PLAN ON IT
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRIDGEPORT Christmas
Holiday Lights Spectacular, Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St. Through Jan. 2, 5-10 p.m. $25 per car. hartfordhealthcareamp.com
Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave. Christmas Lineup: Jingle Jam Live with Phil Vassar and Sister Hazel, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. Tickets online only at bit.ly/3cD4AAd; Fairfield County Childrens Choir, “Holidays in Harmony,” Dec. 5. Concert Choir, 12:15 p.m.; Chorus, 2 p.m.; Chorale, 4 p.m.; Chamber Singers, 5:45 p.m. Tickets $20 theater seating or livestream. theklein.org
“The Santa Story,” Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St. Dec. 2-30, noon & 2:30 p.m. Tickets at dtcab.com
Yale Whiffenpoofs Holiday Cheer, Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave. Dec. 3, 8 p.m. $26-$41. bijoutheatrect.net
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. hosts Holiday Happenings: Magic Moments Magic Show, in the Greenhouse: Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Holiday Story Time in the W.O.L.F. Cabin: Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.; Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt: Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19. One Zoo Family Membership awarded; Special Pajama Parade, Dec. 4 & Dec. 18, noon. Wear your pajamas to the parade!; Oliver’s Pajama Project Drop Off Point: through Dec. 30 at the front gate. Tickets must be purchased on the website at beardsleyzoo.org.
Comedy
Hannah Berner, Bridgeport Stress Factory Comedy Club, 167 State St. Dec. 2, 7 p.m.; JB Smoove, Dec. 3, 4, 5, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.; Kurtis Connor, Dec. 7, 7 & 9 p.m.; Luis Chataing Spanish speaking show only, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. bridgeport.stressfactory.com
Music
Parkway Diner, Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave. Dec. 4, 8 p.m. $35-$20. bijoutheatrect.net
Visual Arts
“Books on the Verge” Exhibit of Book Art, The Gallery at Metro Art Studios, 345 Railroad Ave. Through Jan. 16.
“SHIM Eco: The Coral Reef Principle,” Ursa Gallery in the Arcade Mall, 1001 Main St. Through March 12. ursa.gallery
“It’s Complicated,” City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St. Group Exhibit through Jan. 8. citylightsgallery.org
“DRIP-DROP, TICK-TOCK, HERE + NOW,” Housatonic Museum of Art Burt Chernow Galleries in Lafayette Hall, Housatonic Community College Campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd. The show will be on view through Dec. 10. To plan a visit, call 203-332-5052, or check the museum’s website. houstaonicmuseum.org.
DANBURY Christmas
Hand-crafted ceramic works created by student artists at Western Connecticut State University available for purchase during the holiday ceramics sale and open house, Western Connecticut State University, White Hall Room 017, Midtown Campus, 181 White St. Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Price range $5-$25. 203-837-8403, robeaul@wcsu.edu or pr@wcsu.edu.
“It’s a Wonderful Life Live Radio Play,” The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St. Dec. 5, 2 p.m. $25, $20 seniors. 2037949944, thepalacedanbury.com
Visit Santa Claus-All Aboard The “Snow Clipper,” Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St. Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19. Trains will depart 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5, and 6:30 p.m. $20 ages 2 and up. Reservations required. danburyrail.org
Western Connecticut State University’s Department of Music presents a “Holiday Pops” live concert, WCSU’s Visual and Performing Arts Center’s Veronica Hagman Concert Hall, 43 Lake Ave. ext. Dec. 4, 3-4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 plus fees online at wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com, or at the door for $15.
