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
“The Santa Story,” Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St. Through Dec. 30, noon & 2:30 p.m. Tickets at dtcab.com.
Greater Bridgeport Symphony with “No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave. Dec. 18, 8 p.m. Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, opera highlights and holiday cheer with guest conductor Elinor Rufeizen and soloists Ariadne Greif and Jean Bernard Cerin. For tickets visit gbs.org.
The Judy & Barbra Show: Holiday Celebration, Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave. In-person: Dec. 17, 8 p.m. $40-$25; Livestream: Dec.17, 7:50 p.m. $50-$10. bijoutheatrect.net
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. hosts Holiday Happenings: Magic Moments Magic Show, in the Greenhouse: Dec. 18, 19, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Holiday Story Time in the W.O.L.F. Cabin: Dec. 18, 19, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.; Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt: Dec. 18, 19. One Zoo Family Membership awarded; Special Pajama Parade, 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
Fierce Factory Brunch Drag Show, Bridgeport Stress Factory Comedy Club, 167 State St. Dec. 19, 1 p.m. Tickets start at $20. bridgeport.stressfactory.com
Specials
CGE Studios presents “Gang Poetry,” Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. $40-$25. bijoutheatrect.net
Harlem Globetrotters, Webster Bank Arena, 600 Main St. Dec. 27, 2 & 7 p.m. Tickets at ticketmaster.com
Solstice Celebration of the 7 Directions, The Knowlton, 305 Knowlton St. Dec. 17, 6:30-10:30 p.m. $30-$15. 6:30 p.m. doors open, Calling of the 7 directions in the Native American Tradition Yoga & Ceremonial Cacao with Jesse Rose, 7 p.m., 4 Elements, Journey Dance with JoJo Keane, 8 p.m. Dance Party, Immersive & Interactive Altars to the Elements. theknowlton.com
Visual Arts
“Books on the Verge” Exhibit of Book Art, The Gallery at Metro Art Studios, 345 Railroad Ave. Through Jan. 8.
“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
DANBURY
Christmas
Visit Santa Claus-All Aboard The “Snow Clipper,” Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St. Dec. 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
Danbury Brass Band Christmas Concert, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 18 Clapboard Ridge Road. Dec. 19, 2 p.m.
Nashville Christmas, The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. $35. Tickets can be purchased at thepalacedanbury.com
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
FAIRFIELD
Christmas
Holiday Express Train Show, Museum & History Center, 370 Beach Road. Runs through Jan. 2. $5 adults, $3 students and children. Kids under 5 are free. 203-2591598, fairfieldhistory.org
Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras, Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave. Dec. 18, 2-4 p.m. Register at pequotlibrary.org
New Haven Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s “Messiah,” SHU Community Theatre, 1420 Post Road. Dec. 16, 7 p.m. $40. For tickets visit shucommunitytheatre.org.
Comedy
Fairfield Comedy Club hosts Nore Davis, Fairfield Circle Inn, 417 Post Road. Dec. 18, 7 & 9 p.m. $25. fairfieldcomedyclub.com
Music
Greater CT Youth Orchestra perform a Chamber Music & Flute Choir Concert, Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave. Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Free, reservations required. gctyo.org
New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Handel’s Messiah, Sacred Heart University Community Theatre, 1420 Post Road. Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $40. Tickets at shucommunitytheatre.org
Caravan of Thieves, Fairfield Theatre Company StageOne, 70 Sanford St. Dec. 17, 7:45 p.m. $32; Big Al Anderson, StageOne, Dec. 18, 7:45 p.m. $48; Tom Petty Project Holiday Project, Warehouse, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. $28. Visit website for tickets. fairfieldtheatre.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. artplacegallery.org
“Poetic Expressions,” Art/Place Gallery Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, located in Fairfield Theater Company, 70 Sanford St. Through Jan. 29. 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
“Exploring the Mid-Century Backyard: “Patios, Pools, and the American Backyard,” Fairfield Museum & History Center, 370 Beach Road. Through Dec. 31; “Visiting John Taylor Arms: A Master Printmaker and His Circle,” Jan. 23-April 24; “Topping the Charts: The Rise of Bridgeport's Columbia Records,” through April 3. 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
Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St. Through Dec. 24. greenwichreindeerfestival.com
Greenwich Choral Society returns to live performance with its Holiday Concert, Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center, 10 Hillside Road. Dec. 18, 4 p.m. Tickets at gcs-ct.org.
