Antiques Shows______

Feb 22: 38th Annual Tolland Antiques Show, Tolland High School, Old Cathole Rd, Tolland, 10 am-4 pm (early buying 8:30, $15), adm $5, 70 exhibitors, proceeds benefit Tolland Hist Society; 860-872-7716.

Feb 28-29: Orange Historical Society 14th Annual Antiques Show, Amity Junior High School, Ohman Rd (off Rte 34 at Sheffield Rd), Orange, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $4.50, dealers from New England & NY; 203-795-6465.

March 7: 19th Annual Newtown Historical Society Antiques Show, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 10 am-4 pm (no early buying), adm $5, proceeds benefit Matthew Curtiss House (society’s headquarters); 426-5937.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104.

“Grand Adventure: A Celebration of the American Spirit in Bridgeport,” permanent exhibit on museum’s 2nd floor provides in-depth exploration of Bridgeport’s 19th Century industrialization & urbanization w/ emphasis on P.T. Barnum’s role in the city’s growth.

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through March 20, “Tickle My Fancy,” nude self-portraits & “other curiosities” by member & guest artists.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In Olga Koepkne Meeting Room (lower meeting room): Through Feb 27, “Antique Tools,” recent paintings by Stephanie Adam.

On library’s main floor: Through Feb 29, “Cityscapes & Landscapes: Oils & Watercolors by Ruth Newquist,” SoHo street scenes & New England landscapes by the Newtown artist Ruth Newquist.

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield. Hours: M-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 775-4526.

Through March 28, “Living With Fine Craft: The Heart of The Home,” multi-media national invitational juried exhibition of fine handmade functional craft work (ceramics, fiberwork, glassware, metalwork & woodwork) for the home focuses on items that can be used for fine cooking, serving & elegant dining.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-869-0376.

*(new show) Feb 21-April 25, “New York Exposed: Photographs from The Daily News, Part I,” nearly 100 selections from 6 million-plus images in newspaper’s archive, spotlighting photos from years of newspaper’s inception in 1919 through end of 1950s (Part II will immediately follow, May 1-July 4).

*(new show) Through Aug 1, “Simply Sensational: An Exploration of The Sense,” family-oriented exhibition illustrates how people & animals use their senses to survive in & strive to understand the world.

Through Feb 29, “Shadows & Strings: Puppetry Around the Globe,” puppets from around the globe offer a look at the wide range of styles & cultures where the ancient art of puppetry has emerged & thrived over the centuries.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Hours: Mon & Fri 10 am-5 pm, Tues & Wed 10 am-8 pm, Thurs 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 261-0134.

Through Feb 24, abstract line drawings & portraits by Newtown-based artist Gisela; Feb 21, artist’s reception (public welcome), 1-3 pm.

Fine Line Art Gallery, 586 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-266-0110.

Through Feb 22, “Hearts & Flowers,” group show for winter blues w/ works by gallery members.

Good News Café, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm. Call 203-266-4663.

Through April 12, “Nature Impressions,” multi-hued artistic quilts “capturing the rich beauties of the natural world in fabric” by Sandra Scott.

Grey Horse Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34 (in old Masonic Temple, 1st floor; behind St John’s Episcopal Church), Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Permanent display of oils & pastels by Dick McEvoy.

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.

Through April 18, “At Home In Waterbury, Part II,” exploration through oral histories, photos & artifacts explores history of close-knit Waterbury communities of Bucks Hill, Crownbrook, Gilmartin, Homeville, South End, Town Plot & Washington Hill.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Call 860-350-2181.

*(new show) Feb 21-March 30, “Nature: Its Power and Poetry,” ceramics by Robin Johnson that rely on contrasting textures & eccentric shapes to capture the strength & timelessness of the natural world coupled w/ watercolor landscapes & seascapes of Italy & Connecticut by Marija Pavlovich McCarthy; Feb 21, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Museum of American Political Life at University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Call 860-768-4090.

Through May 16, “American Originals: Treasures from The National Archives,” The Emancipation Proclamation, The Louisiana Purchase Treaty & The Civil Rights Act of 1964, also other documents that have been important during US history (note: special hours will allow public display of pages from Emancipation Proclamation – March 25, 9 am-4 pm; March 26 & 27, 9 am-8 pm; March 28, 9 am-4 pm).

