PLAN ON IT
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRIDGEPORT
Tony Woods, James Althucher, Bridgeport Stress Factory Comedy Club, 167 State St. Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. ; Dec. 11, 12, 6 & 8 p.m. $120$40. Shows resume indoors with 50% capacity, and following all State guidelines for reopening. bridgeport.stressfactory.com
Holidays
“The Nutcracker,” performed by Academy of New England Ballet Company, live stream event from Klein Memorial Auditorium, Dec. 12, 4 p.m. Livestream tickets: $47, Family Discount livestream tickets: $100. Performed with no live audience this year, a smaller cast and new distanced choreography. Ticket link: bit.ly/3nHg6h7, or by phone at 800-424-0160, ext. 2.
Winter Wonderland Walk, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Through Jan. 6. Safe, outdoor setting that includes Polar Palace, Fairy House Lane and Imagination Station, Poinsettia Pass, Winter Village Square, Snowman Park, Nutcracker Palace, Dreidel Drive, Gingerbread Boulevard, Kris Kringle Corner, Evergreen Lane, train display, custom artist and children-designed snowmen. Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children age 3-11 and seniors over 62. Children under three are free. Masks and social distancing required. Tickets at beardsleyzoo.org.
Visual Arts
“In Accordion Time, Unfolding,” show by London Calling Collective, featuring mail art in the form of poetic accordion-fold books as well as diverse digital dialogues, the show reflects the bonds between artists as individuals and as a group as they reimagine community for life during and after a pandemic, Ursa Gallery, 100 Main St. Through Feb. 6, noon- 6 p.m. ursa.gallery
“Winter Wonderland” at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Zoo grounds will have 10 one-of-a-kind snowpeople sculptures from local artists on display at the Zoo from Dec-March. Online public vote to choose a first, second, and third place winner with cash prizes of $250, $125, and $75 respectively. beardsleyzoo.org jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org.
“Scream and Shout,” the art of Carlos Bautista Biernnay, absurd fiber art influenced by the artist's personal reactions to events on 9/ 11 in the United States and in Chile, now online on the City Lights website. citylightsgallery.org
“Photorealism: Fixing the Fleeting Moment,” Housatonic Museum of Art on the Housatonic Community College Campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd. New exhibit on view through Dec. 2021; “The Roots of Abstraction,” exhibit on view through Aug. 31, 2021. An appointment to visit the museum is necessary, and visitors must be prepared to comply with social distancing rules and wear protective face masks. Housatonic Museum of Art will also make the exhibit available as a slideshow, virtual tour and as a print-on-demand catalog. 203332-5052, housatonicmuseum.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo online Zoo Photography Exhibit, “Photography Goes Wild.” beardsleyzoo.org
DANBURY
Nutcracker Celebration Party, virtual live-stream event hosted by Danbury Music Centre, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m. View the 2019 DMC “Nutcracker Ballet” preceded by interviews and appearances by special Nutcracker stars and contributors, sit down interviews at intermission with the 2019 Sugar Plum and
Cavalier, Clara and Prince, and more. Donations to view the production begin at $10. VIP pre-show party live via Zoom, 5 p.m. for contributors of $100 or more. Visit danburymusiccentre.org or the DMC facebook page for to join the celebration.
