Thursday, July 3
"Rumplestiltskin" by Dream Tales Puppet Theatre at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Once upon a time there was a miller who bragged that his daughter Kathleen could spin straw into gold. When the King heard about this, he commanded the girl spin for him because his royal treasury was empty and he had bills to pay. Kathleen had no idea how to complete this impossible task until a funny looking little man came along, whose wheeling and dealing caused more problems for her. The story turns into a most exciting tale, which has a nice, unexpected, but desired ending. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $10 general , $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.
Friday, July 4
Navy Reunion: USS Anchorage (LSD-36) in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, contact Erin Dirschell at LSD-36@HullNumber.com.
Independence Day celebration: Celebrate the nation's birth in traditional and grand fashion at Old Sturbridge Village. Mingle with the militia, watch a parade with fife and drums, hear a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence complete with musket fire and pealing church bells, watch as a toy hot air balloon rises high into the summer sky a and cap the evening with the fireworks display. OSV celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is $20, $18 seniors, $6 children 3 through 17, children under 3 are free. For more information, call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.
Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week: Fine dining establishments across the Greater Merrimack Valley will take part in the first annual Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week from Sunday, July 27 through Saturday Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 9 The event is hosted by the Greater Merrimack Valley Conventions & Visitors Bureau and is produced by Drinkwater Productions. All participating restaurants will offer three-course fixed menus with selections unique to Restaurant Week. Lunches will be available at $20.08 and dinners at $33.08. For more information, visit www.merrimackvalleyrestaurantweek.com.
Saturday, July 5
"Cinderella, A Woodland Fairy Princess" by Deborah Constine at 1 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. The King of all woodland fairies wants his son to marry a fairy princess, but they are very rare. The King hosts a great ball and commands that every single young fairy maiden in the land must attend. He hopes that the missing fern fairy princess will come and he knows the secret to identifying a true fairy princess. Recommended for children 3 or older. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.
Wednesday, July 9
"Aesop's Fables" by Len Gerwick at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. In this solo production, Gerwick performs several stories adapted from Aesop's Fables. This lively retelling includes such classics as "The Country Mouse and City Mouse," "The Dog and his Bone," and "The Fox and the Crow." Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.
Thursday, July 10
"Aesop's Fables" by Len Gerwick at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. In this solo production, Gerwick performs several stories adapted from Aesop's Fables. This lively retelling includes such classics as "The Country Mouse and City Mouse," "The Dog and his Bone," and "The Fox and the Crow." Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.
Navy reunion: USS Boston (CA-69) in Portland. Maine. For more information, contact Art Herbert at CA-69@HullNumber.com.
Friday, July 11
Navy reunion: USS O'Callahan (FF-1051) in Boston. For more information, contact Joseph Allen at FF-1051@HullNumber.com.
Rising Star Theatre Company presents its summer show "RENT - School Edition" at 7 p.m. at 17 Danville Road, Route 111, Kingston, N.H. This is the first time "RENT School Edition" will be playing in the New England area. This show is directed by Bridgette Doucette of Newton, N.H. and stars Dan Morton of Haverhill. Tickets are $15 per person and seating is reserved. Children under 12 are not recommended to attend. For tickets or more information, call Maureen at 603-512-5408.
Rising Star Theatre Company presents its summer show "RENT - School Edition" at 2 and 7 p.m. at 17 Danville Road, Route 111, Kingston, N.H. This is the first time "RENT School Edition" will be playing in the New England area. This show is directed by Bridgette Doucette of Newton, N.H. and stars Dan Morton of Haverhill. This performance will be an AIDS benefit show, where part of the night's proceeds will go to AIDS programs in the Seacoast area as well as Broadway Cares. Tickets are $15 per person and seating is reserved. Children under 12 are not recommended to attend. For tickets or more information, call Maureen at 603-512-5408.
