Antiques Shows______

Jan 1: 27th Glastonbury Antiques & Collectibles Gala New Year’s Show, Glastonbury High School, Hubbard St, Glastonbury, 9 am-4:30 pm, adm $6, 130 dealers; 860-342-2540.

Jan 6-7: 51st Papermania Plus, Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $7, 160 exhibitors, free appraisals Sun 11 am-2 pm; 860-563-9975, 860-529-2234.

Jan 28: 41st Anniversary Tolland Antiques Show, former Tolland High School, Old Cathole Rd, Tolland, 10 am-4 pm (early buying 8:30 am, adm $15), adm $5, 65 exhibitor booths, presented by & benefit for Tolland Historical Society; 860-872-7716.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-438-4519.

Through Jan 21: “David Haislip: Artists at The Aldrich,” intimate & informal photos of artists installing their work at the Aldrich during past 7 years by local photographer, instrument maker & member of museum’s crew of preparators.

Through Feb 25: “No Reservations: Native American History and Culture in Contemporary Art,” works by 10 artists incl 2 full cars, a museum within a museum & a community-based project that involves sewing, stories, philanthropy & 800 blankets combine to look at deep cultural legacies & complex histories of Native peoples in the US & challenges preconceived ideas of what form Native-influenced work can take.

Through Feb 25: “Paul Fusco: Bitter Fruit,” 46 photographs by Mr Fusco, in his personal protest against gov’t spin & downplaying of cost of War in Iraq, that document the funerals of US soldiers killed in Iraq.

Through Feb 25: “Josh Azzarella: 2006 Emerging Artist Award Exhibition,” digital video & video photography showing pinnacle events in America’s history, altered so that while watching the work a viewer can momentary imagine what like might be like if the event had played out differently, exhibition celebrates winner of museum’s annual award given to an artist who work “exhibits bold innovation, exciting originality, clear direction & serious dedication.”

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Thurs 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm.

Call 203-331-1104.

Through Jan 7: “Celebrate The Season,” museum’s period room have been decorated (incl mannequins in period-appropriate costumes) for Christmas season in styles reflective of 19th Century & offer explanations of how holiday came to be a tradition in American society.

Permanent exhibits: “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; “P.T. Barnum: Bethel To Broadway To Bridgeport,” artifacts incl reproduction of Barnum’s Fejee Mermaid, souvenir pc of cake from Tom Thumb’s 1863 wedding & personal items from Barnum family; re-creation of library from Barnum’s first Bridgeport mansion Iranistan; “Baby Bridgeport,” preserved 6’8” 700-lb elephant, 2nd elephant born in captivity & 1st to be preserved; re-creation of drawing room from Harral-Wheeler mansion, considered one of most outstanding examples of Gothic Revival in America, ca 1847; “P.T. Barnum Presents the ‘Divine Jenny’ Lind,” artifacts from American tour of opera star reveals impact of Barnum-Lind collaboration on culture & society & Barnum’s promotional talents; 1,000-sq ft 3/4-inch scale model of five ring circus hand-carved by Meriden resident William Brinley w/ more than 3,000 miniature pcs; “General Tom Thumb,” original furniture, clothing & personal objects belonging to Barnum’s legendary protégé; and Pa-Ib, an Egyptian mummy documented by Egyptian priest as more than 2,500 yrs old.

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

Through Dec 31: “31st Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale,” region’s largest exhibition & sale of designer quality handcrafted gifts by artists from across the country incl art jewelry & jewelry boxes, ceramics, glassware, scarves, mittens & hats, ornaments, toys, desk items, candlesticks, frames & much more.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Call 203-869-0376.

Through Jan 10: “Jan van der Heyden (1637-1712),” first monographic exhibition in 70 years of works by one of greatest painters of cityscapes in Golden Age of Dutch painting, first show ever in US, featuring 37 cityscape paintings & 16 drawings w/ supplemental material on the artist’s publication in firefighting.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-334-7748.

Through Jan 6: “Mini Masterpieces II,” exhibition & sale of small-scale paintings, photography, prints, jewelry, ceramics, hand-painted silk scarves & other works of art by 20 local artists.

