Scene Calendar: FEST 21 showcase, 'No Exit,' wildlife tour, Art Walk, Fandomonium, more
MUSIC
Matisyahu + G. Love and Special Sauce: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Backyard Stage, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. Tickets: $56. (904-209-0367, theamp.com) The performers will take the stage as part of their 2023 Summer tour.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) FEST 21 Showcase.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
THEATER
“No Exit”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 3, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) Two women and one man are locked up together for eternity in one hideous room in Hell. The windows are bricked up, there are no mirrors, the electric lights can never be turned off, and there is no exit. A remounting of a successful 2017 production reminds the audience that hell is other people.
ET CETERA
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E. County Road 225. Tickets: $25 adults, $10 ages 2-11, free ages 1 and younger; $45 motorized-vehicle tours. (carsonspringswildlife.org, 468-2827, contact@cswildlife.org) Take a tour — on foot or in a tour vehicle — of Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation with big-cat feeding demonstrations and up-close encounters with the animals.
Historic Haile Homestead Tour: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays, Historic Haile Homestead, 8500 Archer Road. Entrance: $5 ages 12 and older, free ages 11 and younger. (hailehomestead.org) The Historic Haile Homestead is unique in the nation for its "Talking Walls.''
Fandomonium: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave. Free. (aclib.us) All-ages fan convention featuring cosplay contest, fandom trivia, vendors, guest speakers, panels, games and more.
Baturdays of Summer: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. Tickets: $20 general admission, $15 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and younger; must be purchased in advance. (lubee.org) Inaugural event featuring the world’s largest bats in a small, intimate event setting. Have one-on-one conversations with bat experts, sit in on educational presentations, have a picnic or visit the Bat Barn and Education Center full of games, displays and interactives. Stubbies Pop-up Sausages will be on site. No pets or emotional support animals allowed.
Horse Feeding: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses, 20307 NW CR 235A, Alachua. Entrance: Bag of carrots. (millcreekfarm.org) The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, as well as horses retired from government service such as police patrol or state and federal parks.
Peace Up Guns Down: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Clarence R. Kelly Community Center, 1701 NE Eighth Ave. Free. (bit.ly/peaceup23) Youths ages 12-24 will serve as panelists, performers, motivational speakers and artist-mentors to inspire through an empowering town hall and artist showcase.
“Zula Patrol: Under the Weather”: 3-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $6.17-$8.22. (showpass.com/zul-patrol-under-the-weather) From the far reaches of outer space, from the bright orange planet Zula, comes the Zula Patrol! Based on the highly-acclaimed “Zula Patrol” TV series.
“Tales of the Maya Skies”: 5-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $6.17-$8.22. (showpass.com/tales-of-the-maya-skies) A digital fulldome show that immerses the audience in Mayan astronomy, art and culture through a custom score and visuals.
“Mars One Thousand One”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $7.19 general admission; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60-plus, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (showpass.com/mars-1001) An immersive cinematic experience that follows an international crew of astronauts who are about to embark on the first interplanetary journey in history, the first manned mission to the surface of Mars.
Music 360: “Horizons of The Future”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St.Tickets: $7.19 for adults; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60 and older, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (showpass.com/music360-horizons-of-the-future) An immersive journey of sight and sound as audiences experience the majesty of Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite “The Planets” while visiting the planets of the Solar System. Holst wrote “The Planets” between 1914 and 1916, and each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System and its corresponding astrological character as defined by Holst.
Gainesville Bromeliad Society: 2 p.m. Sunday, Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Free. (gainesvillebromeliad.org) John Boardman from St. Cloud will discuss Florida-native bromeliads. Plants will be sold and given away.
CASTING CALL
Hoggetowne Living Chessboard: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oakview Park, 810 NW Eighth Ave. (bit.ly/livechess23) Auditions for the Thieves Guilde Productions Inc. Living Chessboard for the 2024 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. This year's show is titled "Robin Hood: Magnacartastrophe.Available roles include both fighting and non-fighting characters, street entertainers, leading roles and more. Free in-depth training is included, as classes are provided for a variety of stage combat disciplines as well as interactive theater. Those interested in fighting should wear loose, athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes. All participants will be required to sign a waiver before participating. Performers under the age of 18 need a legal guardian to accompany them to auditions to sign paperwork. Children under 14 years old are welcome to audition as well, but may not be left unaccompanied. Bring a photo ID and medical insurance card if you have one.
“Annie Jr.”: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave. (bit.ly/annieaud23) Ages 6-16. Show dates are Nov. 10-19. See website for list of roles.