Stage
WCSU Dept. of Theatre Arts presents “Noises Off,” Visual and Performing Arts Center Mainstage Theatre on WCSU’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. ext. Dec. 3-5. Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. $25, $15 seniors, kids 12 and under. Tickets at bit.ly/3HLJRbJ
Visual Arts
“10 Year Retrospective Group Exhibit” featuring some of the many past artists who have exhibited, Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 E. Liberty St. Viewing in-person and virtually. The exhibit will run through Dec. 17. 203-791-1474, stillrivereditions.com
“American Abstract Artists 75th Anniversary Print Portfolio 2012-2019 Exhibit,” Western Connecticut State University Gallery at the Visual & Performing Arts Center Gallery, 43 Lake Ave. ext. on the Westside Campus. Through Dec. 5. wcsu.edu/art/gallery/ upcoming-exhibitions/
FAIRFIELD Christmas
Holiday Express Train Show Opening Night, Museum & History Center, 370 Beach Road. Dec. 3, 5-8:30 p.m. $5 adults, $3 students and children. Kids under 5 are free. Runs through Jan. 2. fairfieldhistory.org
Sacred Heart University Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, 5151 Park Ave. Christmas Lineup: “An Irish Christmas Celebration, performed by the SHU Choral Program, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 5, 2 p.m.; “Christmas Memories,” performed by the SHU Band, Dec. 5, 3 p.m. All concerts are $10, free SHU students with ID. edgertoncenter.org
Morgan James, Fairfield Theatre Company StageOne, 70 Sanford St. Dec. 3, 7:45 p.m. $35, $65 VIP. fairfieldtheatre.org
Old World Scandinavian Christmas Market, Scandinavian Club of Fairfield, 1351 South Pine Creek Road. Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. thescandinavianclub.com
Comedy
Robert Kelly, Fairfield Theatre Company Warehouse, 70 Sanford St. Dec. 4, 8 p.m. $40, $35. fairfieldtheatre.org
Fairfield Comedy Club hosts James Goff, Fairfield Circle Inn, 417 Post Road. Dec. 4, 7 & 9 p.m. $25. fairfieldcomedyclub.com
Music
CT Live: Coffeehouse featuring Drew Angus, Sacred Heart University Community Theatre, 1420 Post Road. Dec. 2, 7 p.m.; A Classic Holiday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.; Bernie Williams Collective, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.Tickets at shucommunitytheatre.org
Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball of Gomez with Buddy, Fairfield Theatre Company StageOne, 70 Sanford St. Dec. 4, 8 p.m. $32; Gary Hoey-Ho, Ho, Ho, Hoey Holiday Tour, StageOne, Dec. 5, 7:45 p.m. $35. fairfieldtheatre.org
Echoes of Sinatra & Dino & Sammy-A Celebration of the Men & Their Music, Penfield Pavilion, 323 Fairfield Beach Road. Dec. 4. Doors open 6 p.m., 7 p.m. show. $45. 21+ BYOB event. No chairs or tables set-up. Auditorium style seating to the first 250 people in the Pavilion. fairfieldct.org
Stage
Theatre Fairfield’s Wien Black Box Theatre in the Quick Center for the Performing Arts at Fairfield University, 1073 N. Benson Road. presents “Project X,” Dec. 2, 4, 5. $10 general admission, $5 students. Show is live in-theatre or livestream. Tickets available at theatrefairfield.org
Visual Arts
Member Show Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Art/Place, Art/Place Gallery, located in Fairfield Theater Company, 70 Sanford St. Through Jan. 2, noon-5 p.m. Related event: Holiday Party, Dec. 5, 2-5 p.m. Live music, and artist talks. artplacegallery.org
“Poetic Expressions,” Art/Place Gallery Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, located in Fairfield Theater Company, 70 Sanford St. Dec. 4-Jan. 29. Reception: Dec. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Artist talk 6 p.m. artplacegallery.org
Fairfield University Art Museum fall exhibits focus on issues of racial justice, racism, police reform, and Black history in the United States. All exhibits on view through Dec. 18: “Carrie Mae Weems: The Usual Suspects,” presented in the Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Performing Arts; “Roberto Lugo: New Ceramics,” and Robert Gerhardt: Mic Check,” presented in Bellarmine Hall Galleries. Visit website for virtual programs that accompany these exhibits. Fairfield University, 1073 N. Benson Road. fairfield.edu/museum
“Line, Shape, Color, and Form,” Hollis Taggart Gallery, 330 Pequot Ave. Through Dec. 11. info@hollistaggart.com, 212-628-4000.
“Exploring the Mid-Century Backyard: “Patios, Pools, and the American Backyard,” Fairfield Museum & History Center, 370 Beach Road. Through Dec. 31. “Topping the Charts: The Rise of Bridgeport's Columbia Records,” through April 3, 2022. Free Museum members, $5 nonmember adults, $3 students and seniors, and kids under 5 are free. fairfieldhistory.org
“Birds of the Northeast: Gulls to Great Auks” virtual art exhibit, presented by Fairfield University Art Museum’s Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Performing Arts, on view on the museum’s website, through Dec. 31. thequicklive.com fairfield.edu/museum
GREENWICH
Christmas
Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale, First Congregational Church of Greenwich, 108 Sound Beach Ave. Old Greenwich. Dec. 4 & 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. fccog.org
Greenwich Historical Society hosts Holiday Events: Winter Market, Christ Church, 254 E. Putnam Ave. Dec. 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m.- p.m.; Festival of Tabletop Trees, Greenwich Historical Society Lobby, Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Holiday Festival, Greenwich Historical Society, Dec. 3. greenwichhistory.org
Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St. Through Dec. 24. greenwichreindeerfestival.com
“Cool Yule-A Rock & Roll Holiday Art Exhibit,” C. Parker Gallery, 409 Greenwich Ave. Dec. 9, 10, 11, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Featuring artwork created by rock stars, famous rock photographs, album artwork, concert posters, animation art & more plus special guest appearances. All works are available to purchase.
