Donald’s weekend picks
You might have to dig a little harder for cultural events this pre-Christmas weekend — but you can still find some great possibilities.
1. ENJOY A ‘MIRACLE’
The Good Company Players production of “Dad’s Christmas Miracle” at the 2nd Space Theatre has just four performances left: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. This nostalgic comedy is about a boy who has to convince his family and teacher he’s worthy of a visit from Santa. Another theater option for the weekend is the first-rate “Beehive,” which continues at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. [Details]
2. DANCE IN TEL AVIV
The Fresno Jewish Film Festival presents “Salsa Tel Aviv” 7 p.m. Saturday at Temple Beth Israel. This romantic comedy is about a salsa dancer who moves to Tel Aviv so she can send home money to her family. [Details]
3. VISIT AN ART GALLERY
In the Friday 7 section I highlight three possibilities — all of which are open this weekend. One is Corridor 2122, which features a group show titled “Scale.” I got a kick out of William Raines’ “The Head of Ken,” below. [Details]
4. LISTEN TO ‘AMERICAN SABOR’
If you haven’t yet visited the traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibition of “American Sabor” at Arte Americas, this weekend could be your chance. This multi-media examination of the Latino influence on American music — complete with its own mini-dance-floor — is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Here’s a link to my November cover story in 7 about the exhibition. [Details]
5. SEE ‘ANNA KARENINA’
It’s wonderful. Reimagined as a sort of dreamy cross between a theater production and a film, director Joe Wright — working with a supremely clever script by Tom Stoppard — gives us a rousing interpretation of Tolstoy’s famous tale about a bored (and very married) Russian aristocrat who falls for a dashing young count. Keira Knightley, as the philandering Anna, is terrific, and Jude Law gives a brilliant, understated performance as her put-upon husband. Don’t dawdle on seeing this one — after the big Christmas movies open next week, I’ll be surprised if “Anna Karenina” is still given a screen in the Fresno-Clovis market. Here’s my colleague Rick Bentley’s rave review, plus a feature on the director.