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm & most Monday holidays (call ahead). Call 203-372-3521.

Through Dec 31: “Cool Moves: The Artistry of Motion,” 14 interactive exhibits offer a new appreciation for the beauty of motion.

Through Dec 31: “Fun, 2, 3, 4: all about a number of things!” measuring, graphing & estimating interactives help visitors apply math to everyday activities & have fun while doing so.

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

Through Jan 5: “As Seen From Above,” 22 framed 20 x 30-inch limited edition color photos shot by Morgan Kaolian, primarily from his Cessna 172 Skyhawks (Flight 60), showing scenics & artful compositions of sights throughout the region, also collection of cameras used by Mr Kaolian during is 50+ year photo-flying career.

Through Jan 9: “Switching Trains – The Hard Way,” exhibition shows how trains could be switched from track to track during 1800s from up to ¼ mile away without electricity or hydraulics, produced & curated by The SoNo Switch Tower Museum.

Through Jan 9: “Keeping Track of Time,” second exhibition by SoNo Switch Tower Museum offers info on the country’s 4 time zones & why RR companies had to create them, and why keeping track of time is so important to RR lines.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Wed-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

Through Jan 28: “Light & Shadow,” limited edition mezzoting prints by Carol Wax & painted wood wall sculptures by Marlene Sloan.

Golden Age of Trucking Museum, 1101 Southford Rd/Rte 188, Middlebury. Hours: Thurs-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-577-2181.

Through April 15: “Trucks and More…,” watercolor paintings of vintage trucks by Howard W. Shoemaker; Sept 12, Cruise Night, 5:30-8 pm, reduced adm to museum, prizes, family fun, refreshments, proceeds to benefit museum.

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

Through Jan 15: “A Natural Reaction,” ceramic art by Kirsten Larsen Fredericks, showing her “creative transformation of natural forms” into unique bowls, vases & other ceramic works.

Gregory James Gallery, 13 Main St (on the green), New Milford. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun & eves by appt. Call 860-354-3436.

Through Jan 13: “6th Annual Small Treasures Show,” annual group exhibit will feature 100+ works by many New England artists incl Scott Zuckerman, Roger Kastel, Patrick Purcell & Anda Styler along w/ new talents represented by gallery incl Ralph Della-Volpe, James Coe, Rainie Crawford, et al, similar presentation also being offered during same time frame at gallery’s Kent location.

Gregory James Gallery, 25 North Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Call 860-927-7133.

Through Jan 13: “6th Annual Small Treasures Show,” annual group exhibit will feature 100+ works by many New England artists )see details for New Milford gallery, above).

Housatonic Museum of Art/Burt Chernow Galleries at Housatonic Community College, 90 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm (until 7 on Thurs), Sat 9 am-3 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm. Call 203-332-5000.

Through Feb 21: sculptures recently completed by Matthias Alfen, also small survey of the artist’s early works.

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

Through Dec 31: “Larson’s Farm Archaeological Site,” artifacts & cultural features incl hearths, post molds & tool caches from excavations done at site of major American Indian village repeatedly occupied 8,000 yrs ago on site now covered by New Milford High School.

Through Dec 31: “Fancy Baskets,” variety of fancy baskets from local collector Julie Pistol shows how basket-making among the Indian Peoples of Main changes w/ growth of tourist industry during mid-19th Century in New England incl the emergence of baskets embellished w/ handles, dyed splints & decorative weaves.

Through Dec 31: “The Language of Baskets,” celebration of creativity, ingenuity & diversity of Native Peoples of North America & the decorative techniques, styles & design elements used to create baskets, which have been part of Native American lives since pre-historic times.

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-865-0400.

Through Jan 31: “A Vatican Christmas: Crèches of Pope John Paul II,” second in a series of the museum’s annual “Christmas in Miniature” exhibitions fills 3 lg galleries & tells the story of the late pontiff’s keen interest in the three-dimensional re-creation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Hours: Mon 12-7 pm, Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm. Call 860-350-2181.

