The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
• Last call for Footloose: It’s the final weekend to catch Footloose, this summer’s Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth; prescottpark.org, 436-2848) outdoor musical. The show runs in Prescott Park on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. See the website for information on general admissions (by donation) and reserving a blanket or a table.
• Last call for Samuel Lancaster Gerry’s exhibit: The exhibit “A Faithful Student of Nature: The Life and Art of Samuel L. Gerry,” featuring 38 paintings by the 19th-century artist (who depicted the White Mountains and the Old Man of the Mountain), will be on display at the New Hampshire Historical Society (30 Park St., Concord; 228-6688, nhhistory.org) through Saturday, Aug. 13, according to the website. The Historical Society is open Thursdays through Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• August art: Yasamin Safarzad is the artist behind the August Art on the Wall at City Hall exhibit, according to a Manchester Arts Commission Facebook post. The art hangs at City Hall (1 City Hall Plaza, near Elm Street, in downtown Manchester) which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A post about the exhibit on Safarzad’s website shows some of the pieces on display, including paintings and a yarn-based piece.
Create artist trading cards
Members of the public can drop in on Saturday, Aug. 13, from noon to 3 p.m., to create artist trading cards for the residents at the Merrimack County Nursing Home at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen). Trading cards are mini works of art the size of a baseball trading card. The gallery is hosting the New Hampshire Women’s Caucus for Art’s “Just North of Concord” art group for this event. The artists will have all the supplies you need to create the cards. Four stations will be set up and attendees can rotate to make cards using different art techniques. Artists will be on hand for guidance and inspiration. Guests can learn a new technique and create fun pieces of tiny art for a nursing home resident to choose and display in their room. The event is free and suitable for all ages. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com.
• Opening night for Out There: The young performers of Andy’s Summer Playhouse (582 Isaac Frye Hwy., Wilton; 654-2613, andyssummerplayhouse.org) will present Out There, this season’s musical, described as “a new musical about aliens, astrophysics, theater and imaginary friends, asking questions of identity as community and as self,” according to the website. The curtain goes up Thursday, Aug. 11, at 7:30 p.m. The show also runs Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m. as well as next weekend (Thursday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m.). Tickets cost $10.60.
• Also at Andy’s: Andy’s Summer Playhouse (582 Isaac Frye Hwy., Wilton; 654-2613, andyssummerplayhouse.org) and Toadstool Bookshop will present an event with Tom Moore, one of the authors of the bookGrease, Tell Me More, Tell Me More: Stories from the Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All on Friday, Aug. 19, at 5 p.m. at Andy’s Summer Playhouse. Moore directed the original Broadway production, eight national tours and two London West End productions of Grease, according to a press release. The book is “a collection of memories and stories from over 100 actors and musicians, including the creative team and crew who were part of the original Broadway production and in the many touring companies it spawned.” See andyssummerplayhouse.org/grease to RSVP to the event.
• Hopkinton art show: Two Villages Art Society presents the work of three Rotary Club members in an exhibit titled “Pixels, Wood, Clay,” on display Friday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Bates Building (846 Main St. in the Hopkinton village of Contoocook). Hopkinton photographer Tony Gilmore captures nuanced images of nature and man-made objects, taken in his extensive travels with nonprofits. Wood turner Rick Manganello of Hudson creates wooden bowls and other objects. Caren Helm, owner of Pizzazz Pottery in Vermont, creates functional and sculptural hand-built and wheel-thrown stoneware.“Pixels, Wood, Clay” is open to the public free of charge Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. There will be an opening reception with the artists Saturday, Aug. 13, from noon to 2 p.m. Hopkinton musician Brad Myrick will provide music at the reception. For more information, including artist bios, visit twovillagesart.org.
