AUDITIONS

Merrimack Valley String Orchestra. The multi-generational community orchestra, based in Haverhill, is having open auditions for the upcoming season. Three levels of orchestra, plus Cello Choir and Advanced Cello Ensemble perform several concerts each year. Call to schedule an audition. 978-372-9158, mvsostrings.org.

COMEDY. RJ's Comedy Express seeks local comedic talent for open mike and comedy nights in the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. Call Raymond Poirier, 603-382-0445 or 603-793-3725. Mail tapes to 12 Auburn St., Plaistow, N.H.

Coro Stella Maris. Openings for tenors and basses. Auditions are by appointment Sept. 11. Rehearsals are 7 p.m. on Mondays beginning Sept. 13 in Salem. 617-903-0465, 617-625-1857, e-mail joshua_slater@earthlink.net, corostellamaris.org.

'Dracula'. The Valley Players hold open auditions Saturday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Amesbury Playhouse, 194 Main St. Adults only. Performances run Oct. 15 through Oct. 31. 978-388-9444, amesburyplayhouse.com.

Merrimack Valley Philharmonic. Openings in the violin, viola and bass sections, Monday evenings at the Rogers Center For the Performing Arts, Merrimack College. Call to schedule an audition. 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. 978-687-7098, mvpomusic.org.

Rockingham Choral Society Fall. Singers interested in auditioning are invited to attend on Sept. 14 or Sept. 21, to arrange an audition. Times may also be scheduled in advance by calling 603-772-0826. First rehearsal is on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m. in the Phillips Exeter Academy Forrestal-Bowld Music Center, Tan Lane, Exeter, N.H. Winter concerts will take place Dec. 3, 4 and 5 in Rye, Plaistow and Exeter. 603-642-7934, rockinghamchoralsociety.org.

THEATER CLASSES & auditions. Acting Out! will hold classes and auditions for ages 5-15. New classes to choose from. Visit the website for dates and times. 978-794-0001, e-mail actingouttheater@comcast.net, actingout.biz.

North regional theater workshop. Singers sought to join annual performance of "Home for the Holidays" on Dec. 10-12. Information, call 978-397-1481 or visit nrtwinc.com.

NEW ENGLAND CLASSICAL SINGERS. Auditions for the 2010-2011 season will take place Wednesday, Sept. 15, prior to and following regular 7:15 rehearsal at South Church, 41 Central St., Andover. December program, Messiah and More, will include top Boston soloists and a professional chamber orchestra. NECS is a 30- to 35-voice auditioned chorus which performs medieval through 21st century music. Artistic Director David Hodgkins seeks experienced voices in all parts. Auditions by appointment only include vocal range testing, sight-reading and pitch matching. Audition form at newenglandclassical.org. E-mail at auditions@newenglandclassical.org or call 978-474-6090.

Book Readings/Signings/Discussions

greater haverhill poets. Meets the third Saturday of the month, 10 a.m., Haverhill Public Library. New members welcome.

Children/Families

native american pow-wow. 22nd annual Intertribal Pow-wow and Native American Crafts Festival, Sept. 11 and 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Plug Pond on Mill Street, Haverhill. Live music, drumming, storytelling, games, arts and crafts, traditional food, educational tables and more. Admission is a $5 donation for adults, $4 seniors and MCNAA members, $3 children ages 4 through 12, free for children 3 and younger. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Information, call 617-642-1683, e-mail mcnaa@aol.com or visit mcnaa.org.

tots 'n' tykes tuesdays. At Winnekenni Castle. Through Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at 347 Kenoza Ave. Activities change each week and are based on a specific theme. Children dance, sing and play instruments. Cost is $5 per child. Registration is available at winnekenni.com/schedule or imaginethat.com/WinnekenniCastle. Final week: Carnival, Sept. 14.

'Friends of the Field.' The pre-school program Tuesday, Sept. 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 15, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Massabesic Audubon Center. Includes hands-on activities, songs, crafts, stories, and outdoor discovery. Siblings welcome. Dress for the outdoors and wear appropriate footwear. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $8 for members, $11 for nonmembers per adult/child pair. Pre-registration required. 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, N.H. 603-668-2045.