Alachua County Youth Orchestra: 11 a.m. Sunday, University of Florida Music Building, Room 101, UF campus. (acyo.org) Audition for students in grades 6-12. Please do not audition if you are not well; contact Mr. Langford to make alternate arrangements. More audition information can be found online.
Annasemble 2023-24 Season: Rehearsals begin 1:15-3:15 p.m. Sunday, MeadowBrook Clubhouse, 3200 NW 98th St. (annasemble.org, annasemble@gmail.com) No auditions; all skill levels welcome.
Young Annasemble 2023-24 Season: Rehearsals 4:45-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays beginning in September, Rawlings Elementary School, 3500 NE 15th St. (annasemble.org, annasemble@gmail.com) No auditions; all skill levels welcome.
Flea Market: Vendor spaces available for event set for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 7, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 230, 20370 E. SR 20, Hawthorne. 15-by-15-foot spaces available. (481-4483) All proceeds will help local veterans and schools.
ART
Artisans' Guild Gallery: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring works by Stephanie Escue-Milch, who has been creating unique beadwork and jewelry for more than 40 years. 224 NW Second Ave. (378-1383, artisansguildgallery.com)
The AUK Market: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring “Wanderlust” by Rebecca Welch. 2031 NW Sixth St.
Bingo Deli and Pub: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring Edie Schaub, who will be displaying selected photographs from her series “Yardworks” as well as a set of collage quilts titled “Past Blanket.” “Yardworks” is an ongoing photographic collection of botanical studies and imaginative interventions, and “Past Blanket” is a set of two quilts that are composed of personal remnants collected for more than a decade, and are intended to be a biography of that specific time and place. 619 S. Main St., Unit 1A. (451-4470)
Black C Art Gallery: 7-9 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring “Penguins In Antarctica,” digital photography and collage by Ani Collier. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. 111 SE Second Place. (blackcproduction.com)
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers,” exploring the joys, pains and creative awakenings Petty experienced when pouring his soul into his magnum opus, on display through December; “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion,” featuring 40 full-scale machines that were built after in-depth study of Leonardo da Vinci’s designs by a group of scientists and skilled craftsmen in Florence, Italy, on display through Jan. 7, 2024. Tickets: $12.50, $10 seniors and college students, $7.50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 811 N. Main St. (371-8001, cademuseum.org)
Cedar Key Arts Center: Friday-Sunday open studio. 457 Second St., Cedar Key. (543-5801, cedarkeyartscenter.org)
Civic Media Center: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event. 433 S. Main St. (373-0100, civicmediacenter.org)
Cypress and Grove Brewing Company: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring the food truck Chef JJ Creations, art exhibit “Current Problems” and live music by Mace. 1001 NW Fourth St.
First Magnitude Brewing Co.: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event. 1220 SE Veitch St.
Florida Museum of Natural History: “Spiders Alive!” on display through Sept. 4. This exciting exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives with more than a dozen live species from around the world. Tickets: $8 adults; $7.50 Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $5.50 ages 3-17; free ages 2 and younger, UF students and museum members. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring “Co-Creation: Collaborations,” on display through Sept. 23. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 1314 S. Main St. (gainesvillefinearts.org, info@gainsevillefinearts.org)
Harn Museum of Art: “Global Perspectives: Highlights from the Contemporary Collection,” a celebration of global interconnectedness, on display through Oct. 1; “Jerry Uelsmann: A Celebration of His Life and Art,” commemorating a beloved UF artist, teacher, colleague and friend through an overview of his creative life, including 37 photographs laid out chronologically, on display through Feb. 18, 2024; “Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art” on display through Jan. 7, 2024. “Under the Spell of the Palm Tree” is drawn exclusively from the collection of Susie and Mitchell Rice, and offers a glimpse into the complexity of culture and history that has inspired Cuban art throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century. Guest curators Gabriela Azcuy and David Horta will utilize the work of a broad range of artists in the Rice Collection to display an inclusive view of Cuban art, reflecting on its current dynamic and the existence of new geographies as an essential part of its reality. Through more than 70 works representing 53 artists, the exhibition will present the narrative of a “crossing” — a virtual crossing of the seas as well as a crossing of generations, of artists living or having lived both in Cuba and in the Diaspora; “Gateway to Himalayan Art” on display Feb. 6, 2024-July 2024. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3259 Hull Road. (392-9826)
Hippodrome Gallery: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring an exhibit by Panhandle Slim, a former professional skateboarder turned musician and artist. His art resonates with both sensitive insight and playful wit, capturing pop culture on flat-planed canvases. From President Carter to Amy Winehouse and Batman, Slim’s creations are a fusion of diverse influences. Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. (thehipp.org)
Matheson History Museum: “We Are Here: Stories From Multilingual Speakers In North Central Florida,” an exhibition that illustrates the immigration journeys of the North Central Florida community through stories that hold power in multiple languages; “Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall,” showcasing dozens of John Moran‘s performance photos from his two years as the Great Southern Music Hall house photographer. Also featured is a display of Bo Diddley artifacts, including one of Bo’s signature square box guitars. Written by music journalist Bill DeYoung and designed by historian Rick Kilby, this unique exhibit celebrates a golden age in the University City’s musical history, the likes of which may never be seen again; “When Johnny Came Marching Home: Some Gave All – All Gave Some,” remembering those who came home from war with both physical and mental wounds, on display outside. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)
Melrose Bay Art Gallery: Works by Vivian Jendzio and Ann Ramsden on display through Sunday. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. 103 State Road 26, Melrose. (475-3866, melrosebayartgallery.com)
Paint by Motors: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring ERAS, the paint pouring robot. There also will be refreshments and a gallery of pieces made with this process. 722 S. Main St.
