Happy Friday! If you received our 7-day newsletter earlier this week, you may have noticed that we’ve launched our new Events Calendar! With summer around the corner, there are plenty of arts, cultural, and entertainment activities you’ll want to explore, so be sure to check in regularly. For now, here’s our curated list of musicals, exhibitions, plays, and concerts to enjoy this weekend from Oscar Wilde’s hilarious play, The Importance of Being Earnest, at Playhouse on Park to student films at the Reel Youth Hartford Film Festival. Peruse the list below for more. Have a great weekend!
When you see [UA] in the heading, it means the organization is supported by the contributions made to the Arts Council’s Annual United Arts Campaign.
Friday
Opening Reception: “The Enchanting Jewels of Elizabeth Gage” [UA]
When: Friday, April 24, 5:30PM-7PM,
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art
The New Britain Museum of American Art will showcase its first ever exhibition to examine contemporary jewelry as an art form. The Enchanting Jewels of Elizabeth Gagewill showcase approximately 250 pieces of fine jewelry, and span 50 years of Gage’s superb craftsmanship and bold design. Learn more.
Admission: Free with museum admission. www.nbmaa.org
The Importance of Being Earnest
When: Friday, April 24, 8PM (through May 3)
Where: Playhouse on Park
Effervescent romantic exploits meet scintillating social satire in one of the most celebrated comedies of all time by Oscar Wilde.
Admission: www.playhouseonpark.org
The Absurdity of Race
When: Friday, April 24, 5:30PM-7:30PM
Where: Charter Oak Cultural Center
Join HartBeat Ensemble as they perform unfiltered experiences of implicit bias, racism and policing in communities of color. Stay and participate in the conversation. Learn more.
Admission: Free. www.charteroakcenter.org
Saturday
Reel Youth Hartford Film Festival
When: Saturday, April 25, 5:30PM
Where: Cinestudio at Trinity College
The festival provides an opportunity for the youth of Hartford to make movies and share stories of their city. A reception will follow in Mather Hall featuring special guest performances, refreshments, a photo booth, raffle prizes, and an awards ceremony.
Admission: Free. www.reelyouthhartford.org/
UnFrozen Family Festival
When: Saturday, April 25, 10AM-4PM
Where: Imagine Nation Museum
Meet Elsa and Anna and have your picture taken with an image of Olaf. You can skate on our indoor pond, have a spring snowball fight, play in Elsa’s ice castle and help decorate our tree with leaves and colorful flowers. Learn more.
Admission: $10. www.imaginemuseum.org
Opening Reception: Flight of the Mystics
When: Saturday, April 25, 6PM-9PM
Where: ArtSpace Gallery
Discover this group exhibition celebrating the new intuitive and subconscious artworks of established artists. Plus mix and mingle over cupcakes and appetizers.
Admission: Free. Learn more.
Playing the Assassin [UA]
When: Saturday, April 25, 8PM (through April 26)
Where: TheaterWorks
Decades ago, NFL star Frank Baker was dubbed “The Assassin” for his brutal tackles. Inspired by a true story, this new play tackles the NFL’s thorniest issues: race, hero worship, violence and its repercussions.
Admission: www.theaterworkshartford.org
Sunday
Connecticut Ballet presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
When: Sunday, April 26, 2PM-4PM
Where: The Bushnell
Brett Raphael’s new production brings to life Shakespeare’s classic tale of comic mismatches, lovers quarrels, and fairy dust in a delightful two-act ballet. Join Titania, Oberon, and Puck in a breathtaking spectacle. Suitable for all ages. Meet the dancers in the lobby following the performance!
Admission: $48-$63. Kids under 12 go free. Learn more.
Let’s Go Arts! members receive 10% off. Not an LGA member? Join now.
The Pianist of Willesden Lane [UA]
When: Sunday, April 26, 2PM
Where: Hartford Stage
An expression of hope and the life-affirming power of music, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true story of a young Jewish musician, who was sent from Nazi-ruled Vienna to the relative safety of London during the Blitzkrieg. Based on the book, The Children of Willesden Lane. Learn more.
Admission: $20-$85. 860-527-5151. www.hartfordstage.org
The Main Street Singers Annual Spring Choir Concert
When: Sunday, April 26, 4PM-5PM
Where: South Church, New Britain
The Main Street Singers, New Britain’s own youth choir performs their annual spring concert. Learn more.
Admission: Free. www.mainstreetsingers.org
Gross Domestic Product: A Musical Look at Motherhood
When: Sunday, April 26, 2PM
Where: Carriage House Theater
When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined.
Admission: $15. www.hartbeatensemble.org
Let’s Go Arts! members get in for $10. Not an LGA member? Join now.
Support the arts! Every contribution goes a long way.