Live Owl Presentation. Saturday, Sept. 11, 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the Massabesic Audubon Center. Take a close up look at the center's Northern Barred Owl with Angie Krysiak, program naturalist. $3 for members, $5 for nonmembers. 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, N.H. 603-668-2045.

STORY HOUR. The Book Rack, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Free. 52 State St., Newburyport. 978-462-8615.

GALLERIES AND ART

workshop. Mark Hayden and Joan Rademacher offer art lessons at First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford, 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All welcome. A $5 contribution is appreciated. Call 978-374-1114.

grey matters. An exhibit of quill pen drawing reproductions by Elaine Asplind Russell through Oct. 1 at Wicked Big Cafe, 19 Essex St., Haverhill.

firehouse exhibit. Artist Robert Hanlon presents "New Paintings, Old Paint" Sept. 15 through Oct. 31 at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Artist's reception Saturday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. Free. Information, call 978-462-7336 or visit" firehouse.org.

NAA juried show. The Newburyport Art Association presents the 2010 Members' Fall Juried show in the association's Sargent and Hartson Galleries. Divided into two parts by media. Part I = Sept. 10 to Oct. 3 and will feature Acrylic, Oil, Sculpture, Fine Craft and Printmaking. Reception Saturday, Sept. 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Part II Oct. 8 through 31 with = Watercolor, Pastel, Drawing, Mixed media, Photography and Digital Arts. Reception Saturday, Oct. 9, 7 to 9 p.m. Gallery is =at 65 Water St., Newburyport. Hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Call 978-465-8769 or visit newburyportart.org.

Archive Museum Exhibit. "The Business of Sport and the Sport of Business" will be on display through Dec. 17, in the Archive and Museum Gallery, Halle Library at Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 978-232-2257, endicott.edu.

INSTRUCTION. Local impressionist/realist artist Robin Thornhill accepts registration for fall Pastel & Oil Painting course. Six semiprivate lessons open to artists interested in learning to paint form through the use of color, light and value while painting from photos or still life. Evening classes begin Monday, Sept. 13, and Friday Sept. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Artists' Muse Studios, 9 Water St., Amesbury. Call 603-339-1000.

Art Series. Veasey Memorial Park's art series offers art shows and open houses for area artists each month. Artists who want to showcase their work are welcome. 201 Washington St., Groveland. 978-521-9345, e-mail events@veaseypark.org.

Bridge Gallery. The featured artist for the month of September is watercolorist Anne Recchia. The show, "Historic Newburyport and Neighbors," will run through Oct. 4. An artist's reception will be Saturday, Sept. 11, 5 to 7 p.m., and Recchia will give a gallery talk Sunday, Sept. 12, 2 p.m. Hours: noon to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. 1R Water St., Newburyport. 978-462-2740, BridgeGalleryNewburyport.com.

Churchill Gallery. A collection of oils by photo-realistic artist Michael McGovern. Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays, 12:30 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 12:30 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 6 Inn St., Newburyport. 978-462-9891 or thechurchillgallery.com.

Clarke Gallery. Features work of traditional artists from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries, including the Hudson River and Cape Ann schools, as well as Newburyport artists Laura Coombs Hills and John Appleton Brown. 94 1/2 Lime St., Newburyport. 978-465-0494.

Exhibition of Wood Engravings. The exhibit, by Lawrence native Anna Hogan, is at the Museum of Printing. The exhibit continues on Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover. museumofprinting.org.

Kingston Gallery. "Twenty 10," the annual members' show, will be on view through Sept. 26. Opening reception Friday, Sept. 10, 5 to 7:30 p.m. South End open studios Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 and 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 450 Harrison Ave., No. 43, Boston. 617-423-4113, kingstongallery.com.

Lepore Fine Arts. Newburyport's oldest gallery dealing in antique paintings and a leading expert in the work of Laura Hills and J. Appleton Brown. Also showing works by William Bradford, Emile Gruppe, George L. Noyes, Jane Peterson, Paul Strisik and Harry Vincent. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 58 Merrimac St., Newburyport. 978-462-1663.

Lully Schwartz: 'Paintings.' The exhibition will be on view at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, through Sept. 12. Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.

