Category: Art & Theater

The Art Roundup 22/10/06

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Irish tenor concert: St. Joseph Cathedral (145 Lowell St., Manchester) will host a concert featuring world-acclaimed Irish tenor Emmet Cahill on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m, the first public performance there since the cathedral’s renovation. The concert will include Irish songs, sacred hymns and popular standards. Cahill recently made his sold-out debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall. His Irish album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Charts. Recent appearances include NBC’s Today show, New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Pentagon, and Atlanta Symphony Hall. Admission is $35 at the door, or $50 at 6:15 p.m., which includes a pre-concert meet-and-greet with the artist. Tickets are available at emmetcahill.com.

• Stone walls at Shaker Village: Canterbury Shaker Village’s popular two-day Stone Wall Workshop series returns on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Sunday, Oct. 30. Led by master stone artisan and mason Kevin Fife, this hands-on workshop introduces participants to the engineering and aesthetics of the Shakers’ stone wall-building skills through the restoration of a wall section at the Village. Tuition for returning participants is $150; for new participants it’s $250. For more information and to register, visit shakers.org.

• Dancing about New Hampshire: New Hampshire Dance Collaborative (NHDC) will present The Shire, a performance by NSquared Dance, on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester). The Shire is a bioregional exploration of the state of New Hampshire through the lenses of location, economics, historical references, agriculture, nature and the region’s culture. Admission is free. See nhdancecollaborative.com.

• Autumn art exhibit: The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing (33 N. Main St., Rochester) will host an exhibit during the month of October called “Change of Seasons.” An opening reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. “Change of Seasons” is a multi-artist exhibit centered around fall. RiverStones Custom Framing and the Franklin Gallery are open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See riverstonescustomframing.com.

• Light and dark: The New Hampshire Art Association will host its newest showcase, Light and Dark II, at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) Oct. 5 through Oct. 30. The works center around ideas of light and dark and black and white, as well as Halloween themed works, according to a press release. The opening reception, a Black and White gala, will take place on Friday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear creative black and white or vintage costumes and there will be refreshments. See nhartassociation.org.

• Fiction contest: Monadnock Writers’ Group is hosting its regional Three-Minute Fiction Slam on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 9:45 a.m. at the Peterborough Town Library, (2 Concord St., Peterborough). Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. The first-place winner will advance to the statewide finals and a chance to win $250. Everyone is invited to take part in the free competition by either participating or observing the fun. The competition challenges writers to perform original pieces of fiction in three minutes or less before an audience and a panel of judges. The regional event is part of an annual competition sponsored by the New Hampshire Writers’ Project. See monadnockwriters.org.

— Hannah Turtle

ART

Opening

• “THE WOODS WRAP AROUND YOU” Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford, creativeventuresfineart.com) will have an exhibition, “The Woods Wrap Around You,” on display during October, featuring hand-colored monoprints by Loretta CR Hubley. A reception will be held on Friday, Oct. 14, with wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by the artist and a live piano performance inspired by the exhibition.

• “FROM THE HIPPIE TRAIL TO THE SILK ROAD” exhibit fromTwo Villages Art Society will run at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) Oct. 21 through Nov. 12. This is an exhibition by Kathleen Dustin that includes her original artwork, inspired by and juxtaposed with jewelry and textiles from around the world that Dustin has collected during her travels. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

Exhibits

• “OUT OF THE WOODS” fromTwo Villages Art Society at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) is on display through Oct. 8 and features a series of collaborative vignettes paying tribute to the seasonal changes of New Hampshire, created by a group of five local artists known as the 9th State Artisans. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

• “STORIED IN CLAY” The New Hampshire Potters Guild presents its biennial exhibition “Storied in Clay” at the exhibition gallery at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters (49 S. Main St., Concord) through Oct. 27. Visit nhpottersguild.org.

• “STILL: THE ART OF STILL LIFE,” a contemporary art exhibit at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St. in Boscawen; twiggsgallery.wordpress.com, 975-0015), will feature work by artists Caleb Brown, Shela Cunningham, Bess French, Marcia Wood Mertinooke, Barbara Morse, Shawne Randlett and Marlene Zychowski and will run through Saturday, Oct. 29.

Workshops and classes

• ART CLASSES Art classes for teens and adults, including Pottery, Stained Glass, Intermediate Watercolor and Clay Hand Building. Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester). Five-week sessions. Classes met for two hours a week. Call 232-5597 or visit 550arts.com for the full schedule and cost details.

• DRAWING & PAINTING CLASSES Art House Studios, 66 Hanover St., Suite 202, Manchester. Classes include Drawing Fundamentals, Painting in Acrylic, Drawing: Observation to Abstraction, Exploring Mixed Media, and Figure Drawing. Class sizes are limited to six students. Visit arthousestudios.org or email [email protected] more information.