The Richardson Collection: 6-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk featuring more than 200 works of art by notable artists including James Rosenquist, Mark Tobey, Hiram Williams, Lennie Kesl, Eleanor Blair, John Tilton, Norman Jensen, Michael Kemp, William Schaaf, Melanie Peter, Linda Blondheim, Douglas Fiely, Barry Richardson, Todd Walker and Whitney Wolf among others. Free Lennie Kesl drawings and art books available. 3620 NW 43rd St., Suite B.
Santa Fe College’s Blount Hall: A large art collection from local collector Hector Puig on display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Corner of West University Avenue and North Sixth Street.
The SL8: 7-10 p.m. Friday Artwalk event. 10 E. University Ave.
Sweetwater Print Cooperative: 7-9 p.m. Friday Artwalk event featuring "Nature," a group show inspired by the natural world and fantasy featuring printmaking and mixed media art by Terence Stevens, handmade resin jewelry by Doni Planken, and stained glass by Elliot Grey. Show closes at noon Sept. 27. Gallery hours: By appointment. 117 S. Main St. (514-3838)
University Galleries: “Sound-Sites in the Age of Utopian Recoverism: Art, Technology and Exhibition Practices” on display through Sept. 30. The main purpose of this exhibition is to initiate a series of conversations about how the artists’ exploration of the connections between art and technology can lead to rethinking problems related to our ways of inhabiting the environment. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. 400 SW 13th St. (arts.ufl.edu/university-galleries)
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 9, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Third Friday Concert Series: 7 p.m. Sept. 15, St. Patrick’s Church, 500 NE 16th Ave. Free. (spccgnv.org/concert) Choral concert with composer Zachary Landress.
Suwannee River Jam: All day Sept. 20-23, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: TBA. (musicliveshere.com) Annual musical event featuring Trace Atkins, Brothers Osborne, The Frontmen, Red Clay Strays, LOCASH and more.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 22, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Suwannee Roots Revival: All day Oct. 5-8, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: $175; $15 car pass purchased in advance, $20 car pass purchased at gate; free children 12 and younger when accompanied by parent or legal guardian. (bit.ly/rootsrevival23, musicliveshere.com, 386-364-1683) Initial lineup announced with Trampled by Turtles, Hot Tuna Electric, Donna the Buffalo, The Peter Rowan Band, Jim Lauderdale Band, Electric Larry Land, Big Richard, Jon Stickley Trio, Sunny War, The Last Revel, Stillhouse Junkies, Verlon Thompson, Jeff Mosier Ensemble, John Mailander’s Forecast and more.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 14, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 27, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 11, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 24, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 9, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 15, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Oh Me Oh My”: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $5. (lonnieholley.com) Screening of documentaries that tell visual and musical artist Lonnie Holley’s personal story and offer a glimpse into the artist’s insatiable drive to create.
“POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive”: 7 p.m. Sept. 6-7 previews; then 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays Sept. 8-Oct. 1, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25 previews, then $20-$50. (thehipp.org) Written by Selina Fillinger, “POTUS” is a foul-mouthed political funhouse farce. Roar with laughter as seven brilliant and beleaguered women panic, problem-solve and, ultimately, persevere to save the president from himself.