Through May 16, “Connecticut Originals,” complement to “American Originals” presents 80± items representing ideas (CT Charter, ESPN, etc), personalities (Prudence Crandall, Ella Grasso, Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Houghton Hepburn, et al) & inventions (Colt’s Revolver, interchangeable parts, telephone switchboard, etc) introduced by & in CT.

“The History of Presidential Elections,” permanent exhibition offers massive display of small campaign artifacts & hundreds of contemporary graphics & photo images to illustrate the relationship between politics & noteworthy events & trends in US history.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists (RGA) Gallery, Halpin La, Ridgefield. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-438-8863.

*(new show) Feb 21-March 21, “Camera Works,” works by RGA members in film, digital, image/emulsion transfers, giclée prints, etc; Feb 22, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Sadelier, 69 West Wooster St, Danbury. Hours: Tues-Thurs, Sat 11 am-5 pm, Fri 11 am-6 pm, Mon by appt. Call 743-4830.

Through March 15, “Pieced Work,” felted wool pcs by Morna Crites-Moore: small square of wool felt embellished w/ needlework & antique buttons blur the line between folk art & fine art.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 860-278-2670.

Through March 7, “Fashion and Fantasy: 1898-1908,” exploration of stylistic trends in arts at turn of the century & how they influenced textile design & women’s dress.

Through July 3, “Fresh Faces: Youth in African-American Art,” fine art, photography & commercial art from mid 19th Century to present insights into society’s changing perceptions of youth from infancy through adolescence, and also of African-American identity.

Walsh Art Gallery at Quick Center, Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-254-4000 x2969.

Through March 21, “A World Of Stage: Russian Costume & Stage Design from the George Riabov Collection of Russian Art,” works of pre-Bolshevik revolution Russian theater & items by Russian émigré artists who designed sets & costumes in the West.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

Through Feb 29, “Sculpture * Photography * Paintings,” ceramic “contemplation vessels” by Ann Mallory, sculpture by Joseph Siegel & photos by David Skora.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Burlingham House Visitor Center Hours: Thurs-Sun 9:30 am-4 pm. Call 203-834-1896.

Through Feb 29, “Artists at Weir Farm: Eugenio Espinosa,” myth-like reflections of Mr Espinosa’s childhood memories created w/ acrylic paint on mylar & wood.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-432-2800.

Through May 9, “Just What Is It That Makes British Pop So Different, So Appealing?” exhibition meant to complement Hamilton show (below) w/ works from YCBA’s collection incl prints, drawings, rare books & manuscripts to trace development of British Pop from original formation in mid 1950s to its “exuberant flowering” in 1960s w/ works by Blake, Hockney, McHale, Kitaj, Paolozzi, et al; Feb 22, free exhibition tour, 2 pm; Feb 28, free exhibition tour, noon.

Through May 24, “Richard Hamilton: Prints and Multiples, 1939-2002,” more than 150 prints & multiples, as selected by the artist, offering retrospective of his work from first foray into drypoint in 1939, through leading work during Pop Art movement & into current work w/ digital media, works from artist’s private collection & loaned from Kunstmuseum Winterthur, Switzerland; Feb 15, free exhibition tour, 2 pm; Feb 21, free exhibition tour, noon; Feb 24, “Art in Context: Richard Hamilton – A Retrospective,” 12:30 pm, free, by assoc curator prints & drawings Gillian Forrester; Feb 26, free exhibition tour, 11 am; Feb 29, free exhibition tour, 2 pm; March 2, “Art in Context: Portrait of Richard Hamilton as A Con Artist,” 12:30 pm, free program by YUAG curator emeritus Richard Field.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Masterpiece Tours of Permanent Collection every Sat 1:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

*(new show) Through June 30, “The Gems of Brazil,” 16 of the 20 paintings of hummingbirds by the American artist Martin Johnson Heade intended as illustrations for lavish book of same name, on loan from Manoogian Collection.

Through Aug 15, “Stagestruck in America: Artists, Entertainers, and Audiences, 1906-1956,” celebration of YUAG’s acquisition of Shinn’s “The Orchestra Pit, Old Proctor’s Fifth Avenue Theatre” & Kuhn’s “Chorus Captain” couples those works w/ paintings, drawings, photos & prints from gallery’s collection sharing the glitzy allure of vaudeville, burlesque, music halls, jazz clubs & early movies incl works of Mabel Dwight, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Lee Friedlander, Reginald Marsh & James Van Der Zee.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Bushnell Center for Performing Arts Promenade Gallery, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford CT 06106-1621. Call 860-987-5929.