• GENERAL ART CLASSES Weekly art classes offered for kids and adults of all skill levels and cover a variety of two-dimensional media, including drawing and painting with pastel, acrylic, watercolor and oils. Classes are held with small groups of students. Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Kids classes, open to ages 10 and up, are held on Thursdays and Fridays, from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Adult classes are held on Thursdays, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuition is pay-as-you-go at $20 per student per class, due upon arrival. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com for availability.

THEATRE

Shows

• MURDER FOR TWO The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) runs through Oct. 9; tickets cost $25 to $42. Showtimes are on various dates and times, Tuesday through Sunday.

• THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR​ The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord, hatboxnh.com) will present The Government Inspector, presented by Phylloxera Productions, Oct. 7 through Oct. 23. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors.

• FREAKY FRIDAY Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) youth company presents Freaky Friday on Tuesday, Oct. 11, and Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for youth and $15 for adults.

• THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS The Community Players of Concord present The Wind in the Willows at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $15.

• DISNEY’S THE ARISTOCRATS KIDS The Peacock Players (14 Court St., Nashua, peacockplayers.org) youth theater company presents Disney’s The Aristocrats Kids Oct. 14 through Oct. 23. Showtimes are on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

• RED RIDING HOOD Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) youth company presents Red Riding Hood on Tuesday, Oct. 18, and Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for youth and $15 for adults.

• TITANIC THE MUSICAL The Manchester Community Theatre Players present Titanic the Musical at the Manchester Community Theatre Players Theatre, located at the North End Montessori School (698 Beech St., Manchester). Showtimes are on Fridays, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, and Saturdays, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at manchestercommunitytheatre.com.

• GREASE The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) presents Grease Oct. 21 through Nov. 12. Showtimes are on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., with one Thursday-at-7:30 p.m. show for each production ( Nov. 10 for Grease). Tickets cost $25 to $46.

• SHREK THE MUSICAL The Epping Community Theater will present Shrek the Musical Oct. 21 through Oct. 30 at the Epping Playhouse (38c Ladd’s Lane, Epping). Visit eppingtheater.org.

• TUCK EVERLASTING The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) youth theater presents Tuck Everlasting running Oct. 27 through Nov. 6, with showtimes Thursday through Sunday. Tickets cost $11 to $17 for students and $14 to $20 for adults.

• ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) youth theater presents Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, running Oct. 27 through Nov. 6, with showtimes Thursday through Sunday. Tickets cost $11 to $17 for students and $14 to $20 for adults.

• ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord, hatboxnh.com) and Lend Me a Theatre present Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Nov. 4 through Nov. 20. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors.

• SWEENEY TODD The Actorsingers present the musical thriller Sweeney Todd at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua) Friday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 6. Ticket sales are TBA. Visit actorsingers.org.

• JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at The Village Players Theatre (51 Glendon St. in Wolfeboro; village-players.com) Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 6, and Friday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 13.

• THE DROWSY CHAPERONE The Riverbend Youth Company presentsThe Drowsy Chaperoneat the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford) on Friday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2:30 p.m. Ticket sales are TBA. Visit svbgc.org/amato-center.

Classical

Events

• ORCHESTRAL SHOWCASE “NATURE & MYTH” at Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem; 893-7069) will run Sun., Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., and Sat., Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Featuring sounds from Beethoven, Walker, Grieg and Sibelius. Presented by New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets range from $5 to $30 for in-person seating. Visit nhpo.booktix.com.

• NATURE & MYTH​ The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 118th year with an orchestral showcase, “Nature & Myth,” featuring music by Beethoven, Walker, Grieg and Sibelius, on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $8 for kids. Visit nhphil.org.

• BEETHOVEN AND FRIENDS The Nashua Chamber Orchestra presents its fall concert “Beethoven and Friends,” with performances on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Nashua Community College (505 Amherst St., Nashua) and Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m. at Milford Town Hall (1 Union Square, Milford). The program will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F, as well as Symphony No. 1 in G by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges; Impromptu Op. 5 by Jean Sibelius; and Andante and Rondo ongarese, Op. 35 by Carl Maria von Weber. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up, military and college students. Admission is free for youth under age 18. Visit nco-music.org.

• CHRISTMAS WITH THE CROONERS Tickets are on sale now for the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra’s production of “Christmas with the Crooners,” happening at The Colonial Theatre (609 Main St. in Laconia) on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. The show features a mix of traditional carols and modern holiday tunes by crooners Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams and more. Tickets range from $22 to $32 for adults and from $12 to $22 for students. Visit coloniallaconia.com or call 1-800-657-8774 to purchase tickets.