'New England Landscapes.' An exhibition of artist Janice Donnelly's paintings, will run through Oct. 31 in Southern New Hampshire University's Pantano Gallery. Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to midnight, Fridays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays noon to midnight. 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, N.H. 603-645-9605, e-mail info@janicedonnelly.com, janicedonnelly.com.

'New Paintings, Old Paint.' Works by Robert Hanlon will be on display from Sept. 15 through Oct. 31 at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. An artist reception will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, 4 to 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.

'Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay.' The twelfth annual exhibit will be on display from Sept. 12 through Oct. 3, dawn to dusk. Artists will present and discuss their work at the opening reception and tour Saturday, Sept. 18, 2 to 5 p.m. Maudslay State Park, 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. 978-465-5014, maudslay.ning.com.

Positive Images Gallery 61. Fine-art photography, cards and gifts. Hand-painted kites, recycled and fair-trade items, jewelry and handbags from local artisans. Two Rivers Pottery, Basic Spirit Pewter, Pairpoint Glass. Ongoing exhibit by Scott Leonhart, Jack Fowler, Warren Stone, Patricia J. Bruno. Summer hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., "Moonlight Magic Thursdays," open until 8 p.m. 61 Wingate St., Haverhill. 978-556-9366.

Quilt Exhibit. On display through Oct. 2 at the Massabesic Audubon Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, N.H. Free and open to the public. 603-668-2045.

Riverwalk Bead Shop. Work by 36 local artists, including jewelry, beads, paintings, pottery, weaving, carved gourds and more. 32 Elm St., Amesbury. 978-388-3499.

'Stories from the Mountains.' New work by photographer Rana Xavier will be on display Saturday, Sept. 11, 7 to 11 p.m. at 119 Gallery. $5 suggested donation. 119 Chelmsford St., Lowell. 978-397-8826, appalachiarising.org.

'The Vision & The Word' art show kick-off. The nonjuried art show features pairings of original art and original poetry and open to any individuals interested in entering. The art show will be free to the public and open for three weekends in October, in the gallery at the Old Town Hall in downtown Exeter, N.H. E-mail exeter2arts@gmail.com, exeterarts.home.comcast.net.

36th Annual 'Art in the Park.' Hosted by The Andover Artist's Guild Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Central Park, Andover. Proceeds will go into the guild's scholarship fund for high school seniors entering college to pursue a career in art. Rain date is Sept. 12. 978-681-6604.

Lecture

Civil War Roundtable of New Hampshire. Historian Patrick Falci will present "A.P. Hill at Sharpsburg" Friday, Sept. 10, 7:15 p.m. at Epping Town Hall, Main Street, Epping, N.H. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Free. 978-994-4717, cwrt-nh.org.

MUSEUMS

haverhill firefighting museum. 75 Kenoza Ave.: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday and group visits are available by appointment. For more information, call 978-372-4061.

The Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Tours by appointment only. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 7 to 17 and free for children 7 and under. For details, call 978-374-4626.

john greenleaf whittier birthplace. Whittier Road. Open Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.; Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students under 18 and a $10 maximum for a family. For more information, call 978-373-3979.

American Textile History Museum. Features the exhibit "Textile Revolution: An Exploration Through Space and Time." Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, children 6-16, and college students. Free for members, children under 6. 491 Dutton St., Lowell. 978-441-0400, athm.org.

Custom House Maritime Museum. Built in 1835, the Newburyport Custom House was designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Treasury Building. Features ship models and maritime art as well as exhibits on shipbuilding, the Coast Guard and author John Marquand. Open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 25 Water St., Newburyport. 978-462-8681 or themaritimesociety.org.

Dole-Little House. Circa-1700 timber-frame construction home restored in 1955. Open year-round by appointment only. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students/children. 289 High Road, Newbury. 978-462-2634, historicnewengland.org.

Lowell's Boat Shop. Established in 1793, oldest continuously operating boat shop in the country. Guests can view boatbuilders at work, take a tour and view exhibits. By appointment only. 459 Main St., Amesbury. 978-834-0050, lowellsboatshop.com.

Meetinghouse. Rocky Hill Meeting House, circa-1785 rural New England meetinghouse with limited ornamental detail offering example of vernacular architecture. 4 Portsmouth Road, Amesbury. 978-462-2634, spnea.org.