March 31: CT visual artists sought for 2004-05 season, contact Susan Finnegan at above # for application form & addt’l info, artists need to submit application, 10 slides, résumé & SASE.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1634.

Pictures & résumés being accepted for spring production of Treasure Island, artistic director Bert Bernardi is seeking teen & pre-teen boys incl one pre-teen (age 10-12) for role of Jim Hawkins (must have excellent vocal ability), also 3 teens to play characters & pirates, all must sing & handle some movement, send details ASAP, rehearsals begin March 29 & run evenings to April 15, performances will be April 17-May 23.

New England Shakespeare Festival, Meriden.

March 7: Auditions by appt (note this is also date that photos & resumes must be postmarked by) for summer touring production of Richard III, seeking non-Equity actors all ages & types, non-traditional casting, all roles open, arrive prepared w/ 2-minute classical monologue (comedic or dramatic) & be prepared to read, send photos & resumes to CT Auditions, NESF Casting, PO Box 1754, Meriden CT 06450, location of auditions will be given when contacted for appt. Details at www.NewEnglandShakespeare.org.

Town Players, The Little Theatre, Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 426-9850.

Feb 29-March 1: Auditions for Marc Camoletti’s comedy Don’t Dress For Dinner (adapted by Robin Hawdon), Sun 2-4 pm, Mon 7-9 pm, director Evelyne Thomas seeks 3 male actors & 3 female actors, call if interested but unable to attend auditions or for additional details.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Feb 22: “Journey To Immortality: A Tribute to Frederic Chopin,” Teikyo Post University’s MacDermid Hall, 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury, 3 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors & students, $5 ages 12 & under, winners of Greater Waterbury Classic Concerts’ music scholarship competitions will play interludes in a narration w/ slides led by pianist & music teacher Zoya Kalmanovsky, audience welcome to join musicians for post-performance reception; 203-754-5590.

Feb 22: Organist Frederick Teardo at St John’s Church, Rte 47, Washington Green, 4 pm, tickets $15, program of works by Stanford (Fantasia & Toccata in D minor), Howells (Psalm Prelude, Set II, #2), J.S. Bach (Toccata, Adagio & Fugue, BWV 564), Hampton (“Lullaby” from Suite #2) & Duruflé (Suite pour orgue), 860-868-2527.

Feb 28: Ballroom Dance at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, adm $15, singles & couples welcome, free dance lesson at 8, performance by American rhythm stars Felipe & Carolina Telona at 9:30, dancing to selections by DJ (George Smith), complimentary snacks, reservations suggested; 203-374-7308.

Feb 28: “An Evening of Chapin Music,” New Fairfield High School, 54 Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield, 8 pm, tickets $25 general adm, $40 Gold Seating (front rows seating & post-performance reception w/ performers), performance by Mr Chapin w/ family & friends of Chapin classics & new music of love, protest & discovery, proceeds will benefit NFHS music & drama programs (note: Chapin will also be performing “Tom Chapin & Friends,” a family concert, that afternoon, same location, see separate listing under For Kids & Families); 746-1142.

March 6: NUMC Coffee House, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:45-10:30 pm, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see details under Miscellaneous), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-0617.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Call 860-246-6807.

Feb 26, “Rush Hour Classics: The Passions of the Romantics,” 6:30 pm, tickets $33 & $41, featured soloist Adina Aaron will perform Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, program will explore passionate soul-searching of leading composers of Romantic Era through Schubert’s Octet in F (Scherzo), Dvorák’s Serenade in D minor for Winds & Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll.

Friday matinee series, at Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford: Feb 27, “The Passions of the Romantics,” 11 am, tickets $15, see Feb 26 program above.

Newtown Friends of Music, Newtown. Call 426-6470.

Concerts at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 3 pm, $15, free ages 5-14 w/ ticket-holding adult (subscriptions available), reception follows performances: Feb 22, The Pacific Quartet, works of Beethoven (Quartet in E-flat Major, Opus 74 “Harp”), Hindemuth (Quartet, Opus 22) & Mendelssohn (Quartet in D Major, Opus 44, #1).

Films _________________

Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.