Warner Fall Foliage Festival returns

Food, parade and more bring crowds to small town

By Hannah Turtle

[email protected]

Since it began in 1947, the Warner Fall Foliage Festival has been a mainstay for the small New Hampshire town, attracting guests from all over the area. After two years of absence, locals are all the more excited for this year’s festivities.

“This started 75 years ago as a community organization to promote Warner and to raise funds for various town organizations,” said Ray Martin, the festival’s president. “It’s a great festival. We usually see about five or six thousand people over the weekend.”

For a town with a population under 3,000, it’s a big affair. The festival hosts many activities over the weekend, including midway amusement rides, over 70 craftsmen selling their wares, a 5K road race, live musicians, a lobster and chicken barbecue and more.

A highlight is the annual grand parade, held on Sunday at 1 p.m., featuring many town organizations and groups. The theme for this year’s parade is “Fantastical Tales of All Time.” Martin said he’s “looking forward to seeing what people do with it.”

“We usually have about 10 or 12 floats,” Martin said of the parade. “Since it’s all about fall foliage, the more leaves you can incorporate, the better off you are.”

Musical acts will include The Not Fade Away Band, a Grateful Dead tribute; bagpipe performers; a jazz big band; Annie and the Natural Wonder Band, which celebrates nature through song, and many more. The performance stage will also host a kids’ dance party on Sunday morning.

In addition to all the classic festival fare, the festival will feature some more unique attractions. There will be an oxen pulling competition, an ice cream eating contest hosted by local ice cream shop The Velvet Moose, pony rides and face painting. All events are kid-friendly. A children’s parade is set for Saturday afternoon.

For those looking forward to the craftsmen and vendors, this year’s lineup will also include some unique options, including handmade dolls clothes, eggshell jewelry, chainmail jewelry, lawn art, beef chips, gemstone crowns and more.

For an event of its size, the Warner Fall Foliage Festival requires a lot of hands to put on.

“It’s an all-volunteer outfit. Nobody’s paid to do anything. We usually have about 200 volunteers from all over town,” said Martin. “That — the volunteering — that’s my favorite part. Everybody in town gets into it. It’s nice to see.”

Warner Fall Foliage Festival
Where: Along Main Street, Warner
When: Friday, Oct. 7, 6 to 9 p.m. (midway); Saturday, Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: free admission
More information: wfff.org

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 22/09/29

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Nature’s beauty: The Manchester Artists Association presents “Nature’s Beauty,” an exhibit celebrating art and nature at the NH Audubon Massabesic Center (26 Audubon Way in Auburn, 668-2045). The exhibit will be on display at the center (which is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) from Friday, Sept 30, to Wednesday, Nov 30. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9, from noon to 3 p.m.. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit the Audubon.

• Saint Anselm art’s opening night: The Chapel Art Center at Saint Anselm College (100 Saint Anselm Dr. in Manchester; anselm.edu/chapelart) hosts its first opening of the academic year on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., called “Dilecta, Reflections on a Permanent Collection Part I: An Abundance of Considerations.” At 4 p.m. the Chapel Art Center will host a Fine Art Series concert titled “An Atlas of Time: On My Recent Music” by Professor Wang Lu of Brown University.

Fall benefit art show
On Saturday, Oct. 1, artists and artisans will gather at Greeley Park (Concord Street in Nashua) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a fall art and artisan show to benefit the Betty J Borry Breast Cancer Retreats. The art show includes a variety of media: acrylics, oils, mixed media, photography, wood turning, jewelry, and more. The show will host a raffle table and a free activity, Kindness Rocks, where aspiring artists of all ages can try their hand at painting a rock with a kind message. The Betty J Borry Breast Cancer Retreat is a nonprofit organization that offers adventure-based retreats to women of all ages and stages of breast cancer living in New England. To learn more about the Betty J Borry Breast Cancer Retreats visit bjbbreastcancerretreats.org.

• Watercolors in Epsom: “Inner Peace,” an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Sylvia Brofus, Carolyn Sherman, Eve Kjellberg, Patricia Robinson, Claudia Tufo, Sofia Eastley and Fred Brewster, opens at the Epsom Public Library (1606 Dover Road in Epsom; espomlibrary.com, 736-9920) Saturday, Oct. 1, through Wednesday, Nov. 12. The theme of the exhibit reflects how the members of this group find peace by placing their focus on lines, shapes, colors, atmosphere and dark and light values, and how experimenting in the elements of painting helps to open their eyes, minds and hearts to inner harmony, according to a press release The exhibit is open for viewing Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The opening reception will be Saturday, Oct. 1, from 3 to 5 pm.