Specials
Greenwich Historical Society hosts “Create in the Barn Series” events: Holiday Wreathmaking Workshop with Red Flower Truck: Create a beautiful one-of-a-kind wreath, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. $90 members, $100 nonmembers. Tickets at bit.ly/39oqJjR. greenwichhistory.org
Visual arts
“Evolution Exhibit by Sen2 Figueroa,” Greenwich Arts Council Bendheim Gallery, 299 Greenwich Ave. 2fl. Through Dec. 6. greenwichartscouncil.org
“Not By The Book,” Greenwich Library Flinn Gallery, 101 W. Putnam Ave. Through Dec. 8. flinngallery.com
“Layers Of Life” Collection of works By Derek Gores, Sandra Morgan Interiors & Art Prive Gallery, 135 E. Putnam Ave. 203-629-8121, sandramorganinteriors.com
Greenwich Art Society presents “Paintings by Julie Tehrani,” Greenwich Hospital Garden Cafe, 5 Perryridge Road. Through Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Bruce Inspires: A Miniature Feast:
Designing with Miniature Artist Rachel Grobstein, virtual workshop hosted by Bruce Museum on Zoom, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration required for Zoom link and materials list. 203-8690376, brucemuseum.org
“Fisher Dollhouse: A Venetian Palazzo in Miniature,” Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Through Jan. 21; “Resolute: Native Nations Art in the Bruce Collection,” through Jan. 31. 203-869-0376, brucemuseum.org
NORWALK
Christmas
“Who’s Holiday,” Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, 509 Westport Ave. Dec. 10-19. Showtimes: Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. All performances in-person. Related events: Previews begin Dec. 10, 8 p.m.; Opening Night Dec. 11, 8 p.m. MTC Box Office at 203-454-3883. musictheatreofct.com.
Rowayton Arts Center hosts a Holiday Gift Show, through Dec. 24. Show hours: Tue-Fri noon-5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; noon-5 p.m. Related event: Rowayton Gift Stroll-Shop Local from Pinkney Park to Rowayton Arts Center, Dec. 8, 4-8 p.m.
Christmas Concert “All is Well,” Norwalk Community Chorale’s virtual choral performance, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Free. norwalkcommunitychorale.org
“Holiday Enchantment at the Mansion,” Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. Opens Dec. 8, noon. Runs through Jan. 9. $15-$8. Tickets at lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
Rowayton Nativity Pageant, Pinkney Park, 177 Rowayton Ave. Dec. 11, 6 p.m. Rain date: Dec. 12.
Music
Norwalk Symphony Orchestra presents “Amahl and The Night Visitors,” Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Ave. Dec. 5, 1 & 5 p.m. Tickets at norwalksymphony.org
Norwalk Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Concerto Competition, Jan. 22, 2022. The winner of the competition will play their piece with the full orchestra at our Music for All Ages concert, March 20, 2022. Final date for applications to be accepted is Dec. 17. To find out more visit norwalksymphony.org
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall St. Dec. 3, 8 p.m.; Wilton Rocks for Food, Dec. 4, 8 p.m.; Squirrel Nut Zippers Holiday Caravan, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Tickets at wallstreettheater.com
Visual Arts
“Think You Know Goldfish,” Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St. New exhibit now on display through Spring 2022. maritimeaquarium.org
“Korry Fellow Kelly Rossetti and Joanna Lentini: Between Blurred Lines,” ADK House, The Norwalk Art Space, 455 West Ave. Exhibit runs through Dec. 2.