Feb 20-26: 21 Grams (R), daily 6:40 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri-Sun, Wed 1:15 & 3:55 pm; Girl with A Pearl Earring (PG-13), daily 7:15 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri-Sun, Wed 12:30, 2:40 & 4:50 pm; Monster (R), daily 7:05 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri-Sun, Wed 1:50 & 4:25 pm.

Feb 20-24: Dreamers (NC-17), daily 6:50 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1:40 & 4:15 pm.

Feb 25-26: The Passion of The Christ (R), daily 5, 7:30 & 9:55 pm, mat Wed 12 & 2:30 pm.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Feb 29: Marius et Jeannette (in French w/ subtitles), 2 pm, free screening sponsored by Alliance Française of Northwestern CT.

“Foreign Film Series: Newtown a la Cannes,” screenings 7:30 pm, free: Feb 26, Inch’ Allah Dimanche (in French w/ subtitles), also Pepe Donquart’s short film Black Rider.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-2475.

Feb 20-26: The Haunted Mansion (PG), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri-Sat 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

Western CT State University/Student Center, 181 White St (midtown campus), Danbury. Call 837-8486.

Through Feb 27, 8th Annual Festival of African Films: Feb 20, Ndeysaan (Oh, Life!), 7:30 pm (in Wolof w/ subtitles); Feb 25, Thunderbolt, 1 pm (in English, Ibo & Yoruba w/ subtitles); Feb 27, Thunderbolt, 7:30 pm (see Feb 25).

Yale University Art Gallery, Chapel St at York, New Haven. Call 203-432-0600.

Stagestruck Film Series, at Whitney Humanities Center, 53 Wall St, free screenings of films related to current exhibition at YUAG, 7 pm: Feb 21, Singin’ in the Rain (1952, 103 min).

For Kids & Families _________

Feb 22: “Creativity Safari: At Home in Waterbury,” The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 2-4 pm, adm $5 adults, free ages 12 & under, family rates available, explore museum’s current exhibition to create a “new neighborhood” project w/ workshop leader Margaret DeMarino; 203-753-0381 x10.

Feb 28: “Tom Chapin & Friends,” New Fairfield High School, 54 Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield, 2 pm, tickets $15, performance by singer-songwriter will feature timeless songs suitable for ages 4-11 & parents/families, proceeds will benefit NFHS music & drama programs (note: Chapin will also be performing “An Evening of Chapin Music” that evening, same location, see separate listing under Concerts); 746-1142.

Feb 28: Family concert w/ John Farrell, St Mary School gymnasium, 21 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Bethel, 2:30 pm, tickets $5 ($20 max/family), lively show for whole family (esp ages 2-9); 778-2379.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: Feb 26, Strawberry Shortcake Storytime, 11 am, ages 3-6 invited for stories, activities & giveaways based on popular children’s book character.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533 (children’s dept 426-3851).

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Feb 28, “When I Was Built” workshop, 1 pm, free (but limited to 15 participants), children ages 7-10 can join Newtown author & illustrator Jennifer Thermes for story-making & illustration project based on an old object for their home (old tool, toy, photo, diary, etc); March 2, Happy Birthday Dr Seuss! begins 6 pm, free, family dinner of green eggs & ham, Shakespearian interpretation of Green Eggs & Ham by The Young Adult Players & guest visit by The Cat in The Hat, registration required (seating limited to 50).

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Feb 25, book discussion for Hippolyta and The Curse of The Amazons, 4:30 pm, one-hour discussion concerning second book in Jane Yolen’s “Young Heroes” series.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-869-0376.

*(new show) Through Aug 1, “Simply Sensational: An Exploration of The Sense,” family-oriented exhibition illustrates how people & animals use their senses to survive in & strive to understand the world.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Rumpelstiltskin, through Feb 29, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50, group discounts available.

New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Rd, West Redding. Call 203-938-2117.

4 & 5-Year Olds w/ parents, $8 unless noted: Feb 20, Stories By the Fire, 1:30-2:30 pm, pull up a seat to wood stove for winter stories & hot cocoa; Feb 27, Rock Painting, 1:30-2:30 pm.

6-12-Year Olds, $8 unless noted: Feb 26, Follow Those Tracks! 4-5 pm, dress for outdoors, look for tracks of active winter animals, canceled if no snow.

Family Programs: Feb 22, Attracting & Feeding Winter Birds, 2-3 pm, $8/family, learn which birds spend winter in CT & how to attract them to your yard.