“Creepy Christmas!” virtual program hosted by Danbury Library on Zoom, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Jeff Belanger, host, writer, and producer of the PBS television series, “New England Legends,” brings the spooky back to the yuletide time of year with the origins of the holiday monsters like Krampus, the Belsnickel, and Gryla, to the ghosts that lurk in the red and green shadows. Registration required. 203-797-4505, danburylibrary.org
“A Dickens Tale!” virtual program hosted by Danbury Library on Zoom, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. Registration required. 203-797-4505, danburylibrary.org
Visual Arts
“Postcards to an Island” Photo collages by Ann Nicholson Brown, Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 E Liberty St. Through Dec. 18. Regular gallery hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to 1 or 2 visitors from the same household at one time, masks required. 203-791-1474, stillrivereditions.com
Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is hosting an online show meant to uplift and show the strength of community members during crises of the past year. “Arts Are > Greater Than” is open to artists in Connecticut and New York. Exhibit will run through Jan. cawct.org
FAIRFIELD Visual Arts
“Outside” show by Art/Place members, Fairfield Theater Company building, 70 Sanford St. On view in the gallery daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m. until futher notice. 203-319-1404
“Crossing the Border: The Challenging Truths of Human Migration,” Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave. Through Jan. 23. In-person exhibit browsing hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.; Fridays, 3-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Masks and physical distancing required. 203-259-0346, pequotlibrary.org
“Hiroshige I, Fuchu: The Abe River,” online viewing offered by Fairfield University Art Museum. fairfield.edu/museum
“Ruby Sky Stiler: Group Relief,” online exhibit at Fairfield University Art Museum, through Dec. 19. 203254-4046, museum@fairfield.edu
“Abstract is Not a Style: Five Woman Painters,” group exhibit featuring paintings by five contemporary female artists, Hollis Taggart, 330 Pequot Ave. Through Dec. 12. Masks required and all COVID protocols followed. info@hollistaggart.com
GREENWICH
Reindeer Festival, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St. Through Dec. 22. Mon-Sat 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Santa's three Reindeer this year, Dasher, Dancer and Vixen. Santa will be staying at the North Pole this year for the health and safety of all of the children and their families. Pick out your Christmas tree, holiday plantings, Christmas Shop for festive, fun, unique holiday gifts. 203-531-3047, greenwichreindeerfestival.com
Music
Greenwich Choral Society announces its virtual performance, James E. Moore’s arrangement of “An Irish Blessing,” available for viewing through the Choral Society’s website, gcs-ct.org. Rehears
BIOPHILIA: A Dialogue with Art, Nature and Science runs through Jan. 10 at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s Bendel Galleries, 151 Scofieldtown Road. “Biophilia” is an extensive art and multimedia sensory display that unravels man’s intimate relationship with the natural world. als on Zoom every Tuesday 7:30-9 p.m. until Dec. 15. Rehearsals are free. If interested contact admin@greenwichchoralsociety.org
Visual arts
“Tabula Rasa,” features pieces by Ben Quesnel, Greenwich Art Center's Bendheim Gallery. 299 Greenwich Ave. Through Jan. 5. Viewing hours by appointment, weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weekends noon-4 p.m. greenwichartscouncil.org
“MASKED/ UnMASKED,” by Serge Clement and Marina Kamena, Gilles Clement Gallery, 45, E. Putnam Ave. Through Jan. 19. Hours: Tue-Sat 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 203-489-3556, e-mail derdos@gclementgallery.com, gclementgallery.com
“Places We Love” oil paintings by Jennifer Williams, Galerie 888, 96 Greenwich Ave. Exhibit on display through Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. galerie888.ct@gmail.com 203856-9048.
“Animal Attraction” by Heidi Johnson, Greenwich Library Flinn Gallery, 101 W. Putnam Ave. Through Jan. 6. 203-622- 7947, flinngallery.com
Historical Society Museum Gallery, 47 Strickland Road. Advance reservations are required to visit the museum galleries, and the number of visitors will be limited. Museum Store is also open. Library and Archives open by appointment only. Heirloom gardens and historic grounds open, and new docent-led Site & Landscape Tours to come. The Bush-Holley House remains closed. Reserve at greenwichhistory.org or 203-869-6899
Exhibit of children’s book illustrations from the archives of artist, illustrator, and author James Stevenson, “Fun / No Fun: Children’s Book Art,” Dec. 13-April 18; “She Sweeps with Many-Colored Brooms:” Paintings and Prints by Emily Mason, Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. New exhibit on view through March 21; “House on the Hill: The Changing Face of the Bruce Museum,” Online version of the exhibit available at houseonthehillexhibition.com. Admission by advance reservation, with timed ticketing. Tue-Sun, 9:30-10:30 a.m. for self-selected individuals over the age of 65 or who are immunocompromised; Tue-Sun, 10:30-11:30