Through Dec 30: “RKP/Roxbury,” recent works by members of Road Kill Press incl Liz Dexheimer, Keith Hatcher, Helga J. Kahl, Elisabeth W. King, Susan W. Rood, Sheila Tintera & Katherine Wadsworth, group will show works in lithography, intaglio, watercolor, monotype, woodcut, collage & more.

*(new show) Jan 6-Feb 5: “Abstract Paintings,” recent paintings using strong, vibrant colors & geometric shapes by Robert Baras; Jan 6, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm, Wed-Fri 11 am-5 pm (open to 8 pm first Thurs/month). Call 860-278-2670, TDD 860-278-0294.

Through Dec 31: “American Art, 1800-1950,” 180 works spanning early American landscapes to American modernism offers popular favorites alongside pcs that have not been viewed publicly in decades.

Through Dec 31: “American Splendor: Hudson River School Masterworks from the Wadsworth Atheneum,” world’s best collection of Hudson River School paintings returns home after nat’l tour before traveling to Europe, incl works of Cole, Church, Kensett, et al, all collected by Daniel Wadsworth.

Through Dec 31: “Edward Weston: A Photographer’s Love of Life,” survey exhibition of the maverick photographer’s career offers 89+ vintage palladium & gelatin silver prints, plus set of 10 Kodachrome transparencies taken in 1947, show also casts fresh look art artist’s work by highlighting relationships w/ family & friends through snapshots of Weston & family & display of his correspondence.

Through March 4: “Samuel Colt: Arms, Art and Invention,” complicated tale of the intertwining lives of wealthy celebrity & businessman Samuel Colt & the painter George Catlin through 179 objects incl paintings, lithographs, pistols & rifles of every description, jewelry, medals, miniatures, snuffboxes & more.

Wisdom House/Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, 229 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-567-3163.

Through Dec 30: “In the Garden of Sophia,” combo of traditional oil on canvas painting, digital manipulation & laminated glass technology by Hugh O’Donnell shows process used to create new series of chapel windows for room dedicated to meditation & contemplation at Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.

Through Dec 31: “Canaletto in England: A Venetian Artist Abroad, 1746-1755,” nearly 60 paintings & drawings by the 18th Century Italian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal (“Canaletto,” 1697-1768), offers most ambitious survey ever mounted of the artist’s time in England; Dec 16, exhibition tour, noon.

Through Dec 31: “Art & Music in Britain: Four Encounters, 1730-1900,” 60+ works from YCBA’s collection incl period instruments from Yale Univ’s Collection of Music & sheet music from Yale’s Beneicke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The Lewis Walpole Library, and Sterling Music Library, also listening stations to hear relevant musical selections.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

Through Dec 31: “Private Faces of Public People, 1750-1900,” American miniatures from YUAG’s collection offers 29 portraits of leaders in politics & arts incl George & Martha Washington, Andrew Jackson, Benjamin West & Paul Revere.

Through Jan 14: “To Know The Dark: American Artists’ Visions of Night,” approx 25 works in range of media drawn primarily from gallery’s permanent collection, plus recent acquisitions, exploring the evocative period from dusk to dawn incl pcs by Robert Adams, Oscar Bluemner, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Yvonne Jacquette, et al.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Connecticut Poetry Society, PO Box 270554, West Hartford CT 06127. Call 860-236-6772.

Dec 31: Entry deadline for 2006 Wallace W. Winchell Poetry Contest, entry fee $10 for 3 poems, any subject, max 40 lines, must be original & unpublished, no simultaneous submissions, visit CT-poetry-society.org for full contest & entry specifics, prizes incl $150 1st place, $100 2nd place, $50 3rd place & publication in CT River Review.

Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury. Call 748-1716.

Jan 8: Rehearsals resume for Danbury Symphony Orchestra, openings in all string sections, wait list available for wind & percussion players, group made up of 65 “highly trained musicians” who perfrm as avocation as well as professionally, admission by invitation, music director & conductor is performances scheduled for Feb (concert for young people), March (annual evening gala) & May,

Jan 9: Danbury Concert Chorus, rehearsals resume Jan 9 (evenings), 100-voice chorus has openings in all sections (esp tenors), dedicated to highest amateur performance standards & finest in choral literature, director is Richard Price, next performance May 12 will incl Mendelssohn’s Elijah, no auditions, call for details.