Lonnie Holley: 7 p.m. Sept. 11, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25. (lonnieholley.com) The lauded visual artist and musician will give a special performance.
Meet the Dancers: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Cade Museum, 811 S. Main St. Tickets: $75. (bit.ly/mtd23b) Annual event showcasing the Dance Alive dancers and the new stars from the Gainesville Dancing With the Stars Champagne Gala plus live auction, hors d’oeuvres, live music by DJ Elio Piedra and photo opportunities. Cocktail attire.
CircusPalooza: 7 p.m. Sept. 22-23, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at door. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Original live music circus show celebrating rock and pop classics alongside contemporary original music from Florida-based artists.
Flea Market: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 7, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 230, 20370 E. SR 20, Hawthorne. Free entry; items and food for sale. (481-4483) Items for sale plus pancakes-and-sausage breakfast and a lunch special.
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 13-29, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) In this infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up … and the carnage has only just begun!
McIntosh 1890s Festival: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 14, 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh. Free entry; items and food for sale. (mcintosh1890sfestival.com, facebook.com/mcintoshfestival) Annual event in its 50th year featuring live oak canopies up and down the streets and avenues of Victorian homes providing shade and a festive backdrop musical entertainment from bluegrass to country and gospel, food vendors and 280 juried vendors.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 21, downtown High Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/downtownhighsprings/events) Monthly event featuring local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses.
“Swan Lake”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35-$65. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The story of a prince whose fiancée has been transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet.
Tioga Outdoor Movie Night: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Tioga Town Center, 133 SW 130th Way, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) Tioga movie night featuring “Ghostbusters.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the movie under the stars.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk: Noon-5 p.m. Nov. 18, downtown High Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/downtownhighsprings/events) Monthly event featuring local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses.
“The Ultimate Christmas Show”: 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 24-Dec. 23, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $20-$50. (thehipp.org) This audience favorite is back! “The Ultimate Christmas Show” (abridged) bursts with festive, slapstick fun as these cheerful comedians celebrate all of our favorite holiday traditions — at the same time.
“A Christmas Carol”: 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays Nov. 25-Dec. 23 plus 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 22 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $20-$50. (thehipp.org) “Bah, humbug!” to dashing through the snow and sleigh rides in Florida. Staying true to the weighty themes of the original novel while delivering a gripping story, cheerful holiday music and genuine laughs for the whole family, “A Christmas Carol” is one of Gainesville’s favorite holiday traditions.
“Twelfth Night”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 1-17, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) Shakespeare’s most sophisticated comedy is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino — confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia’s arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.
Tioga Outdoor Movie Night: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Tioga Town Center, 133 SW 130th Way, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) Tioga movie night featuring “The Santa Clause.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the movie under the stars.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk: Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 16, downtown High Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/downtownhighsprings/events) Monthly event featuring local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses.
“Little Women”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 19-Feb. 4, 2024, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) A four-women adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy transform into women before our eyes and experience love, loss and the ever-glowing warmth of the March family hearth.
“Next To Normal”: 7 p.m. Jan. 24-25, 2024, previews, then 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays Jan. 26-Feb. 18, 2024, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25. (thehipp.org) Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride with “Next to Normal,” the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical that explores the highs and lows of a modern-day family struggling with mental illness. With an electrifying rock score and heart-wrenching lyrics, this show will leave audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
“Misery”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, March 1-17, 2024, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) “Misery” follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “No. 1 fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Sheldon is convalescing, Wilkes reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Wilkes forces Sheldon to write a new “Misery” novel, and he quickly realizes Wilkes has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Wilkes has Sheldon writing as if his life depends on it — and it does.
“White”: 7 p.m. March 27-28 previews, then 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays March 29-April 14, 2024, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25 previews, then $20-$50. (thehipp.org) When a major museum seeks to showcase diverse voices in its next exhibition, Gus, an artist, enlists Vanessa’s help to create an audacious new artistic persona of color to get him in the show. From there it all spins out of control in this modern comedy, exploring white privilege, racial politics and the fine line between appropriation and opportunity.
“Private Lives”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 19-May 5, 2024, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. Their aggrieved spouses appear, and a roundelay of affiliations ensues as the women first stick together, then apart, and new partnerships are formed.
“Cabaret”: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 19-May 5, 2024, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish master of ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all of their troubles at the Cabaret. With the emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, “Cabaret” explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Scene Calendar: Baturdays of Summer, horse feeding, Peace Up Guns Down