• Portraits at the Library: The Peterborough Town Library (2 Concord St. in Peterborough) hosts the first solo exhibition by local oil painter Mia Stendahl, opening on Friday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. Stendahl’s exhibit, “Little Biographies,” will also be available to view during regular library hours. In addition, Stendahl will be offering an artist talk on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. Stendahl’s “Little Biographies” will be on view in the Peterborough Town Library’s Community Arts Gallery from Friday, Oct. 7, until the end of November. For more information and to register for the artist talk visit peterboroughtownlibrary.org.

Artist in Residence
Kimball Jenkins (266 N. Main St. in Concord, kimballjenkins.com) has named Gemma Soldati, a New Hampshire-based performance artist, as Artist in Residence for the next year, Sept. 2022 through August 2023. Soldati, whose work is clown inspired and developed in front of live audiences according to a press release, recently performed her The Adventures of Sleepyhead at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord and will perform the show a the Players Ring in Portsmouth Nov. 25 through Nov. 27 (see playersring.org). At Kimball Jenkins, she will curate at least one public presentation and actively engage with the community on campus, the press release said. See gemmasoldati.com.

— Hannah Turtle

ART

Events

• BRIDGES & CONNECTIONS SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM The Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13, Brookline, 673-7441, andresinstitute.org) hosts its annual Bridges and Connections Sculpture Symposium through Oct. 2. For three weeks, invited artists from all over the world will stay in Brookline to create sculptures for permanent installation at the Institute’s 140-acre outdoor sculpture park and trails. The public is invited to meet the artists and watch them work at designated times, TBA. A presentation of the completed sculptures at their permanent sites will take place on Sunday, Oct. 2. Visit andresinstitute.org/symposium-2022.

Opening

• “THE WOODS WRAP AROUND YOU” Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford, creativeventuresfineart.com) will have an exhibition, “The Woods Wrap Around You,” on display during October, featuring hand-colored monoprints by Loretta CR Hubley. A reception will be held on Friday, Oct. 14, with wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by the artist and a live piano performance inspired by the exhibition.

• “FROM THE HIPPIE TRAIL TO THE SILK ROAD” exhibit fromTwo Villages Art Society will run at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) Oct. 21 through Nov. 12. This is an exhibition by Kathleen Dustin that includes her original artwork, inspired by and juxtaposed with jewelry and textiles from around the world that Dustin has collected during her travels. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

Exhibits

• “OUT OF THE WOODS” fromTwo Villages Art Society at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) is on display through Oct. 8 and features a series of collaborative vignettes paying tribute to the seasonal changes of New Hampshire, created by a group of five local artists known as the 9th State Artisans. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

• “STORIED IN CLAY” The New Hampshire Potters Guild presents its biennial exhibition “Storied in Clay” at the exhibition gallery at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters (49 S. Main St., Concord) through Oct. 27, with an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Visit nhpottersguild.org.

• “STILL: THE ART OF STILL LIFE,” a contemporary art exhibit at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St. in Boscawen; twiggsgallery.wordpress.com, 975-0015), will feature work by artists Caleb Brown, Shela Cunningham, Bess French, Marcia Wood Mertinooke, Barbara Morse, Shawne Randlett and Marlene Zychowski and will run through Saturday, Oct. 29.

• “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.

Fairs and markets

• 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. with the last market scheduled for Oct. 15. Rollins Park, 33 Bow St., Concord. concordartsmarket.net. Visit concordartsmarket.net/summer-arts-market.html.

THEATRE

Shows

• DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, the season-opening musical at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588), will run 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.

• MISS HOLMES The Milford Area Players present Miss Holmes at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford) through Oct. 2, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Visit milfordareaplayers.org.

• THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR​ The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord, hatboxnh.com) will present The Government Inspector, presented by Phylloxera Productions, Oct. 7 through Oct. 23. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors.

• FREAKY FRIDAY Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) youth company presents Freaky Friday on Tuesday, Oct. 11, and Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for youth and $15 for adults.

• THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS The Community Players of Concord present The Wind in the Willows at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $15.

• DISNEY’S THE ARISTOCRATS KIDS The Peacock Players (14 Court St., Nashua, peacockplayers.org) youth theater company presents Disney’s The Aristocrats Kids Oct. 14 through Oct. 23. Showtimes are on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

• RED RIDING HOOD Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) youth company presents Red Riding Hood on Tuesday, Oct. 18, and Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for youth and $15 for adults.

• TITANIC THE MUSICAL The Manchester Community Theatre Players present Titanic the Musical at the Manchester Community Theatre Players Theatre, located at the North End Montessori School (698 Beech St., Manchester). Showtimes are on Fridays, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, and Saturdays, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at manchestercommunitytheatre.com.

• GREASE The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) presents Grease Oct. 21 through Nov. 12. Showtimes are on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., with one Thursday-at-7:30 p.m. show for each production (Nov. 10 for Grease). Tickets cost $25 to $46.