a.m. members. All remaining hours are unchanged. Mask or cloth face covering required. Museum store open. Online exhibits: “On the Edge of the World: Masterworks by Laurits Andersen Ring from SMK-the National Gallery of Denmark,” “Under the Skin,” and “House on the Hill: The Changing Face of the Bruce Museum.” 203-869-0376, brucemuseum.org
NORWALK Holidays
“The Nutcracker,” performed by New England Academy of Dance, re-imagined online & in-person, Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall St. Dec. 12, 11 a.m., 2 & 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 & 6:30 p.m. $35. wallstreettheater.live
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, 509 Westport Ave. Dec. 11-20. Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2, 8 p.m. & Sundays, 2 p.m. Performances in-theatre and live stream. In-person tickets $65$35 and can only be purchased by calling the MTC Box Office at 203454-3883. Live-stream tickets $25 and may be purchased online at musictheatreofct.com/wonderfullife2020. e-mail: admin@musictheatreofct.com
“Christmas Playtime at the Mansion,” Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. Through Jan. 3. Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun noon-2 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 youth, free children (7 and under). Museum’s doll collection along with several vintage toys will be exhibited. First floor of the Mansion will feature Christmas trees decorated with period-appropriate ornaments, a dining table adorned with antique silver and china, several playful dolls and toy vignettes and Victorian gowns. Contemporary displays and trees also on display. Tours of the new exhibit will be on a limited basis due to the continued threat of COVID-19 and to achieve safe distancing measures. Tickets must be purchased online through the website. No walk-ins accepted. 203-838-9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
“Holiday Cards for Kids,”from your own home, make Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years or Happy Holiday cards for the nonprofit organization, Cards for Hospitalized Kids. Hosted by Norwalk
Historical Society.Visit cardsforhospitalizedkids.com or norwalkhistoricalsociety.org for card making guidelines and suggestions. Historical Society will mail the cards to the organization in time for holiday distribution.
“The Polar Express,” Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk IMAX Theater, 10 N Water St. Dec. 12-13, 19-20, all shows 4:30 p.m. $11.50 adults, $10.50 seniors (65+), $9.50 children (3-12). COVID precautions include reduced capacity, physical distancing and required face masks. maritimeaquarium.org.
Visual Arts
City of Norwalk Parking Authority’s Maritime Garage Gallery is holding a virtual exhibit entitled “Splash.” Featuring artwork with pieces that bring light and energy via bright colors and dynamic composition. The exhibit will run through March 14. Artists and the public are encouraged to participate via the Gallery’s social media. 203- 831-9063, norwalkpark.org/ public-art
“Days to Remember: Members Exhibit,” Center For Contemporary Printmaking, 299 West Ave. Ingallery Dec. 13-Feb 21. Related event: “William Evertson: Mythologies,” recognizes the work of member William Evertson’s woodcut prints. Free. Admittance is by timed entry. Contact CCP to reserve a timeslot at 203-899-7999. E-mail: info@contemprints.org
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. is open daily from noon-2 p.m. The exhibit, “About Women,” in collaboration with Silvermine Arts Center will mark the physical reopening of the galleries, and will run through Jan. 3. $10. 203-838-9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
SOUTH NORWALK
SoNo Holiday Arts Market-Arts, Crafts and ART-ful Gifts, Washington St. Through Dec. 24, Fri-Sun noon- 5 p.m. Gallery Stroll featuring fine art, food, crafts, clothing, lotions, stationary, furniture, candles, home decor. Safe practices, masks and social distancing required. 518-852-6478
STAMFORD
Holidays
Jim Brickman “Comfort & Joy at Home,” virtual holiday event hosted by Palace Theatre, 61 Atlanic St., Dec. 13, 5 p.m. Tickets at palacestamford.org or by calling the box office at 203-325-4466.
Brass & Organ Christmas Concert, virtual concert performed by John Sheppard and the New York Symphonic Brass along with members of the First Presbyterian Church Stamford choir, Dec 13, 7-8 p.m. The concert can be viewed at fishchurch.org
Visual Arts
“Rooted to Hope,” juried online exhibit offered by Stamford Art Association, through Dec. 17. Fundraiser in support of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations, an organization dedicated to the awareness of rain forests globally and to preventing their deforestation. stamfordartassociation.org
“BIOPHILIA: A Dialogue with Art, Nature and Science,” Museum & Nature Center’s Bendel Galleries, 151 Scofieldtown Road. Through Jan. 10. 203-977-6521, stamfordmuseum.org
“Faces of Pandemic Front Lines” presented by The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (CSOPA) in collaboration with Stamford Downtown, currently offers an online gallery, and a storefront display, 170 Bedford St. csopa.org