“Norwalk’s Changing Communities 13,000BC-1835,” Norwalk Historical Society, Mill Hill Historic Park Old Town Meeting House, 2 East Wall St. New exhibit open. Register for a self-guided tour time slot at norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum and Stamford Art Association juried exhibit, “Envisioning Space: Architecture Through the Ages.” Exhibit will be on view at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. Through Jan 2. lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, stamfordartassociation.org
STAMFORD
Christmas
Holiday Stroll, Mill River Park & Greenway, 1040 Washington Blvd. Through Jan. 9. Visit website for times and tickets. theholidaystroll.com
Pet Photos With Santa, Stamford Town Center Mall Grand Court. Dec. 5 & 19, 8-10 a.m. Reservations and photo package purchase required. Reserve your spot in advance at eventbrite.com/ e/208249649307
Heights & Lights: Santa Rappel and Tree Lighting, Landmark Square, Broad St. at Atlantic St. Dec. 5, 5 p.m. 203348-5285, stamford-downtown.com
Christmas Shows hosted by The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Lineup: “Cirque Christmas,” Dec. 5, 4 & 8 p.m. $62-$27; “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 18, 2 & 6 p.m.; Dec. 19, 1 & 5 p.m. $75-$50. Purchase tickets at palacestamford.org or call the box office at 203-325-4466.
“A Merry Mulberry Street Musical,” Curtain Call’s Dressing Room Theatre at The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Ave. Dec. 9-19. Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Tickets by phone or online. Visit website or call for tickets. 203-461-6358, curtaincallinc.com
Comedy
Lewis Black: It Gets Better Every Day, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Dec. 4, 8 p.m. $75-$50. Purchase tickets at palacestamford.org or call the box office at 203-325-4466.
Music
Schubert Club Concert Lecture Series Lineup: Fra. Sean Duggan, Jan. 28, 2022; Liana Paniyeva, March 4, 2022. Refreshments 9:45 a.m., Concert/ Lectures 10 a.m.-noon. Contact Moira Schur Craw to attend at moira.craw@schurmethodmusic.com Visit website for information at schubertclub.org/concert-lecture-series
Stage
“Cinderella,” Curtain Call’s Kweskin Theatre at Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Ave. Through Dec. 18. Performances: Fri, Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m.; and matinees, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2 p.m. For tickets call the Box Office at 203-461-6358, or on the web at curtaincallinc.com
Visual Arts
“St. Philip Artists’Guild Takes a Field Trip,” Mayor’s Gallery 10th fl. Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd. Through Jan. 6. Weekdays: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment gasparinog@arict.org
“The Stamford Art Association Celebrates 50 Years of Bringing Art to the Community,” Stamford Jewish Community Center Gallery@ The J, 1035 Newfield Ave. Wine & Art Opening Reception, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. Portrait drawing demonstration by Gigi Barrett. Exhibit runs Dec. 9-Jan. 28. stamfordartassociation.org
Holiday Exhibit: “The Artistry of Jacques Pépin,” Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. Through Jan. 30. Opening Reception with the Artist & Holiday Artisan Market, Dec. 2, 4-7 p.m. Related event: Farm It Yourself: Barnyard Birds Paint Party, Dec. 5, 2-3:30 p.m. $15 members, $18 nonmembers. 203-322-1646, stamfordmuseum.org
“Fragments of Memory” Art Exhibit, Ferguson Library Main Branch, 1 Public Library Plaza. Through Jan. 8. 203-3518231, fergusonlibrary.org.
STRATFORD
Christmas
Boothe Homestead Christmas, Boothe Memorial Park, 5800 Main St. Dec 3-5. The Homestead will be decorated in a Victorian theme. Three foot decorated trees available for auction. Preview Party Dec. 3, 6:30-9 p.m. $15 or 2 for $25. Dec. 4 & 5, 2-5 p.m. $5. Children under 12 are free. Boothe Memorial Railway Society will be open Dec. 3, 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 4, 2-5 p.m.
Winter Market and Tree Lighting, Two Roads Brewing Company, 1700 Stratford Ave. Dec. 4, 2-8 p.m. Pop-up Holiday Market. Tree lighting ceremony outside in the hop yard. 203-335-2010, tworoadsbrewing.com
Stratford Library Lovell Room, 2203 Main St. Holiday Concert Lineup: Bob Kolb Jazz Trio, Dec. 5; New England Guitar Society, Dec. 12; Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, Dec. 19. All concerts, 2 p.m. Reservations required at stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/7987272.
Visual Arts
“Creative After Hours,” Arts Alliance of Stratford’s Art Show featuring people from outside the arts community who dedicate their evenings and weekends to their love of making art, music, writing, and other creative endeavors. This show gives them an outlet to show their work to the public. Show is at the Sterling House Community Center’s Gallery, 2283 Main St. Runs through Dec. 3. artsallianceofstratford.org.