Classical

Events

• WINDS OF TIME Symphony New Hampshire presents “Winds of Time,” with performances on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Keefe Center in Nashua and on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 3 p.m. at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). It features Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4, Du Puy’s Quintet for Bassoon and Strings in A minor III, Weber’s Clarinet Concertino in E-flat and Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings. Tickets cost $10 for youth ages 13 to 17 and full-time students age 29 and under and range from $20 to $60 for adults and from $18 to $55 for seniors age 65 and up. Admission is free for youth under age 13. Visit symphonynh.org.

• ORCHESTRAL SHOWCASE “NATURE & MYTH” at Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem; 893-7069) will run Sun., Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., and Sat., Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Featuring sounds from Beethoven, Walker, Grieg and Sibelius. Presented by New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets range from $5 to $30 for in-person seating. Visit nhpo.booktix.com.

• NATURE & MYTH​ The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 118th year with an orchestral showcase, “Nature & Myth,” featuring music by Beethoven, Walker, Grieg and Sibelius, on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $8 for kids. Visit nhphil.org.

•​ PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FALL CONCERT will be held at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. The program will feature Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 and George Walker’s Lyric for Strings. Tickets cost $20 for students, $30 for seniors age 60 and up and range from $25 to $35 for adults. Visit portsmouthsymphony.org.

• BEETHOVEN AND FRIENDS The Nashua Chamber Orchestra presents its fall concert “Beethoven and Friends,” with performances on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Nashua Community College (505 Amherst St., Nashua) and Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m. at Milford Town Hall (1 Union Square, Milford). The program will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F, as well as Symphony No. 1 in G by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges; Impromptu Op. 5 by Jean Sibelius; and Andante and Rondo ongarese, Op. 35 by Carl Maria von Weber. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up, military and college students. Admission is free for youth under age 18. Visit nco-music.org.

A musical journey

Mezzo-soprano Zaray Rodriguez Rossi presents an immigrant experience

By Hannah Turtle

[email protected]

An upcoming concert at the Palace Theatre’s Spotlight Room aims to tell a story about the many experiences of freedom and of being American. Journey to Freedom: A Chamber Concert of American and Cuban American Music will follow the journey of America through the eyes of a Cuban American immigrant.

The concert is organized and headlined by Zaray Rodriguez Rossi, a vocalist and Metropolitan Grand Opera Finalist who has performed internationally and is now the recipient of a grant from the New Hampshire Arts Council to share her work with the local community.

“The purpose of the grant was really to allow artists to create,” Rodriguez Rossi said. “At the time, I was focused on the fact that everyone was really going through a lot in their lives, and we all have very differing opinions and backgrounds, but there was one thing that could be agreed upon, which is that no matter our differences, we’re all still human beings who want the dignity to pursue our joy, and to pursue freedom — that’s a universal experience of what it is to be human.”

“From the perspective of being Cuban and also American, I found a lot of similarities in the pursuit of freedom,” Rodriguez Rossi said. “I found a link between the New Hampshire motto of ‘live free or die’and that fundamental idea, with the fact that this freedom is something many Cubans on the island do not have. It was special to me to be able to create something that tells a story musically, to explore what makes American music.”

Rodriguez Rossi immigrated with her family to Miami from Cuba in 1995 through the immigration lottery.

“This was during a time when communism was really affecting the lives of a lot of Cubans,” she said. “There was a chance to flee that kind of environment, and to come to the States with the ability to start a new life.”

Since coming to the United States, Rodriguez Rossi has found success with her career as a vocalist, earning degrees from both the Opera Institute at Boston University and the University of Miami. During her travels as a performing artist, Rodriguez Rossi met Dr. Jose Lezcano, a Grammy-nominated classical guitarist and composer who resides in Keene, and the two teamed up to create and perform a new composition for the program.

“It ended up being a coincidence that he was also Cuban American, but from one of the first generations that immigrated in the ’60s. I would say meeting him was more than just a coincidence,” she said. “For the composition, we both chose poetry from Cuban dissidents and Cuban Americans. The first two movements are in Spanish, with translations for the audience, and the third one is in English. You’ll see a throughline in thoughts, about what freedom looks like.”

The program begins in the traditional American musical canon, with works by Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber, as well as works by African American composers including William Grant Still and Charles Brown.

“There’s a piece on the program by Charles Brown called ‘Song Without Words,’which literally has no words, just sounds that come from the piano and from the voice. In that way it’s up to the audience members for their interpretation,” Rodriguez Rossi said. “They could hear sorrow, they could hear joy, whatever the audience hears is what they’re meant to.”

From there, the program transitions to the works of Cuban American composers, including the work composed for the event.