Printing Museum. World's largest collection of antique printing, typesetting and bindery machines. Has extensive printing collection of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5. 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover. 978-686-0450.

Swett-Ilsley House. Circa-1670 saltbox dwelling illustrating development of New England's timber-frame architecture and building practices over two centuries, including one of the largest kitchen hearths in New England. 4 High Road, Newbury. 978-462-2634, spnea.org.

nightlife

The Peddler's Daughter. Stump Trivia every Tuesday at 9 p.m. 45 Wingate St., Haverhill. 978-372-9555, thepeddlersdaughter.com.

Brookstone Grille. Eric McFadden will perform Thursday, Sept. 9, 6 to 9 p.m. Free entertainment. 14 Route 111, Derry, N.H. 603-328-9250.

Carriage Wheel Pub. Open mike with Rockin' Randy, Thursdays, 8 to 11 p.m. No cover. 10 Friend St., Amesbury. 978-388-0291.

David's Tavern. John Tavano appears every Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday brunch, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 12 Brown Square, Newburyport. 978-462-8077.

Glory. Ladies Night Fashion Show Series with DJ Dee and giveaways. Top local stores and hair salons participating. 8 p.m. every Thursday in The Lounge at Glory, 19 Essex St., Andover. 978-475-4811.

Hobo Cafe & Lounge. Bob Allison hosts piano bar Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. No cover charge. "Nostalgia Night" with the Lighthouse Trio and Friends the first Wednesday of the month, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 Broadway, Salisbury Beach. 978-465-4626, 978-270-9242, CasablancaPiano.com.

Jocko's Jazz at the Sahara. Artie Barsamian's Boston Big Band Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $10 cover. Wheelchair accessible. 34 Bates St., Methuen. 978-683-9200 or jockosjazz.com.

Palmer's Restaurant & Tavern. Live music Thursdays, 8 to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. to midnight. 18 Elm St., Andover. 978-470-1606.

The Georgetown Grille. Acoustic Open Mike, every Wednesday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Hosted by Dave Coppola. 19 W. Main St., Georgetown. 978-769-3550.

The Grog. Flamenco guitarist Steven Spungin, Tuesdays. Music starts at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission, $5-$7. 13 Middle St., Newburyport. 978-465-8008.

China Blossom Comedy Room. Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 p.m. at the China Blossom Restaurant. $20 per person. 946 Osgood St., North Andover. Reservations, 978-455-0978. chinablossomcomedy.net.

Comedy Night. The third Thursday of every month, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Coffee Factory, 55 Crystal Ave., Derry, N.H. No cover. 603-432-6006, thecoffeefactoryderry.com.

indigo girls. Friday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $40 and $32. For tickets, call 603-436-2400 or visit themusichall.org.

The Wilbur Theatre. Dirty Projectors will perform Monday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m. All ages. $22. Xavier Rudd and Izintaba will perform Tuesday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m. All ages. $25 in advance, $27 night of show. 246 Tremont St., Boston. 617-248-9700.

Tom Green & Mitch Fatel. At the Wilbur Theatre. Tom Green will perform Friday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. All ages. $25-$35. Mitch Fatel will perform Saturday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. All ages. $25-$29. 246 Tremont St., Boston. 617-248-9700.

Live Blues. Hear local bands perform every Tuesday beginning at 9 p.m. at The Roma Restaurant. Free admission. 29 Middlesex St., Haverhill. 978-374-8001, theromarestaurant.com.

Live Jazz. Live jazz is performed every Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Salvatore's Italian Restaurant, 354 Merrimack St., Lawrence. No cover or music charge. For dinner reservations, 978-291-0220.

Country Friends Dance Band. Music every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion, 69 River St., Middleton. All ages. No cover. 978-777-2711.

