It’s the first weekend of what we all hope will be a year of progress, harmony, creativity, and good times. You can start working toward these goals this weekend by experiencing art, theater, music, and more at venues across the Seacoast. Here are some of the highlights.
Art ’Round Town
CAB (Transmogrifier) by Nathan Clark Bentley is on display at the New Hampshire Art Association.
The first Friday of January brings new exhibits to galleries across downtown Portsmouth. Many will stay open late to host opening receptions from 5-8 p.m. Among the highlights is “A New Year” at the New Hampshire Art Association, presenting work by new and long-time members. Learn more about the show here. For more on Art ’Round Town, click here. Also opening tonight is “Assertions and Negations,” the new exhibit at 3S Artspace, featuring paintings, drawings, and cut paper structures by Denise Manseau. More here.
Trans art at Wrong Brain
The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy of New Hampshire are joining forces with the Wrong Brain artist collective to present “This Is What Trans Feels Like,” an exhibition of work by courageous members of the transgender community. They’ll use various art forms to expose their interpretations of transgender reality and advance the transgender rights movement. The show opens Friday with a reception and panel discussion from 5-9 p.m. at Wrong Brain headquarters in Dover. More here.
Sowing “Doubt” at the Ring
When a Catholic school in the Bronx gets its first black student, an austere nun becomes suspicious that a well-liked priest is paying too much attention to the boy. A young nun gets trapped in the middle of the ensuing battle of wills. Denise Gordon directs The Players’ Ring’s production of John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt: A Parable.” The show, produced by Sandi Clark of Jukwaa Mazua, opens Friday in Portsmouth at 8 p.m. and runs through Jan. 22. Tickets are $15, available here.
Mad Men at the Rep
The Mad Men of Oopsy Daisy Inc. courtesy photo
The Mad Men of Oopsy Daisy Inc. wowed crowds at The Players’ Ring in October with “Bitter Pill,” their visual interpretation of Billy Butler’s music. Now, the creative duo is bringing its gallery of bizarre art forms to the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth for a performance titled “Mad Haus,” which they say will transport guests to the end of the world. The show, part of the Rep’s Red Light Series, is Saturday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, available here.
Rick Rude record release
Rick Rude courtesy photo
Rick Rude’s last EP, “Mind Cook,” made The Sound’s list of the top five local albums of 2016. And so it’s with great anticipation that we await the landing of their new album, “Make Mine Tuesday.” The indie rockers play a record release show at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. The supporting acts include Bunny’s a Swine, Kiss Concert, and GASH. This promises to be a party of immeasurable proportions. Tickets are $10, available here.