“You’ll see the essence of Cuban rhythms with that American influence, so it will be a bit of a melting pot, but that’s what America is,” Rodriguez Rossi said.

For Rodriguez Rossi, the takeaway is all the things that bind the music, and us, together.

“I want the audience to leave having had a thoughtful musical experience,” she said. “Of course there will be beautiful music, but I want to allow them to get invested in the story, whatever that means to them. It’s meant to explore, and ponder, and most importantly to feel. To add warmth and light into our lives.”

Zaray Rodriguez Rossi
Journey to Freedom: A Chamber Concert of American and Cuban American Music
Where: The Spotlight Room at the Palace Theatre, 96 Hanover St., Manchester
When: Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m.
Tickets: $20 at zdrmusic.org
More information: Visit zdrmusic.org or palacetheatre.org

Featured photo: Zaray Rodriguez Rossi. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 22/09/22

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Concord celebrates the arts: The Capital Arts Fest, a free event hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25, outside on south Main Street between Fayette and Concord streets in downtown Concord. The line-up for this two-day event includes a juried fine craft fair (running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday), a KidsCreate! Activity tent, a historic walking tour at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, an opening reception for the NH Potters Guild show “Storied in Clay” at 4 p.m. on Saturday, performances on the street (including Sindy Chown of Barranquilla Flavor Multicultural Program, the Concord Coachmen Chorus and the NH Scot Pipe Band and Scottish Highland Dance) and performances on the Capitol Center for the Arts Fest stage, according to the schedule at nhcrafts.org. The music lineup on Saturday includes Symphony NH Jazz Quartet at 12:30 p.m., Andrew North and the Rangers at 3 p.m. and Firefall at 5 p.m. On Sunday, the lineup includes Concord Community Music School Jazz Ensemble at 12:30 p.m., the school’s Folk Ensemble at 1:15 p.m. and Screaming Orphans Celtic Performance at 2:30 p.m., the schedule said. The Fest will also feature food from Chubba Wubba, Holy Moly, Col’s Kitchen and Batulo’s Kitchen, the website said.

• Mr. Wolf on stage: Theatre Kapow presents Mr. Wolf at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord), with showtimes on Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. The show follows a 15-year-old girl who has just been returned to her family after having been abducted as a toddler, according to tkapow.com. “Pulitzer finalist Rajiv Joseph unfurls Theresa’s new life, as she and her family struggle to make sense of a shattered past and an uncertain future in the wake of a parent’s worst nightmare,” the description said. This production contains some adult themes and may not be suitable for all viewers, according to the website (which offers more details about some of the content). Purchase tickets, which cost $28 for adults and $23 for students, at ccanh.com.

Music at the museum
The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144) hosts local rock band Regals on Thursday, Sept. 22, as a part of its ongoing program Art After Work: Free Thursday Nights. The event, running weekly from 5 to 8 p.m., features free gallery admission and exhibition tours, live music, and a full menu available for purchase at the Winter Garden. Future musical guests include Kemp Harris and Adam O on Sept. 29, and Jessye DeSilva on Oct. 6. For more information, visit currier.org.

• Meet Miss Holmes:The Milford Area Players will perform Miss Holmes, a play by Christopher M. Walsh based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Friday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mount Vernon St., Milford). The play explores what the iconic detective might have faced if he were instead a woman. Performances will take place Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit milfordareaplayers.org.

• The music of Disney: The Anselmian Abbey Players will present Disney Cabaret Night at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester) on Friday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and are available at tickets.anselm.edu.

• Call to artists: Entries are being accepted online for the 23rd Annual Joan L. Dunfey Open-Juried Exhibition to be held in November at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery on State Street in Portsmouth. The theme of this year’s show is “Magnificence of The Mundane.” This juried show is open to all regional artists, including NHAA members and non-members. This year’s juror is Kurt Sundstrom, Senior Curator of the Currier Museum in Manchester. The deadline for submission of one to three entries online in digital format is Thursday, Oct. 6, by 11:59 p.m. The exhibit will be held at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery from Nov. 2 through Nov. 27. Cash awards and honorable mentions will be announced during the show’s opening reception on Nov. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org.

Art and a mystery
Kimball Jenkins will host “Get A Clue: A Murder Mystery” on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. on its campus at 266 N. Main St. in Concord. This night will benefit Positive Street Art and will feature artists, fortune tellers, musicians and local food, as attendees face a whodunnit mystery when a guest is found murdered. An interactive mystery, the event will include drinks, food, jazz music and sleuthing. Tickets are $65, though need-based discount rates are available by contacting [email protected]. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kimballjenkins.com.

