What to do this week

Robin Goldstein (see Wednesday, Feb. 10)  (photo courtesy Robin
Goldstein)

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 4

Theater: NO fat ladies required

If you feel your life is lacking somewhat in the adventure department, the Garde Arts Center might have your fix tonight. Touring opera company Teatro Lirico d'Europa returns to the Garde stage, performing Verdi's Rigoletto, about the nefarious Duke of Mantua, who has a nasty habit of seducing other people's wives and daughters, and his jester Rigoletto, who pokes fun at the women's fathers and husbands. One of the fathers gets super pissed and puts a curse on Rigoletto, which of course propels the story into tragedy territory. 325 State St., New London; 860-444-7373, gardearts.org. 7:30 p.m. $40-$60.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5

Music: Help!

OMG, this weekend contains even more Beatles-y events for you superfans. Liverpool Productions (liverpooltours.com), the same folks who brought us the BEATexpo back in November, is having another super-fun "Twist and Shout Dinner Dance Party" tonight at Aldario's Restaurant (240 Naugatuck Ave., Milford; 203-874-6096, aldarios.com). Dance the night away to the sounds of The Beatles Forever Band, who play two sets of favorites, the first featuring early pop gems, and the second comprised of songs from the latter part of the Beatles' career. Aldario's serves a full buffet dinner to help satisfy that hunger you're sure to work up with all that dancing, and there's an open bar for the grown-ups. Call Liverpool Productions at 203-795-4737 to purchase your $40 tickets, but do it fast. These parties sell out quickly. If you want to experience some Beatles nostalgia without the pressure of the dance floor, head on up to the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den (1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Montville; 888-226-7711, mohegansun.com) tonight and tomorrow night at 9 p.m. or Sunday night at 8 p.m., when Classic Albums Live recreates Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, in that order. These shows are free, and the musicianship is sure to be nothing shy of tip-top.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6

Film: Lights! Camera! Action!

Ever want to get up close and personal with a film crew without crossing the line into pseudo-celebrity-stalker status? Tonight you can meet some independent filmmakers from the state and get an inside look at Connecticut's burgeoning indie film scene at CT New Wave Film Night at the Bristol Historical Society (98 Summer St., Bristol; 860-583-6309). The CT New Wave Film Collective, an up-and-coming group of local filmmakers, is ready to show off a trailer for its feature film Sensory Perception, done entirely in Connecticut with a local crew. They also need your help to make another film, American Jubilee. Tickets are $15 advance, or $20 at the door, and all proceeds from the event will help bring American Jubilee to fruition. Contact Ryan Casey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to purchase your tickets.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7

Poetry: Equality is in the Air we Breathe

American poet and novelist Langston Hughes' work has left a lasting impression on our nation's literary history long after his death in 1967. Today at 2 p.m., celebrate his works and his life (in honor of his birthday on Feb. 1) at the Mystic Arts Center's third annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading. Local students, artists and community members celebrate his legacy. This year's keynote speaker is Kate Rushin, former director of Wesleyan's Center for African American Studies. 9 Water St., Mystic; 860-536-7601, ext. 204, mysticarts.org. Free.

Fundraisers: Going to the dogs

Bob Barker once said, "A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life." Rhonda, a friendly Rottweiler at the Branford Animal Shelter, needs some TLC before she can be adopted into the home of a loving local family. That's why the Stony Creek Gallery (152 Thimble Island Road, Branford; 203-208-1990) is having a Help Me Rhonda Fundraiser and Valentine's Day Extravaganza this weekend, to help raise money to pay for Rhonda's much-needed treatment. Purchase the work of a local artist, or donate dog or cat food, with all proceeds benefiting not just Rhonda, but the shelter's other animals as well. Drop by Saturday or today, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or next Saturday, the 13th.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 8

theater: Your inner bard

How goes the New Year's resolution keeping? Given up on any new projects yet? Want to retroactively pick up the hobby of playwriting, and pretend you intended from the beginning to take a crack at it this year? PlayMakers Theatre is holding their annual "Shorts" Festival, sponsored by the Hamden Arts Commission, in June and seeks new 10-minute plays by Connecticut playwrights to be performed at the festival. Why not sit down tonight and start work on what could become your masterpiece? Plays must be received by April 15, see playmakersct.webs.com for all pertinent eligibility information and where to send your play.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9

Workshops: Expand your Tax Horizons

Hey all you budding songwriters! Looking for a little guidance about available tax benefits for musicians? The Connecticut Songwriters Association (ctsongs.com) will get you in the know at tonight's tax workshop for musicians at the Mystic Chamber of Commerce (14 Holmes St., Mystic; 860-572-9578). Learn tips for proper record keeping and about the specific issues relating to arts income and expenses. Afterwards, they'll hold a song critique session, to help you improve all areas of your musical endeavors. Bring a CD copy of the song, or prepare to perform it live, and come with 20 copies of the lyrics. 7:15 p.m. Free for CSA members, $5 for nonmembers.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10

Books: Fearless Feeding Frenzy

The Fearless Critic New Haven Restaurant Guide is an indispensable source for those out and about around town looking for the perfect place to grab a bite. One of its authors, Robin Goldstein, visits Atticus Bookstore-Café (1082 Chapel St. 203-776-4040, atticusbookstorecafe.com) tonight to answer your questions about New Haven's foodie establishments. Sample tasty Atticus dishes and try some wines Goldstein recommends in his book The Wine Trials 2010. 6 p.m. Free.

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