Sunday, July 13
"The Frog Prince" by Pumpernickel Puppets at 1 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. Young Prince Tad has been caught teasing the forest creatures again so a magic tree turns the young prince into a frog to teach him a lesson. Along the way he meets a princess who could turn him back with a kiss. All ends happily as the characters learn about being kind and keeping promises. Recommended for children 3 years or older. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.
Rising Star Theatre Company presents its summer show "RENT - School Edition" at 3 p.m. at 17 Danville Road, Route 111, Kingston, N.H. This is the first time "RENT School Edition" will be playing in the New England area. This show is directed by Bridgette Doucette of Newton, N.H. and stars Dan Morton of Haverhill. Tickets are $15 per person and seating is reserved. Children under 12 are not recommended to attend. For tickets or more information, call Maureen at 603-512-5408.
PLAN AHEAD
Spay/neuter clinic: The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society will have a spay/neuter clinic for feral cats on Sunday, July 20 beginning at 8 a.m. at the MSPCA's Methuen office located at 400 Broadway. All cats will be spayed or neutered and a given a rabies vaccination. For more information, call Amy Stevens at 978-462-0760 or e-mail spayneuter@mrfrs.org.
New Hampshire Walk for Autism on Sunday, Oct. 5 in Greeley Park, Nashua, N.H. Registration is at 10 a.m. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. Kick-off event will be held on July 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, N.H. To register for the walk, visit www.walknowforautism.org/nh. For more information, e-mail newhampshire@autismspeaks.org.
Annual Open House and Summer Garden Festival on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tranquil Lake Nursery, Rehoboth. This year's theme is "Garden Magic: Gardens for Entertainment and Enjoyment." Twelve garden talks and demonstrations will be offered throughout the day, on the half hour, showcasing talented local horticulturists, gardeners and herbalists. Topics include selecting plants for the sun and shade, plant combinations for long season of interest, connoisseur plants, epimedium, culinary and ornamental herbs, summer flower arrangements and more. Special guest is Claire Sawyers, author of "The Authentic Garden, Five Principals for Cultivating a Sense of Place." For more information or a complete schedule of events, call 508-252-4002 or visit www.tranquil-lake.com.
Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week: Fine dining establishments across the Greater Merrimack Valley will take part in the first annual Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week from Sunday, July 27 through Saturday Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 9 The event is hosted by the Greater Merrimack Valley Conventions & Visitors Bureau and is produced by Drinkwater Productions. All participating restaurants will offer three-course fixed menus with selections unique to Restaurant Week. Lunches will be available at $20.08 and dinners at $33.08. For more information, visit www.merrimackvalleyrestaurantweek.com.
Jacob's Pillow dance festival will run from now through Sunday, Aug. 24. It will include more than 100 ticket events and 200 free events, such as stage performances, moderated interviews artist, talks by experts, film showings, exhibitions, receptions, tours, community dances classes and master classes, by 20 companies from four continents and nine countries. Five of the programs are performed to live music, and five engagements offer special "Pillow Exclusive" programs which will not be performed anywhere else. For more information, call 413-243-9919 or e-mail mhulbert@jacobspillow.org.
USS Columbus shipmates reconnect: Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus (CA-74/CG-12) from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus SSN-762 past and present who would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends or make new ones, please contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time or e-mail hope4391@comcast.net.
The Firehouse Center for the Arts Gallery is accepting submissions from artists for their work to be exhibited in the gallery until Dec. 31. Artists may submit proposals for exhibition of two-dimensional work in any medium. Exhibits consist of 1 or 2 people, group or themed shows, and normally run for four weeks. Submissions to include: an artist biography and resume; 10 to 20 images, preferably in a digital format, of work that is indicative of the current style of the artist; and a cover letter with name and contact information. If digital images are not available, 35 millimeter slides are acceptable. There is a $20 submission fee. Printed guidelines are available at www.firehouse.org or by calling 978-499-9931.
