RAISING THE ROOF For the first time in years, Ipswich middle school and high school students are pooling their talents in a major theatrical show, “Fiddler on the Roof,’’ Friday through Sunday, May 6-8.
The story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, who with the help of a tight-knit Jewish community tries to protect his five daughters and instill them with traditional values.
“While the community looks forward to another high-quality performance of a favorite musical, theater in the school is also an educational experience,’’ said Jill Hasselbacher, director of the drama program. “Combining the two schools allows for the younger students to learn and be mentored by the more experienced high schoolers. Actors in a wider range of ages also adds depth and realism to the casting, with younger students playing the roles of Tevye’s children and the older students playing the adults.’’
Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Dolan Performing Arts Center, Ipswich High School. Tickets are $10; $8 for students and senior citizens, and available at ticketstage.com or at the door.
FROM MOZART TO BROADWAY The Mishawum Choral Society of Woburn presents its annual spring concert Sunday, May 1, at the Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church in Winchester.
Directed by Brian Gilbertie, with accompaniment by pianist Sarah Lafontaine, the chorale sings works from Mozart, Wagner, and Handel.
It also presents Broadway arrangements written by Irving Berlin and Stephen Schwartz, and an assortment of other compositions from various genres.
The concert begins at 3 p.m. at 34 Dix St. Tickets are $15, $10 for students and senior citizens. Visit mishawumchoral.org or crawfordumc.org.
CLASSICS FOR KIDS Acting Out Productions is bringing two classic children’s stories to the stage at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport Thursday through Sunday, May 5-8.
Students of Acting Out in Newburyport will present “The Ugly Duckling’’ and “Charlotte’s Web.’’
Bella Duck has given birth to four ducklings and one doesn’t fit in. When he’s ejected from the barnyard, his adventures in the world begin.
The show features 15 local student actors and is directed by Jack Neary and Deirdre Budzyna. Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $15; $10 for students, senior citizens, and Firehouse members.
“Charlotte’s Web,’’ based on the book by E.B. White, features two different casts, for a total of 60 young performers.
All the familiar characters make an appearance: Fern, Wilber, Templeton the Rat, and, of course, Charlotte. The show is directed by John Budzyna and Deirdre Budzyna.
There are “pajama nights’’ for both evening shows, in which children are welcome to come dressed for bed and have their bedtime story performed for them. The daytime shows offer a chance to meet the cast afterward.
Performances are 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20; $15 for students, senior citizens, and Firehouse members.
Call 978-462-7336 or visit firehouse.org and actingoutproductions.com.
CAMPUS RUN The fourth annual Campus Classic 5K and Fun Run takes place Saturday, May 7, at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill.
The 5K race — which is certified by USA Track & Field — winds through the rural campus and surrounding residential neighborhood. Competitive runners, as well as novices and walkers, are invited.
The race begins at 10 a.m. Awards are given to the top male and female runners overall, and in age divisions. The entrance fee is $25.
In addition to the public, runners will include college faculty and staff, participants in municipal police and Essex County Sheriff’s Department academies, and teams from community colleges across the state.
The Fun Run is for children 12 and younger and organized by age group. All participants receive an award. It begins at 9 a.m. Registration is $10.
As it’s a campus event, participants are encouraged to wear apparel from their college. Proceeds benefit student scholarships and academic programs.
The campus is at 100 Elliott St. Call 978-556-3621 or visit campusclassic5k.com.
WATER AS INSPIRATION “Flow,’’ an exhibit by Mary Gilbert Remillong of Tewksbury featuring watercolors of the sea, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, is at the Stetson Gallery in Marblehead throughout May.
“I have always loved water in all its forms, even rain, snow, and ice,’’ Remillong said. “The flow, movement, and freedom that the fluidity of water embodies speak to both my body and soul.’’
An opening reception is noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1. The Stetson Gallery is in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, 28 Mugford St. Call 781-631-1215 or visit uumarblehead.org.
Wendy Killeen
Wendy Killeen can be reached at wdkilleen@gmail.com