• Stone wall workshops: Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511) is offering opportunities to work on restoring a section of natural stone walls at two-day hands-on Stone Wall workshops led by master stone artisan and mason Kevin Fife, who will discuss the history of stone walls in New England and show participants different types of walls throughout the Village. Some walls in New England date back to the mid-1600s. Two workshops are offered: the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 13, and Sunday, Aug. 14, or the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 27, and Sunday, Aug. 28, both from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. To enroll, visit shakers.org. The workshop includes materials, gourmet lunch and drinks each day. Tuition is $150 for returning participants and $250 for new participants.
Off-Broadway in Wolfeboro
ReEntry: Actors Playing Jazz, directed by Academy Award-winner Estelle Parsons, comes to Wolfeboro for two nights, on Wednesday, Aug. 17, and Thursday, Aug. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at The Village Players Theater (51 Glendon St., Wolfeboro), a nonprofit community theater that welcomes onstage and non-stage members of all ages. ReEntry: Actors Playing Jazz is the story of six formerly incarcerated men who have come together after release from prison to start a theater group with a goal to keep them on the right side of the law. The performance is a benefit for Village Players Theater. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at village-players.com.
• From nuns to cats: Catch the final shows of the Interlakes Theatre (1 Laker Lane, Meredith; interlakestheatre.com, 707-6035) production of Sister Act this weekend. The show runs Thursday, Aug. 11, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $36. Then on Wednesday, Aug. 17, the theater’s production of Cats will begin with a show at 7:30 p.m. Be part of the Jellicle fun Wednesday, Aug. 17, through Saturday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. as well as Thursday, Aug. 18, at 2 p.m.
• Cruel summer: Tickets are on sale now for the Actorsingers’ production of Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at the Janice B. Streeter Theater (14 Court St., Nashua) on Friday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 27, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. Closely following the film’s plot, the show centers on the manipulative, revenge- and passion-fueled world of Manhattan elite teens Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. It features a score full of the era’s top hits from Christina Aguilera, N-Sync, No Doubt, Boyz II Men, and more. Cruel Intentions contains themes that are not suitable for teens and children, according to the website. Tickets range from $18 to $20 and are now available online at actorsingers.org or by calling 320-1870.
ART
Exhibits
• JESSICA KELLY, a local artist, whose work will be featured at the New Hampshire Boat Museum (399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 569-4554, nhbm.org) in the museum’s gallery in August. Working in photography, the art depicts coastal scenes and other natural beauties. Kelly’s work is available for viewing with paid admission to the museum. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and free for children under 13, members, and active military personnel.
• STANDING TOGETHER The Seacoast LGBT History Project holds its sixth annual show, titled “Standing Together,” at RiverStones Custom Framing and The Franklin Gallery (33 N. Main St. in Rochester; riverstonescustomframing.com) through Wednesday, Aug. 31. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the Seacoast NH LGBT Facebook page, email seacoastnhlgbthistory@gmail.com or call RiverStones at 812-1488.
• “ARGHAVAN KHOSRAVI” Artist’s surrealist paintings explore themes of exile, freedom and empowerment; center female protagonists; and allude to human rights issues, particularly those affecting women and immigrants. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On display now through Sept. 5. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children age 12 and under and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org for more information.
• “MANAGING MISCELLANEA” The Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy (11 Tan Lane, Exeter) hosts “Managing Miscellanea,” an art exhibition that draws from the gallery’s “undefined” collection. It centers around questions of defining and maintaining collections, and showcases unseen works from the storage vault, including works by Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Motherwell. The exhibition runs through Sept. 24, available for viewing during the gallery’s normal hours: Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free but reservations are required. For more information, visit www.exeter.edu/lamontgallery.
• “THE PEOPLE’S SCULPTOR: THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JOHN ROGERS” Exhibit celebrates the art of American sculptor John Rogers, who came to Manchester in 1850, and explores the influence that Manchester had on Rogers’ life and work. Presented by the Manchester Historic Association. On view now through September. Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester). Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 62 and up and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, and is free for kids under age 12. Call 622-7531 or visit manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum.