Annual Black Ships Festival will take place throughout Newport, R.I., July 17 through 20. The festival is a celebration commemorating the establishment of friendly trade relations between the U.S. and Japan. The festival features more than 50 events that provide the opportunity to see, sample and experience authentic arts, foods, performances and traditions. Highlights include: Sumo Wrestlers meet and greet at Brick Market Place on July 18 at 2 p.m., July 19 at 1 and 3 p.m. and July 20 at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Governors' Black Ship Gala on July 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Island House at Belle Mer on Goat Island. Taiko Drum Festival on July at 6 p.m. at the Newport Yachting Center. Adult admission is $12, $5 children. A second performance will take place on July 20 at 11 a.m. at Cardine's Field. Adult admission is $8, $4 children. An arts and crafts fair will be July 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Touro Park. For more information, call 401-846-2720. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.BlackShipsFestival.com.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Volunteers needed: The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge needs volunteers to help staff The Plover's Nest gift shop and bookstore at the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center. The store will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be needed to help customers and act as cashiers during those times. Training will be provided. The store is expected to open in May. For more information or to volunteer, call Kate Toniolo at 978-465-5753.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center unless noted otherwise. All programs are free. Space is limited. Advanced registration is required unless otherwise indicated. To register, call 978-465-5753. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member. Outdoor programs may be canceled by to inclement weather. For information on any program, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov.
Puppet Showplace Theatre
"Fairy Circus" by Tanglewood Marionettes on July 20 at 1 p.m., featuring classic trick puppets and handcrafted marionettes. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform and fly through the air, all to the music of favorite composers.
"Three Wishes" and "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by Spring Valley Puppets on July 20 at 1 p.m. and July 23 and 24 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. In "Three Wishes," Henry meets a magic elf while chopping wood in the forest who grants him three wishes. In "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing," a hungry wolf tries to outwit the savvy shepherd to make a meal of the helpless lamb.
"Leopard Learns a Lesson" by Magpie Puppets on July 30 and 31 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Leopard is always bullying and frightening smaller animals until Rabbit turns the tables on her with the help of the jungle's two largest beasts, Elephant and Rhinoceros. The audience learns, along with the Leopard, that cooperation works better than intimidation. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Puppet Showplace Theatre is at 32 Station St., Brookline. All shows are recommended for children 3 years or older unless specified. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.
Old Sturbridge Village summer 2008 activities
Discovery Camp: Discovery Camp allows children to enjoy five days of fresh air and fun. Dress in 1830s costume and explore the past through hands-on history. Children 8-17 will have an unforgettable summer experience while indulging their curiosity and venturing into another world. Camp dates are: July 7 through 11; July 14 through 18; July 21 through 25; July 28 through Aug. 1; Aug. 4 through 8; and Aug. 11 through 15. Cost is $275 per youth, $250 for OSV member youths, 10 percent off for each additional child. Reservations required.
Redcoats to Rebels: The country's largest Revolutionary War re-enactments on Aug. 2 and 3. See what life was really like for those who fought to win and preserve America's freedoms. Watch the battle re-enactment, enjoy fife and drum corps performances, and watch encampment cooking, firearm and cannon demonstrations, a military fashion show, and much more.
Twilight Encampment: Visitors can stay at the village to enjoy the Twilight Encampment on Saturday, Aug. 2, extending their experience to the everyday activities of soldiers throughout America's history. Witness the activities of the soldiers away from the heat of battle, and mingle with the soldiers around the campfires. Village admission includes extended stay through 8 p.m.
Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is $20, $18 seniors, $6 children 3 through 17, children under 3 are free. For more information on any event above, call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.
Navy reunions
USS Wainwright (CG-28) on July 15 in Jacksonville, Fla. For more information, contact Dan Bowman at CG-28@HullNumber.com.
USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN-630) on July 17 in Chattanooga, Tenn. For more information, contact George Shaw at SSBN-630@HullNumber.com.