Danbury Community Orchestra, 80-member group (50% adults, 50% teens), directed & conducted by Stephen Michael Smith, has sev vacancies incl 1 horn, 1 bassoon, 2 viola & 2 cello, May 6 performance to incl works of Wagner, Beethoven & Borodin, admission is by audition – call for audition appt or to be placed on wait list, rehearsals are Wed eves.

Danbury Preparatory String Orchestra, training orchestra for string players (violin, viola, celli & bass) of all ages w/ limited orchestral experience, membership by registration.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Through Dec 29: It Must Be Christmas, The Spinning Wheel Inn, Rte 58, Redding Ridge, daily matinee & evening performances of 3-act original musical interspersed w/ fresh cooked 4-fourse holiday meal, tickets $59.50-$79.50; 203-825-3006.

Dec 29: 6th Annual Concert Society Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concert, Trinity Episcopal Church, 30 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, tickets $35, performance by concert orchestra under direction of (Newtown resident) Richard E. Serbagi will be followed by reception w/ performers, proceeds will benefit Kevin’s Community Center, advance ticket sales only; 270-6200.

Dec 31: The Dick Campo Big Band at Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, at Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, 7 pm, tickets $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 students, $15 ages 10 & under, swing in the new year w/ classic music by one of New England’s most celebrated big bands, complete w/ guest vocalist & New York actors reading soldiers’ letters written during the war to family & friends, dance floor will be set up in front of stage; 203-371-7908.

Jan 7: Tricodes concert, Pomperaug Woods’ Wilton Hall, 80 Heritage Rd, Southbury, 3 pm, free concert by guitarist Daniel Corr, cellist Andrea Mills & violinist Andrew Smith will incl works for violin, cello & guitar by Paganini, Vivaldi, Giuliani & Ester Magi; 262-6555.

Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury. Call 268-8570.

Weekly Ballroom Dancing, Wed 7-11 pm, adm $15 (incl buffet), music provided by DJ, free dance lesson (7:15-7:45 pm), cash bar, door prizes, singles, couples & beginners all welcome.

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Jan 7, Savoy Brown with Kim Simmonds & John Hammons, curtain 7:30 pm, tickets $45 & $50; Jan 14, Mountain with special guest Country Joe McDonald, tickets $50.

Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Call 203-438-3889.

Concerts at Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Rd, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $15-$50: Jan 6, “Marvelous Mozart VI,” guest pianist Debora Lee, program to incl Overture to Abduction from the Seraglio, K. 384, Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, K. 467 & Symphony No. 39 in E Flat, K. 543.

Films _________________

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

Independent Film Festival, free, screenings 7:30 pm: Jan 9, Familia.

Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West), Danbury. Call 797-4533.

Independent Film Series, free, screenings at 2 pm: Jan 7, Day Break.

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm & most Monday holidays (call ahead). Call 203-372-3521.

Planetarium shows: Rock on Mars! Mon-Fri 3:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1 & 3 pm, designed for ages 8 & up; Wonderful Sky, Mon-Fri 1 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm, designed for ages 7 & under.

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

Dec 29-Jan 4: Man of The Year (PG-13), Fri-Sat, Tues-Thurs 9 pm, mat Fri-Sun, Tues 1 pm; Open Season (PG), Fri-Sat, Tues-Thurs 7 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1 pm.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, South Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

Now playing: Ride Around the World, Mon-Fri 1 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, 1 & 3 pm; also double feature w/ Ocean Wonderland, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

Now playing (film continues until April, schedule will be updated): Ocean Wonderland, Mon-Fri 12 & 2 pm, Sat-Sun 12, 2 & 4 pm; also double feature w/ Ride Around the World, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

Now playing: Mysteries of Egypt, Mon-Fri 11 am.