— Hannah Turtle

ART

Events

• BRIDGES & CONNECTIONS SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM The Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13, Brookline, 673-7441, andresinstitute.org) hosts its annual Bridges and Connections Sculpture Symposium through Oct. 2. For three weeks, invited artists from all over the world will stay in Brookline to create sculptures for permanent installation at the Institute’s 140-acre outdoor sculpture park and trails. The public is invited to meet the artists and watch them work at designated times, TBA. A presentation of the completed sculptures at their permanent sites will take place on Sunday, Oct. 2. Visit andresinstitute.org/symposium-2022.

Opening

• “STORIED IN CLAY” The New Hampshire Potters Guild presents its biennial exhibition “Storied in Clay” at the exhibition gallery at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters (49 S. Main St., Concord) Sept. 26 through Oct. 27, with an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Visit nhpottersguild.org.

• “THE WOODS WRAP AROUND YOU” Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford, creativeventuresfineart.com) will have an exhibition, “The Woods Wrap Around You,” on display during October, featuring hand-colored monoprints by Loretta CR Hubley. A reception will be held on Friday, Oct. 14, with wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by the artist and a live piano performance inspired by the exhibition.

• “FROM THE HIPPIE TRAIL TO THE SILK ROAD” exhibit fromTwo Villages Art Society will run at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) Oct. 21 through Nov. 12. This is an exhibition by Kathleen Dustin that includes her original artwork, inspired by and juxtaposed with jewelry and textiles from around the world that Dustin has collected during her travels. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

Exhibits

• “COLORS OF AUTUMN” The September show for New Hampshire Art Association members runs through Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (139 State St. in Portsmouth; nhartassociation.org). The gallery is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

• “OUT OF THE WOODS” fromTwo Villages Art Society at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) is on display through Oct. 8 and features a series of collaborative vignettes paying tribute to the seasonal changes of New Hampshire, created by a group of five local artists known as the 9th State Artisans. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

• “STILL: THE ART OF STILL LIFE,” a contemporary art exhibit at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St. in Boscawen; twiggsgallery.wordpress.com, 975-0015), will feature work by artists Caleb Brown, Shela Cunningham, Bess French, Marcia Wood Mertinooke, Barbara Morse, Shawne Randlett and Marlene Zychowski and will run through Saturday, Oct. 29.

• “GEE’S BEND QUILTS” exhibit, on display at the Currier Museum of Art (50 Ash St. in Manchester; 669-6144, currier.org), features five quilts from Gee’s Bend in Alabama, where several generations of women collectively developed a distinctive style of quilt making, according to the website. 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.

• “MEMOIRS OF A GHOST GIRLHOOD: A BLACK GIRL’S WINDOW” In the exhibit on display at the Currier Museum of Art (50 Ash St. in Manchester; 669-6144, currier.org), “artist Alexandria Smith has created an immersive multimedia environment using wallpaper, paintings on wood, found objects and sculpture. It will be accompanied by an original site-specific composition, //windowed// by Liz Gre,” according to the website. 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.

• “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.

• 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 [email protected].

Fairs and markets

• CAPITAL ARTS FEST The Capital Arts Fest, a free event hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25, outside on Main Street in Concord. There will be a fine art and craft fair, live music and dance performances, a historic walking tour of downtown Concord and more. Visit nhcrafts.org or call 224-3375.

• 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. with the last market scheduled for Oct. 15. Rollins Park, 33 Bow St., Concord. concordartsmarket.net. Visit concordartsmarket.net/summer-arts-market.html.

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

• MAJESTIC-OPOLY The Majestic Theatre presents Majestic-opoly, its 17th annual auction and performance fundraiser, on Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Majestic Studio Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester). The evenings will feature silent auctions, raffles and refreshments as well as performances from the company’s adult, teen and youth actors. Tickets cost $20 per person. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7649.

• THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR​ The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord, hatboxnh.com) will present The Government Inspector, presented by Phylloxera Productions, Oct. 7 through Oct. 23. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors.

• FREAKY FRIDAY Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) youth company presents Freaky Friday on Tuesday, Oct. 11, and Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for youth and $15 for adults.

• THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS The Community Players of Concord present The Wind in the Willows at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $15.

• DISNEY’S THE ARISTOCRATS KIDS The Peacock Players (14 Court St., Nashua, peacockplayers.org) youth theater company presents Disney’s The Aristocrats Kids Oct. 14 through Oct. 23. Showtimes are on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

• RED RIDING HOOD Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) youth company presents Red Riding Hood on Tuesday, Oct. 18, and Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for youth and $15 for adults.

• TITANIC THE MUSICAL The Manchester Community Theatre Players present Titanic the Musical at the Manchester Community Theatre Players Theatre, located at the North End Montessori School (698 Beech St., Manchester). Showtimes are on Fridays, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, and Saturdays, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at manchestercommunitytheatre.com.