• “WOOL: CONTEMPORARY FIBER ART EXHIBITION Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) through Sept. 2. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.
• ART ON MAIN The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce present a year-round outdoor public art exhibition in Concord’s downtown featuring works by professional sculptors. All sculptures will be for sale. Visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord, call 224-2508 or email tsink@concordnhchamber.com.
Fairs and markets
• GREELEY PARK ART SHOW The annual outdoor juried art show hosted by Nashua Area Artists Association features a variety of artwork for sale. Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua. Sat., Aug. 20, and Sun., Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit nashuaarts.org/greeleyparkartshow.
• CONCORD ARTS MARKET The juried outdoor artisan and fine art market runs one Saturday a month, June through October, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Market dates are Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15. Rollins Park, 33 Bow St., Concord. concordartsmarket.net. The first market will be held on Saturday, June 11. Visit concordartsmarket.net/summer-arts-market.html.
Tours
• NASHUA PUBLIC ART AUDIO TOUR Self-guided audio tours of the sculptures and murals in downtown Nashua, offered via the Distrx app, which uses Bluetooth iBeacon technology to automatically display photos and text and provides audio descriptions at each stop on the tour as tourists approach the works of art. Each tour has 10 to 15 stops. Free and accessible on Android and iOS on demand. Available in English and Spanish. Visit downtownnashua.org/nashua-art-tour for more information.
THEATRE
Classes/workshops
• STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS Monthly workshop series hosted by True Tales Live storytelling showcase. First Tuesday (except November), from 7 to 8:30 p.m., virtual, via Zoom. Registration is required. Visit truetaleslivenh.org for more information.
Shows
• ROBIN HOOD The Winnipesaukee Playhouse Professional Company (33 Footlight Circle in Meredith; winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) presents Robin Hood Wednesday, Aug. 10, through Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $39 and $29.
• 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS about two performers as they grow from children to adults and featuring a variety of music styles, according to the website, opens Thursday, Aug. 4, at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Peterborough Players indoor stage (55 Hadley Road in Peterborough; peterboroughplayers.org, 924-7575). Tickets cost $47. Shows continue Tuesday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m.
• DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Jr. Tickets are on sale now for the Peacock Players’ production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., which will run Friday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Court Street Theater (14 Court St. in Nashua). Shows on Fridays are at 7 p.m., Saturday shows are at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. The show is “our first ever student-produced title,” according to the Peacock Players website (peacockplayers.org), where you can buy tickets, which cost $15 to $18 (plus fees) for adults and $12 to $15 (plus fees) for kids. Or call the box office at 886-7000.
• BEAUTY & THE BEAST presented by the 2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Seriesat the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) through Thursday, Aug. 11, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10.
• NUNSENSE, the musical that has been updated with new jokes, will be presented by the Majestic Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net, 669-7649) on Fridays, Aug. 12 and Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, Aug. 13 and Aug. 20, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 to $20.
• SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS presented by the 2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Seriesat the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) Tuesday, Aug. 16, through Thursday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10.
• LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL JR.presented by Palace Youth Theatre summer camp at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) on Friday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m., and Friday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for kids.
• THE GREAT ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC SHAKESPEARE COMPANY presented by Granite Playwrights at the Hatbox Theatre (inside the Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord; hatboxnh.com, 715-2315) from Aug. 19 through Aug. 28, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members.
• DISNEY’S FROZEN KIDS presented by the 2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Seriesat the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) Tuesday, Aug. 23, through Thursday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10.
• LES MISERABLES presented by the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth; seacoastrep.org, 433-4472) teen company from Aug. 25 through Sept. 4, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for students and $30 for adults.
• SHREK THE MUSICAL presented by the Riverbend Youth Company at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford; svbgc.org/amato-center) from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28.
• DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, the season-opening musical at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588), will run Friday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 2. The shows run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a show also on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $46.