Special Events: Feb 28, Pancake Breakfast & Sugaring, seatings at 8:30, 9, 9:30 & 10 am, $6 per person, free ages 3 & under, hot pancake breakfast followed by trip to evaporator to see how maple syrup is made.

Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Saturday Series For Children, performances 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15 (series discounts available): Feb 21, Buffalo Soldier, Theatre IV production of Civil War story adapted for children’s understanding done in honor of Black History Month, post-performance discussion w/ actors & all children will receive playbill w/ reference info on the era depicted on stage.

Miscellaneous ___________

Feb 20: PHD Psychic Fair, Holiday Inn, Newtown Rd/Rte 6, Danbury, 6-11:30 pm, free adm, card & palm readers, vendors; 470-1806.

Feb 20: CT Contacts Singles Dance Party, Colonial Tavern, Rte 67, Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15, dinner & dessert buffets, soft drinks/coffee/tea, dancing to mix by DJ, “dress to impress” (no jeans); 203-468-1144.

Feb 20-21: The Curse of The Hopeless Diamond, 10th Annual Ridgefield Theater Barn Murder-Mystery Dinner, at The Lounsbury House (Ridgefield Community Center), 316 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 7 pm, tickets $65, black tie optional, table w/ best detective intuition will win prize, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, beverages & dessert surrounded during performance; 203-431-9850.

Feb 21: Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company Game Dinner, Hawleyville Fire House, Hawleyville Rd/Rte 25 (behind post office), Newtown, 7 pm, tickets $25, proceeds benefit fire company; 270-4389.

Feb 21: Indoor Flea Market, Church of the Good Shepherd, Racebrook Rd (at corner of Shepherd La, betw Rte 34 & Post Rd), Orange, 8 am-2 pm; 203-934-4446.

Feb 21: Café Conversation, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 10 am-noon, free, public invited to join members of Alliance Française of Northwestern CT for conversations in French, topics decided at beginning of program, BYO light refreshments, all levels of French speakers welcome; 203-263-4096, 262-0626.

Feb 23: “Black Women’s Civic Organizations,” Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 6 pm, free (pre-registration suggested), discussion led by Lillie Head will focus on the importance of civic organizations in community & the commitment their members have made, part of museum’s ongoing Black History Month activities; 203-753-0381 x10.

Feb 24: 46th Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, St John’s Episcopal Church, Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, $6.50 adults, $3.50 ages 5-12, free for ages 2 and under, pancakes & real local syrup, homemade corned beef hash, applesauce and beverages, also raffle baskets.

Feb 24: Painter Roger Boyce at WCSU White Hall Viewing Room 25, 181 White St, Danbury, 11 am, free slide lecture by artist will be open to public as part of WCSU’s master of fine arts slide lecture series; 837-8410.

Feb 24: Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, St Thompas’ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 5-7 pm, $3/person, $10 max/family; 743-1494.

Feb 24: “Beekeeping Development Work in Africa,” Norfield Church community room, 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, 7:30 pm, free & open to anyone interested in bees & beekeeping, program by Back Yard Beekeepers Assn member Norm Cote will incl his experiences & insights from recent 3-week trip to Zimbabwe, where he taught beekeeping to local peoples (preceded by informational meeting for those interested in Back Yard Beekeepers Assn, 6:30 pm); 203-259-4861.

Feb 26: Author program and book signing, The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 7 pm, free discussion of The Passion of Reverend Nash by its author, Newtown resident Rachel Basch, followed by book signing; 426-8118.

Feb 28: CT Contacts Singles Dance, Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15, dinner buffet, coffee & dessert at midnight, dancing to DJ selections (soft rock, Top 40, “recent oldies” & requests), dress to impress (no jeans); 203-468-1144.

Feb 28: Old-Fashioned Ham & Bean Dinner, Jesse Lee United Methodist Church, 25 Flat Rock Rd, Easton, 5:30-7 pm, $7 adults, $5 ages 10 & under, proceeds to benefit outreach projects; 372-8250.

Feb 28: Planetarium Show & Telescope Viewing, WCSU Westside Observatory, Lake Ave Extension, Danbury, 6 pm, screening of planetarium show will be followed at 7 by telescope viewing of Moon & other celestial objects; 837-8672.

Feb 28: Ballroom Dance at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, adm $15, singles & couples welcome, free dance lesson at 8, performance by American rhythm stars Felipe & Carolina Telona at 9:30, dancing to selections by DJ (George Smith), complimentary snacks, reservations suggested; 203-374-7308.