USS Cascade (AD-16) Sept. 15 through 22 at the Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel, 480 North Gulf Road, King of Prussia, Pa. For more information, contact Bob Croghan at 314-954-7801 or bobcroghansr@yahoo.com or Barb Kennovin at 302-945-2719.
USS Paricutin (AE-18) on Sept. 17 in Cincinnati, Ky. For more information, contact Jerry King at AE-18@HullNumber.com.
USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12/SSN-762 Oct. 1 through 4 at the Holiday Inn North, Dayton, Ohio. For more information, contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 or hope4391@comcast.net.
Act One's Festival of Fun
"Ida - Woman Who Runs with the Moose" is full of wit, wisdom and side-splitting Maine humor starring Susan Poulin on Aug. 13, 14, 20 and 27 at 2 and 8 p.m.
"Over the River and Through the Woods" is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy about the family. Performances are Aug. 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 2 and 8 p.m.
"Spousal Deafness and Other Bones of Contention" is a terrific comedy with great songs by husband and wife, Gordon Carlyle and Susan Pouilin. Performances are Aug. 21 and 28 at 2 and 8 p.m.
"We Stayed Together for the Puppets," recovering puppeteer Pat Spalding's hilarious and touching account of the backstage life and marital mayhem, on Aug 26 at 2 and 8 p.m.
"The Story of a Bad Boy" is Pontine Theatre's original adaptation of Thomas Bailey Aldrich's tale of growing up in Portsmouth in the 1850s. Performances are Aug. 12 and 19 at 2 and 8 p.m.
Lucie Therrian in concert on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.
Ed Gerhard in concert on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. All tickets are $22.
All performances take place at West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $18, $16 for seniors unless noted otherwise. For reservations or more information on any show above, call 603-300-2986 or visit www.actonenh.blogspot.com.
Theater
ACT presents "Spotlight on Broadway" July 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and July 20 at 2 p.m. at the Tewksbury Senior Center, 175 Chandler St., Tewksbury. The show covers the music of Broadway legends such as Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more. Tickets are $18 adults, $15 students and seniors. For more information or tickets, call 978-289-4123 or visit www.ACTandover.com.
Art
New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods presents the Big Bugs Sculpture Exhibit and Web-of-Life Extravaganza July 12 through Oct. 31. The exhibit features an 18-foot, 1,200-pound praying mantis and 12 other enormous natural sculptures by New York artist David Rogers. There will be special events each weekend. Schedule: Ladybugs on July 19 and 20, Animal Ambassadors on July 21 and Aug. 11, Dragonflies on July 26 and 27, Bees on Aug. 2 and 3, Wild Nights on Aug. 8, Ants on Aug. 9 and 10, Damselfly on Aug. 16 and 17, Butterfly Festival on Aug. 21 and 22, Praying Mantis on Sept. 6 and 7, Daddy Longlegs on Sept. 13 and 14, Monarch Migration on Sept. 20 and 21, Grasshoppers on Sept. 27 and 28, Assassin Bugs on Oct. 4 and 5, Student art show on Oct. 5, Spiders on Oct. 18 and 19, Bye Bye Bugs on Oct. 25 and 26. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 students and seniors, $4 youths 3 through 18, free for members and children younger than 3. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 2 through Oct. 31, rain or shine. Tours are on weekdays at 10 a.m. and weekends at 2 p.m. and are included with admission. All proceeds support the conservation. New England Wild Flower Society is at 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham. For information, call 508-877-7630 or visit www.newenglandwild.org.
Mass Audubon Society's Joppa Flats presents "Bahamian Fishes," an exhibit of watercolor paintings by John Soward, in the center's Juliet Kellogg French Room from now through Aug. 17. For more information, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org.
The Ferry Wharf Gallery presents the creative photography of Karen Lynch from now through July 12. Gallery hours are daily noon to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays. For more information, call 978-462-2740 or visit www.ferrywharf.com.