Reggae on the River. Reggae on the River with Dis-N-Dat Band every Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Salvatore's Italian Restaurant, 354 Merrimack St., Lawrence. No cover charge. Dinner reservations available. 978-291-0220.

whippersnappers. 44 Nashua Road. Thursdays music 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, Take 4. Friday, Sept. 10, Wired. Saturday, Sept.11, The B St., Bombers. Sunday, Sept. 12, Joe McDonald. Thursday, Sept. 16, Legato Groove. Friday, Sept. 17, Last Kid Picked. Saturday, Sept. 18, Souled Show Band. Sunday, Sept. 19, The Mystics Trio. Thursday, Sept. 23, Four Sticks. Friday, Sept. 24, Jimmy's Down. Saturday, Sept. 25, Mama Kicks. Sunday, Sept. 26, The Beloved Few. Thursday, Sept. 30, KT and The Fuse. For more information call 434-2660 or visit whippersnappersnh.com.

participatory MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mike Nights. Every Tuesday, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Pasta Loft Restaurant. Hosted by singer/guitarist Mike Belkas. All acoustic instruments and musical genres are encouraged. Free admission. 220 East Main St., Route 121A, East Hampstead, N.H. 603-548-5742.

Barbershop Singing Group. The barbershop singing group holds a guest night from 7:30 to 9 Mondays at All Saints Church, Haverhill. 978-372-8231.

Bluegrass Jam. Every second Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m. at the Gulu-Gulu Cafe. Open jam for all levels. 247 Essex St., Salem. 978-740-0098.

Cornerstone Books Bluegrass Jam. Third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. 45 Lafayette St., Salem. 978-595-5401.

Hampton Community Chorale. Rehearsals start Monday, Sept. 13, 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Winnacunnet Road, Hampton, N.H. New singers welcome. Music ranges from classical to pop. There are no auditions, and an ability to read music is not necessary. hamptoncommchorale.weebly.com.

Old Time Jam. Every Sunday, 7 to 10 p.m. at Skellig Pub. Hosted by Alan Kaufman. 240 Moody St., Waltham. 781-647-0679.

Open Music Session. Every Sunday, 4 to 8 p.m. at Paddy Kelly's Pub. Hosted by The Breakheart Ceildh Band. Irish, folk and bluegrass players welcome. 154 Washington St., Peabody. 978-532-2370.

PERFORMANCE

CHURCH CONCERT. Lee Domann in concert Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 471 Main St., Haverhill. Former UMC parish minister. Information, visit leedomann.com.

'lizzie borden and the 40 whacks.' Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1 p.m., Amesbury Senior Center, 9 School St., Amesbury. For information, call Amesbury Council on Aging, 978-388-8138.

LIve opera. Opera Boston performs Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Telephone" on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Tickets are $11 adults, $9 students. Information or tickets, call 978-462-7336 or visit firehouse.org.

christmas show. Haverhill Council on Aging and Bethany Communities are planning a trip to the The Wang Theatre to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular matinee performance on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Lunch will be at Legal Seafood, Park Plaza, Boston. Cost is $108 per person for motor coach transportation, lunch and show. Information, call Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16, or Darlene Sutton at 978-374-2165 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

Theater

'A Streetcar Named Desire.' Performed by the Nashua Theatre Guild through 12 at the Janice B. Streeter Theater. Show times are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and students. 14 Court St., Nashua, N.H. nashuatheatreguild.org.

Captain Sig & the Hillstrand Brothers. At Lowell Memorial Auditorium Saturday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m. $29.50, $36.50. 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell. 978-454-2299, lowellauditorium.com.

'Hedda Gabler.' Friday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 11, 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Stockbridge Theatre, Pinkerton Academy, Derry, N.H. Presented by Theatre Kapow. $12-$15. 603-437-5210, tkapow.com.

'Perfect Harmony.' Through Oct. 3 at Stoneham Theatre. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Contains mature language. $44-$48 for regular admission, $20 for students, discounts for seniors. 395 Main St., Stoneham. 781-279-2200, stonehamtheatre.org.

'Picnic.' The Valley Players perform through Sept. 12 at the Amesbury Playhouse. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. dinner, 8:30 p.m. show; Sundays noon dinner, 1:30 p.m. show; Wednesdays 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show. Reservations required. 194 Main St., Amesbury. 978-388-9444, amesburyplayhouse.com.

'The Complete World of Sports (abridged).' The comedy will be performed by The Reduced Shakespeare Company from Sept. 9 through Oct. 3 at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell. Tickets, 978-654-4MRT, MerrimackRep.org.

'Wicked.' Through Oct. 17 at the Boston Opera House. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $38-$103. 1-800-982-2787, broadwayacrossamerica.com, ticketmaster.com.