The first weekend of spring offers local music, dance, theater, art, and Shatner impressions. Here are some highlights.
‘The Wedding Singer’ at the Rep
In the 1980s, Robbie Hart was the best wedding singer in New Jersey — until his fiancée left him at the altar. Can a spunky waitress kick-start his heart? Based on the Adam Sandler movie, “The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy” is on stage at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth from March 22-24. Alyssa Dumas directs. Show times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22-$24. Learn more here.
Dance Northeast at the Opera House
Sole City Dance presents its annual showcase of local talent at the Rochester Opera House on Saturday, March 23. Performers from regional dance companies and education centers will take the stage for two performances. Junior companies and up-and-coming student choreographers perform at 2 p.m., while senior and professional companies will be joined by special guests at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9 for the afternoon show or $11-$15 for the evening performance. For more information, click here.
William Shatner Beat Night
A decade of Shatner impersonations culminates in the 10th annual William Shatner Beat Night at Portsmouth Book & Bar on Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m. Performers will do their best Shatner in front of a panel of judges who will grade them on originality, accuracy, and, most importantly, “the sexy.” The event is a fundraiser for the Gather food pantry; attendees are asked to donate $7 cash or a suggested food item. For more information, click here.
Tiger Saw Vinyl Release Show
Regional band Tiger Saw has been mesmerizing audiences with its minimalist, slow-core sound for about 20 years now. Their seventh album, “The Featherweight,” pays homage to 1970s funk, dance, and soul music. Frontman Dylan Metrano has recruited an all-star lineup of 12 local musicians for a vinyl release show at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Saturday, March 23, at 9 p.m. Local duo Kid Coyote opens. Tickets are $7. For more information, click here.
Public Art Opening at Foundry Place
Art-Speak will unveil two public art installations at the Foundry Place Garage in Portsmouth on Sunday, March 24, at 4 p.m. Mayor Jack Blalock and other city officials will be on hand for a ceremony recognizing artists Seth Palmeter and Terrence Parker. A reception follows at Liars Bench Beer Company. The installations are part of Portsmouth’s “Percent for Art” ordinance, which allocates 1 percent of public construction and renovation project budgets to a Public Art Trust. Learn more here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.