For Kids & Families _________

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

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Jan 10, Nutmeg Book Discussion, 4 pm, readers in grades 4-6 invited for informal discussion of Kensuke’s Kingdom.

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Jan 9, YA Book Talk, 4 pm, readers in grades 5 & up invited for discussion of Jerry Spinelli’s Milkweed.

Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St, Danbury. Call 797-4505 (Junior Dept, 797-4528).

Free programs: Jan 6, Three Kings Day program, 11 am-noon, celebrate & learn about Three Kings Day through stories & piñata craft.

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Jan 20, Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix, performances 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15;

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Dec 31: “31st Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale,” Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield, Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, region’s largest exhibition & sale of designer quality handcrafted gifts by artists from across the country incl art jewelry & jewelry boxes, ceramics, glassware, scarves, mittens & hats, ornaments, toys, desk items, candlesticks, frames & much more; 775-4526.

Dec 31: “Community Conversations & Prayers to Bring In The New Year With Love,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program will be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & informal tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Jan 4: First Thursday: Game Night, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 6:30-8:30 pm, adm $15 ($10 members), teens & adults invited to evening of classic board games, screening of movie & popcorn, also tours of “No Reservations” exhibition, snacks & drinks; 203-438-4519.

Jan 7: New Year’s Psychic Fair, Maron Inn, M ill Plain Rd, Danbury, 11 am-6 pm, free adm, area psychics, clairvoyants, astrologers, tarot & gemstone readers participating, vendor area; 470-1806.

Jan 9: BNI/Brookfield chapter meeting, Franco’s Ristorante, 265 Federal Rd, Brookfield, 7-8:30 am, open to non-members, largest BNI chapter in CT will host educational presentation on chiropractic care by Dr Craig Sollose (CT Center for Integrated Healthcare); 794-1114.

Jan 10: “Identity Theft: Protecting Your Good Name,” The Village at Brookfield Common, 246A Federal Rd, Brookfield, 10 am, free presentation by CT State Trooper Gerard Johansen is part of Brookfield Common University (BCU), a cooperative program w/ Western CT State Univ; 837-8486.

Jan 10: “Identity Theft: Protecting Your Good Name,” Ridgefield Crossings, 640 Danbury Rd, Wilton, 2 pm, free presentation by CT State Trooper Gerard Johansen is part of Ridgefield Common University (RCU), a cooperative program w/ Western CT State Univ; 837-8486.

Newtown Hikers. Call 788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9:30 am (later start during winter season), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: Jan 6, High Rock, Naugatuck Forest (leader Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025); Jan 13, Reservoir #6, Hartford (leader Ildiko Gramling, 263-0086).

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, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, River Rd, Southbury. Call (Tues-Fri 9 am-3 pm) 800-368-8954.

Seasonal: Observation area open Dec 27 to March 14 only, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), 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.

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9:30 & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 31, Laugh-In 2007 w/ Quentin Heggs headlining, opening sets by Mike Siscoe & Bob Dibuono, showtime 10 pm, tickets $34.95 incl dancing after show, party favors & balloon drop, champagne toast (dinner option also available, $54.95 total, seatings 8, 8:15 & 8:30 pm).

Theatre ______________

Through Dec 29: It Must Be Christmas, The Spinning Wheel Inn, Rte 58, Redding Ridge, daily matinee & evening performances of 3-act original musical interspersed w/ fresh cooked 4-fourse holiday meal, tickets $59.50-$79.50; 203-825-3006.

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

A Christmas Carol, through Dec 30, curtain Tues-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $22-$57.

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

On Stage II: The Santaland Diaries, through Dec 31, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun 2 pm, call for tickets & special programming info.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-9850.

Special Events: Dec 29, “Whose Barn Is It Anyway?” doors 7 pm, curtain 8 pm, tickets $20 ($15 tax-deductible), evening of improv comedy & insanity by The Role In The Hay Players will also serve as benefit for Theater Barn New Building Fund.

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

The Lying Kind, through Dec 31, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve gala performance, curtain 8 pm, tickets $35, performance, hors d’oeuvres & open bar.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items 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, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.