• GREASE The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) presents Grease Oct. 21 through Nov. 12. Showtimes are on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., with one Thursday-at-7:30 p.m. show for each production ( Nov. 10 for Grease). Tickets cost $25 to $46.

Classical

Events

•​ DUO BALDO The Concord Community Concert Association presents a classical concert, “Duo Baldo,” featuring violinist Brad Repp on his 1736 Testore violin and pianist Aldo Gentileschi, at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 at the door or $23 online. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.

• WINDS OF TIME Symphony New Hampshire presents “Winds of Time,” with performances on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Keefe Center in Nashua and on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 3 p.m. at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). It features Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4, Du Puy’s Quintet for Bassoon and Strings in A minor III, Weber’s Clarinet Concertino in E-flat and Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings. Tickets cost $10 for youth ages 13 to 17 and full-time students age 29 and under and range from $20 to $60 for adults and from $18 to $55 for seniors age 65 and up. Admission is free for youth under age 13. Visit symphonynh.org.

• PIANIST RICHARD DOWLING​ The Concord Community Concert Association welcomes pianist Richard Dowling to Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $23. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.

• ORCHESTRAL SHOWCASE “NATURE & MYTH” at Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem; 893-7069) will run Sun., Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., and Sat., Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Featuring sounds from Beethoven, Walker, Grieg and Sibelius. Presented by New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets range from $5 to $30 for in-person seating. Visit nhpo.booktix.com.

• NATURE & MYTH​ The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 118th year with an orchestral showcase, “Nature & Myth,” featuring music by Beethoven, Walker, Grieg and Sibelius, on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $8 for kids. Visit nhphil.org.

• BEETHOVEN AND FRIENDS The Nashua Chamber Orchestra presents its fall concert “Beethoven and Friends,” with performances on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Nashua Community College (505 Amherst St., Nashua) and Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m. at Milford Town Hall (1 Union Square, Milford). The program will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F, as well as Symphony No. 1 in G by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges; Impromptu Op. 5 by Jean Sibelius; and Andante and Rondo ongarese, Op. 35 by Carl Maria von Weber. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up, military and college students. Admission is free for youth under age 18. Visit nco-music.org.

Taking you under the sea

How the Palace’s The Little Mermaid created its own underwater fairy tale

By Hannah Turtle

[email protected]

The Little Mermaid is in the headlines.

Just as the Palace Theatre prepared to kick off its production of the musical based on the classic Disney animated movie, the first teaser trailer dropped for Disney’s 2023 live-action film version of the story.

“We had no idea that was going to come out so close to opening, but the cast has been so excited about it,” said Sebastian Goldberg, assistant artistic director and choreographer of the production. “Everyone loves to try that riff that she [Halle Bailey, the actress playing Ariel] sings.”

The Palace’s The Little Mermaid runs at the Manchester theater through Oct. 2, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as on Thursday, Sept. 29.

Without the benefit of animation or CGI, the Palace’s production team had to get creative, tasked with designing a set that looks and feels as though it is deep in the ocean. In addition to strategic lighting, the set uses some unexpected materials.

“There’s this stuff, it’s called The Great Stuff, it’s normally used for insulation or as a gap filler in construction projects, but we’ve been using it a lot to design the set. When we let it dry and paint over it, it looks a lot like coral,” Goldberg said.

The set, though, is only half the battle in giving the show the impression of being “under the sea.”

“Every show has its own unique challenges. For our actors, it takes a lot of practice to give the impression of being underwater,” Goldberg said. “One thing they do is move their arms as though they’re treading water, so while they’re doing a scene, they also have to be conscious of that.”

Even without the unique challenges of designing a show that takes place underwater, The Little Mermaid is still somewhat out of the ordinary for the Palace, whose later mainstage productions this season include more traditional “adult” shows like Grease and A Christmas Carol.

“During our regular season, we don’t usually do these types of shows, but The Little Mermaid is such a big show and such a big part of so many people’s lives and childhoods,” Goldberg said.

To Goldberg, it’s a production that can be enjoyed by all ages.

“Ariel is a special character. She’s fiercely independent, she follows her heart, sometimes to a fault, but she has that endearing naivete that makes her so loveable,” he said. “That’s something the audience will be able to feel, and want to be on this journey with her while they watch the show.”

As they prepared for opening night on Sept. 16, Goldberg was hoping audiences will get something special out of seeing The Little Mermaid live.

“I hope that any time someone leaves the Palace that they remember there’s nothing quite like live theater. We’re all going through so much these days and theater is such an escape, and so I’m excited for people to let themselves get lost in the story, and to leave feeling a little lighter, maybe wanting to sing and dance through the street,” he said.

The Little Mermaid
Where: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester; 668-5588
When: Now through Sunday, Oct. 2. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., plus Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 to $45 at palacetheatre.org

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

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