“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote, virtual production of Truman Capote’s autobiographical short story presented by Greenwich Theatre Company and Theatre Artists Workshop. Online only Dec. 20-26, 8-9 p.m. $15 tickets available at greenwichtheatrecompany.org.
Visual arts
“Alignments,” Greenwich Library Flinn Gallery, 101 W. Putnam Ave. Dec. 16-Jan. 26. flinngallery.com
“Rhythm Dance” by Florence Seurig, Sorokin Gallery, 96 Greenwich Ave. Through Jan. 5, noon-5 p.m. 203-629-8121, sorokingallery.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.
“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
NEW MILFORD
Christmas
“Deck the Halls,” Gallery 25, 11 Railroad St. Through Jan. 8. gallery25ct.com
“What the Dickens,” TheatreWorks, 5 Brookside Ave. Through Dec. 18. Fri, Sat 8 p.m. $25 reserved seating, $20 students, Military personnel and Veterans with ID. Reservations online at theatreworks.us or call the box office at 860-350-6863.
Music
Sherman Chamber Ensemble’s “Jazzing It Up” concert locations and dates: St. Andrew’s Church, 1 N. Main St., Kent, Dec. 28, 4 p.m. $25, free children ages 15 and under when accompanied by an adult. Purchase advance tickets online at SCEmusic.org Information or reservations call 860-3555930.
Visual Arts
“Seasons” by Thomas Adkins, Gregory James Gallery, 93 Park Lane Road. Through Jan. 31. 860-354-3436, gregoryjamesgallery.com
NEWTOWN
Comedy
Comedy Craft Beer Tour with Gianmarco Soresi and Friends, NewSylum Brewing, 36 Keating Farms Ave. Dec. 19, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $25. Free parking at Marriot Residence Inn. 954-729-6282, comedycraftbeer.com
Christmas
“Christmas Carol,” Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St. Dec. 17-19. Visit website for showtimes and tickets. edmondtownhall.org
Holiday Book & Gift Boutique, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St. Through Jan. 8, during regular library hours. boothbooksale.org.
Music
Colonial Automobile Group Music Series, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St. Through Jan. 29. All Shows 8-10:30 p.m. $45-$30. Lineup: Alpaca Gnomes, Jan. 29. edmondtownhall.org
NORWALK Christmas
Industrial Rhythm’s “Litt Percussion Show,” Stepping Stones Museum For Children, Mathews Park. Dec 18, 11 a.m.-noon, 2-3 3 p.m. Tickets distributed in the museum on a first-come, first-served basis. 203-899-0606, ext. 264. InformationCenter@steppingstonesmuseum.org
“The Nutcracker Suite” performed by Valentina Kozlova Dance Conservatory of New York, Norwalk High School, 23 Calvin Murphy Dr. Dec. 19, 3-4 p.m. $20. For tickets call the Box Office 203-354-9396. vkdcny.com
“Who’s Holiday,” Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, 509 Westport Ave. Through Dec. 19. Showtimes: Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. All performances in-person. MTC Box Office at 203-454-3883. musictheatreofct.com.
Norwalk Symphony Musicians at The SoNo Collection, 100 North Water St. Through Dec 19, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-4 p.m.
Rowayton Arts Center hosts a Holiday Gift Show, through Dec. 24.
