Wellesley Walk features tours of historical and scenic sites throughout town. Routes covering 5 or 10 kilometers available. Start times Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Finish prior to sunset. Walks begin at the Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St. Free. 508-655-5548.
EXHIBITIONS
Hudson: Works by Wayland artist Norman Law are on view through mid-June at Town Hall, 78 Main St. Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. 978-562-1646, upwitharts.org.
Marlborough: Post Road Art Center, 1 Boston Post Road. Through May 2, "The Creative Figure Show." Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 508-485-2580, postroadartcenter.com.
Newton: "On Drawing: Surface, Line, Mark" is on view through May 18 at the New Art Center, 61 Washington Park. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. 617-964-3424, newartcenter.org.
Newton: "Wild Life/Wildlife" is on view through May 4 at the Gallery at Mount Ida College, Carlson Hall, 777 Dedham St. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 617-928-4654, mountida.edu.
Norfolk: "Warming Up with Art," Franklin Art Association exhibition, on view May 4-29 at the Norfolk Public Library, 139 Main St. Reception on May 10, 1-4 p.m. franklinart.org.
Wellesley: "Room Carving and the Human Nesting Project: Site Specific Installations" by Chris Nau and Douglas Weathersby on view through Dec. 5 at Babson College, Map Hill Residence Hall, Main Entry Lounge. babson.edu.
Wellesley: "Leeks and Chains," photographs by Wally Gilbert, on view through May 30 at Khaki Gallery, 9 Crest Road. 781-237-1095, khakigallery.net.
Westborough: "Visions of Trees," photographs by Jeanine Vitale, are on view through June 2 at Westboro Gallery, 8 West Main St. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 508-870-0110, westborogallery.com.
FILM
Framingham: Indie Film Night, a showcase for local filmmakers, is held on the third Wednesday each month, 7:30 p.m. at Amazing Things Arts Center, 55 Nicholas Road. $7. Entries being accepted for May 21. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org.
Natick: Four-week film screening and discussion series exploring Jewish involvement in American entertainment begins May 1, 10 a.m.-noon at Whitney Place, 3 Vision Drive. Films include "The Tramp and the Dictator," "Molly: The Goldbergs." $50. Sponsored by MetroWest Jewish Community Center, 508-879-3300.
Newton: Nordic Film Series features monthly free screenings on first Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., at the Scandinavian Living Center, 206 Waltham St. May 1, "The Other Side of Sunday" (1996). June 5, "Babette's Feast" (1987). 781-893-3794.
LITERARY/SPOKEN WORD
Natick: Speak Easy! Open Mike for actors, comedians, writers, poets, playwrights, improvisers May 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Arts, 14 Summer St. $5. 508-647-0097, natickarts.org.
Newton: Friends of the Newton Free Library will host a book and author luncheon at noon May 2 at the Boston Marriott Newton hotel, featuring Stephen Puleo and Anne Easter Smith. $35. 617-997-7942.
Waltham: Historical romance author Emily Bryan discusses "Neurotica: The Secret Life of a Romance Author" May 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St. Free. 781-314-3425, ext. 2.
Wellesley: Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, appears May 10, 3 p.m. at Wellesley Middle School, 50 Kingsbury St. 781-431-1160.
Wellesley: Free author events at Wellesley Booksmith, 82 Central St. May 3, 1-3 p.m., Kate Scarlata and Laura Einbinder, "Real People Need Real Food." May 4, 2 p.m., Santa Montefiore, "Sea of Lost Love," RSVP requested. May 18, 2 p.m., Karen Day, "No Cream Puffs." May 31, 2 p.m., Marissa Doyle, "Bewitching Season." 781-431-1160, wellesleybooksmith.com.
NATURE
Framingham: Garden in the Woods, featuring 1,500 native plant species and cultivars, 180 Hemenway Road. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Weekday tours, 10 a.m.; weekends, 2 p.m. $8, $6 students and seniors, $4 ages 3-18. 508-877-7630, www.newfs.org.
Lincoln: Massachusetts Audubon Society's Drumlin Farm on Route 117 consists of 180 acres of pastures, fields, and woodlands. New England farm animals are housed in barns, and exhibits of wildlife are featured. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $6; ages 3 to 12 and seniors $4; younger than 3 free. 781-259-9807.
Natick: The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, off Route 16, has 9 miles of walking trails through more than 600 acres of forest, field, and brook, including a boardwalk through Indian Brook marsh. Open dawn to dusk Tuesday-Sunday. Nature Center hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $4; ages 3-12, seniors $3. May 11, 6 a.m.-noon, Birds and Breakfast. May 17, 1 p.m., Wild about Amphibians. May 24, 9 a.m.-noon, Intro to the Extremes: Photographing Close-ups and Landscapes. For fees, other details, 508-655-2296, www.massaudubon.org/broadmoor.
Norfolk: Massachusetts Audubon Society's Stony Brook Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary on North Street covers 241 acres. A nature trail bounded by fields, wetlands, and ponds leads to a boardwalk over a marsh. Sanctuary hours: dawn to dusk. Nature Center hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3, children $2. Call 508-528-3140.
Wellesley: Wellesley Lower Falls Walk on May 3. Meet 9 a.m. at the Warren Building parking lot, Washington Street. 781-431-2411, wellesleytrails.org.
MUSEUMS
Framingham: Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Ave. Through Aug. 3: "Ana Maria Pacheco: Dark Night of the Soul." Through May 18: "Ana Maria Pacheco: Works on Paper," "Katherine Gulla: Cast Shadows," "Meta Warrick Fuller: Sculpture," "Arthur Polonsky: A Thief of Light." In the children's gallery: "Wade Zahares: Lucky Jake," through May 11. Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. $5, students and seniors $4, younger than 12 free. Events: May 11, noon-5 p.m., Mother's Day tea and sale. May 18, 12:15 p.m., museum tour. May 18, 3 p.m., gallery talk and reception with Katherine Gulla. May 28, noon, gallery talk with Dana Clancy and Rachel Auraz. 508-620-0050.
Newton: McMullen Museum of Art, in Boston College's Devlin Hall, 140 Commonwealth Ave. Through June 8, "Tree of Paradise: Jewish Mosaics from the Roman Empire." The museum is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. 617-552-8100, bc.edu/artmuseum.
Newton: Newton History Museum at the Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington St. Ongoing exhibitions include "Hyphenated-Origins: Going Beyond the Labels," "Journey of Grace: Retrospective Exhibit on Myrtle Baptist Church," "Four-Legged Newton," "Seeking Freedom in 19th-century America," "Picturing Children," "Historic Burying Grounds," and Newton History Gallery. New exhibition: "All Newton Music School: In Tune with the Community." Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 2-5 p.m. $5, $3 for seniors and children. 617-796-1450.
Waltham: Waltham Museum, 25 Lexington St. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4:30 p.m. $4, $2 seniors and children. 781-893-9020.
Waltham: Gore Place, 52 Gore St. Tours of the 1806 mansion Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. House features marble floors, period furnishings, spiral staircase, oval drawing room; 45-acre estate has heirloom gardens, rolling lawns, farm with heritage animal breeds. Grounds open daily, dawn to dusk. Tour admission $10, ages 5-12 $5. 781-894-2798, goreplace.org.
Listings may be sent three weeks in advance to Globe West Calendar, 111 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or e-mailed to westarts@globe.com.