The Abstract Artist Group will exhibit its work at the Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., Newburyport, from Aug. 7 through 17. Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. This year's show will feature 17 artists from a wide variety of backgrounds and styles who have connections with the North Shore. There will be an opening reception on Aug. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. The artists will be present and refreshments will be served.
The Newburyport Art Association Photography Interest Group will present "Through Our Eyes" from now through July 9. This exhibit will be a collection of photographs from a diverse group of local photographers. For information, call 978-465-0583 or visit www.newburyportart.org.
Annual "Artists at the Brush" exhibition through July 27 at Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St., Lowell. The exhibit will showcase 14 artists who maintain rented studios at the gallery. It includes diverse media and artistic expression of all artists, highlighting the artwork of Carol Boileau, Bill Giavis, Deirdre Grunwald and Cindy Hughes. Gallery talk by the artists will be Sunday, July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For information, call 978-459-7819 or visit www.thebrush.org.
"Seductions," an exhibition of color photographs by Paul Osborne and Catherine Davis, will be on display through July 9 in the Laura Coombs Hills Gallery at the Newburyport Art Association. This team's intimate flower portraits and other botanic images reveal the structure and lush sensuality of plants. In contrast, their landscapes present the natural world on a larger scale, invoking a sense of space and power. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 978-465-8769.
"Remix: Indigenous Identities in the 21st Century" will be on exhibit through Aug. 31 at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. "Remix" features the work of four visual artists — Doug Miles (San Carlos Apache), Ryan Red Corn (Osage), Courtney Leonard (Sinnecock) and Bunky Echo-Hawk (Pawnee and Yakama) — who have blended Native American tradition with modern ideas to create powerful contemporary art. The museum is at 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. For more information, call 617-496-1027 or visit www.peabody.harvard.edu.
Teaching Matters! exhibit through Monday, July 28 in the Halle Library Archive & Museum Gallery at Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Barbara Broudo at 978-232-2257.
Nights on the Neck, a series of music, dance, lectures, readings and other forms of entertainment as well as gallery receptions, will be held the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Bryan Gallery, 53 Rocky Neck Ave., June through October. To speak or perform, contact Amanda at NoTeaParty@yahoo.com.
Music
The Boston Early Music Festival 2008-09 concert series consists of these performances:
r Collegium Vocale Gent under guest director and fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 11 Garden St., Cambridge. Their program entitled "The Haydn Songbook" will feature songs written by Joseph Haydn during the 1790s.
r Jordi Savall leading the eight-piece instrumental ensemble Hesperion XXI in a program of "Music from the Time of Cervantes" on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge.
r Chamber Opera Series on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. The evening will feature John Blow's "Venus and Adonis" and Marc Antoine Charpentier's "Acteon," each of which depicts the fates of two fortunate hunters when they encounter powerful female deities.
r Venice Baroque Orchestra directed by harpsichordist Andrea Marcon and joined by violinists Giuliano Carmignola and Viktoria Mullova for a program of "Music of Vivaldi, Galuppi and Albinoni" on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at 8 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury St., Boston.
r Sarasa Ensemble with guest artists Dominique Labelle and Michael Chance in a program of "Arias and Duets by Handel, Purcell and Pergolesi" on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at 8 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 11 Garden St., Cambridge.
r Concerto Palatino directed by cornetto players Bruce Dickey and Charles Toet will perform "A Magnificent Noise: Music from Venice to Hamburg" on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at 8 p.m. at Wellesley College's Houghton Chapel, 106 Central St., Wellesley.
r Violinist Petra Mullejans and fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout in a new program titled "Mozart Sonatas and Variations" on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 8 p.m. at Paine Hall at Harvard University, Oxford St., Cambridge.
r Tallis Scholars directed by Peter Phillips in "Music for Double Choir by Palestrina, Lassus, Gibbons, Praetorius and others" on Friday, April 3, 2009, at 8 p.m. at St. Paul Church, Bow and Arrow St., Cambridge.
For information about these events, contact executive director Kathleen Fay at 617-661-1812 or kathy@bemf.org.