Shark-Diving Santa, Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water St. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. Times are 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Visit website to confirm dates. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206, maritimeaquarium.org
“Holiday Enchantment at the Mansion,” Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. Runs through Jan. 9. $15-$8. Tickets at lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
Films
“Norwalk Film Festival, Dec. 17-19. Screenings and related events take place at the Norwalk Public Library, Factory Underground Studios, Norwalk Art Space, Juice Creative Group, and the Wall Street Theater which will serve as the main venue. Program line-up, along with ticket packages, go to Info@NorwalkFilmFestival.org, or visit norwalkfilmfestival.org
Music
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 Gordon and Leo Kottke, Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall St. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. Tickets at wallstreettheater.com
Billy G, Ponza Italian Kitchen & Pizza, 690 Connecticut Ave. Dec. 20, 6:30-9:30 p.m. fairfieldafterdark.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
“Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!: Members Exhibit,” Center For Contemporary Printmaking Grace Ross Shanley Gallery, 299 West Ave. Through Feb. 20. contemprints.org
“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.
“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
Korry Fellow, Tara Blackwell and Cal Bocicault: “American Iconography,” The Norwalk Art Space ADK House, 455 West Ave. Dec. 16-Jan. 20. Opening Reception Dec. 16, 6-9 p.m. Spoken word by Shanna T. Melton, 7:20 p.m. Live music by David DeJesus, 7:30-9 p.m. Related events: Artist Talk, Dec. 19, 1-3 p.m.; Out of Context: Pop Art Workshop, Jan. 15, noon-3 p.m. Also on display is the The Fall Semester Student Showcase featuring artwork created by Norwalk Art Space students in after-school classes during the Fall 2021 semester. thenorwalkartspace.org
STAMFORD
Christmas
Holiday Stroll, Mill River Park & Greenway, 1040 Washington Blvd. Through Jan. 9. Visit website for times and tickets. theholidaystroll.com
Stamford Town Center Mall, 100 Greyrock Place. Holiday events: Stamford Symphony Holiday Performance, Grand Court, Dec. 18 & 19, 4-6 p.m.; Pet Photos With Santa, Grand Court, Dec. 19, 8-10 a.m. Reservations and photo package purchase required. Reserve your spot in advance at eventbrite.com/e/208249649307; Photos with Santa, through Dec. 24; Holidays in Harmony,
through Dec. 24. Performances every Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Special performance Dec. 24.
Christmas Shows hosted by The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Lineup: “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 18, 2 & 6 p.m.; Dec. 19, 1 & 5 p.m. $75-$50. Purchase tickets at palacestamford.org.
“A Merry Mulberry Street Musical,” Curtain Call’s Dressing Room Theatre at The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Ave. Through Dec. 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
Stage
“Cinderella,” Curtain Call’s Kweskin Theatre at Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Ave. Through Dec. 18. 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. Exhibit runs through Jan. 28. stamfordartassociation.org
Holiday Exhibit: “The Artistry of Jacques Pépin,” Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. Through Jan. 30. 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. The Homestead will be decorated in a Victorian theme.
Stratford Library Lovell Room, 2203 Main St. Holiday Concert Lineup: Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, Dec. 19. All concerts, 2 p.m. Reservations required at stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/7987272.
Visual Arts
“Northern Lights at Christmas,” Stratford Library, 2203 Main St. On display; “Natures Beauty,” through Jan. 22. stratfordlibrary.org
WESTPORT
Christmas
Script in Hand Play Reading with “A Merry Little Christmas,” Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court. On-demand available Dec. 16-19. On-demand tickets: $80 household, $40 pair, $20 single. westportplayhouse.org
Westport Holiday Art Fair, Gordon Fine Arts Gallery, 1701 Post Road. E. Through Jan. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m .gordonfinearts.org
Gifts on The CAMP Gallery’s Holiday Trees, The Contemporary Art Modern Project, 190 Main St. Through Dec. 31. thecampgallery.com
Visual Arts
Claudia Mengel Paintings, Gordon Fine Arts Gallery, 1701 Post Road E. On view. 518-852-6478, gordonfinearts.org