Feb 28: Dat Phan & Ant at The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $35 & $45, evening of comedy by winner & finalist from Last Comic Standing; 203-438-5795.

Feb 29: Family Pasta Dinner, St Mary School gymnasium, 21 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, 5-8 pm, $8 adults, $5 ages 5-12 ($30 max/family) full dinner w/ pasta & meatballs, sauce, salad, dessert & soft drinks; 798-0109.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: Feb 22, Sunday Afternoon at The Bent, 2-4 pm, moderate hiking (or snowshoeing & cross-country skiing, weather permitting), then visit the barn for hot cocoa & coffee; Feb 25, Adult Nature Walk, 9 am, suggested donation $3, join center naturalist for leisurely hike focusing on sanctuary’s rich natural history, look for mammal tracks & wintering birds, bring snowshoes and/or binoculars if poss.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Programs free unless noted: Feb 26, Foreign Film Series: Newtown a la Cannes, 7:30 pm, screening of Inch’Allah Dimanche (in French w/ subtitles); March 2, book discussion, 7:30 pm, Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. (Jan-March) Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm OR (April-Dec) Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 778-8337.

Wednesday Evening Events series, 7:30-8:30 pm, sm donation requested, programs follow weekly museum member meetings, programs as follows, call if inclement weather: Feb 25, “Nevada Northern, Herber Valley RR” by Dan Gallo; March 3, “Detailing & Weathering” by Steve Mayerson.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Call 860-868-0518.

Feb 29, Dream Catcher workshop, Family Ancestry & Folklore discussion, 1-3:30 pm, $15 (registration required), create a unique dream catcher w/ E. Barrie Kavasch & discuss the importance of tracing one’s ancestry & writing folklore, learn how to develop personal stories in albums, journals, books & lasting works of art.

Kismet, programs at Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Call 748-3125.

Dinner programs 4th Sat/month, $40, reservations required: next program Feb 28, Stony Hill Inn, Rte 6, Bethel.

McLaughlin Vineyards, Albert’s Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. Call 426-1533.

Through Feb 28 (programs on Saturdays; also Sun, Feb 22 & 29), “Wine, Food & Eagles” series, $50 (plus tips & gratuity, reservations mandatory), spend morning watching eagles at Bald Eagle Observatory in Southbury, take private tour of vineyard & then lunch at Compass (Main St South, Newtown).

New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Rd, West Redding. Call 203-938-2117.

Adult Programs: Feb 26, Homemade Soaps, Salts & Scrubs, 10-11 am, $12, hands-on program, learn how to make all 3; Feb 28, First Quarter Moon, Planets & Preview of Spring, 6:30 pm, $8, see first-quarter moon, 4 planets & some of the constellations that signal the arrival of spring.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: Feb 21, Beardsley Park, Bridgeport (Rita Qubick, 268-4119); Feb 28, White Memorial Park, Litchfield (Betty Horton, 860-354-7526); March 6, mystery hike (Morie Colburn, 937-8067).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot (separate door for thrift shop), shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing & sm home accessories, etc.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6654.

Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: Feb 25, watercolor program by Richard Ochs.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224.

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6-8 pm (weigh-ins 6-6:45, meetings 7-8), meetings $2/week, membership $20/year.

 

Theatre ______________

Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To The Forum, Feb 20-May 9, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $34.50-$42.50.

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.

Metamorphoses, Feb 26-March 28, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, call for mat schedule (selected Wed, Sat & Sun).

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

On Stage II: The Story, through March 14, curtain Tues & Sun 7 pm, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $40 & $55, call about discount offers; Feb 22, Sunday Symposium, post-matinee discussion; Feb 17, Feb 24, March 2, 9, Meet-the-Artists, post-evening performance talkbacks w/ members of the company; Feb 18, 19, 25, 26, March 3, 4, 10, 11, Audience Chats, post performance discussions.

Playhouse on The Green (formerly Polka Dot Playhouse), 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.

Yellowman, through Feb 29, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25-$35, group rates available.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-757-4676.

The Sweepers, Feb 19-March 14, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $24-$38.50.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

Fuddy Meers, Feb 20-March 20, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (March 7 only) 2 pm, tickets $15; Thurs, Feb 26, Pay-What-You-Can night, 8 pm.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown events listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.

 

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks,

Arts Editor, Newtown Bee,

5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470,

or to shannon@thebee.com.