'Once' at the Rep, Kevin Nealon at Music Hall: 5 things to do this weekend
While it's a full slate of holiday events with Passover and Easter this weekend, there are some great shows to take in for a break from the family fun. Celebrate spring with a live theater or music performance and feel that sense of renewal we all need so much right now.
'Once' at Seacoast Rep in Portsmouth
In 2019, Seacoast Repertory Theatre produced the musical "Once" to rave reviews and soldout audiences. So lucky for us, beginning this weekend, "Once" is once again on the Rep's stage with many of the original cast members, including the memorable stars Jackie Evans and Sean Mullaney reprising their roles as Girl and Guy.
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The story goes: On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful, but complicated love story, underscored by one of the most moving and popular soundtracks of this century. This show and the film it's based on have won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award. "This achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show strikes an unforgettable chord in audiences," a Rep release says. "And speaks to the power of music to connect us all." The show opens April 14 and runs through June 5. Tickets range from $32 to $52 and are available at seacoastrep.org.
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Ayan Imai-Hall & Friends at The Dance Hall in Kittery
On Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., it'll be "An Evening of Jazz & Tap with Ayan Imai-Hall & Friends" at The Dance Hall in Kittery. Raised in New Hampshire, Ayan began tap dancing in local dance studios as a child. His first company experience was at the age of 13 when he joined the New England Tap Ensemble directed by Aaron Tolson. At age 17, he began touring across North America with dance companies. In 2012, Ayan was awarded a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts with blues musician and educator, TJ Wheeler. Since working with Wheeler, Ayan has strived to perform throughout New England bringing the dance to the music. A jazz quartet will accompany him. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and available at portsmouthnhtickets.com.
Celebrating Neil Young at The Dance Hall in Kittery
Also at The Dance Hall, Maine based singer-songwriters Marc McElroy and Seth Warner will present "Tonight's the Night: A Celebration of Neil Young," an evening featuring a complete live performance of Young's legendary record "Tonight’s the Night" as well as a selection of acoustic and electric favorites and deep cuts on Saturday, April 16. In addition to McElroy and Warner, the band will include Dan Beller-McKenna on pedal steel, bassist Jim Lamond and drummer Chris Marro. McElroy and Warner started performing music together in the fall of 1990 at the University of Maine, and have collaborated, recorded and harmonized off and on, ever since. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door for the 7:30 p.m. show. Visit thedancehallkittery.org.
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Kevin Nealon of 'SNL' fame at The Music Hall in Portsmouth
Comedian Kevin Nealon with his unique sense of humor, dry wit and likeable demeanor will perform at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday, April 16. Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s "Saturday Night Live," and has received critical acclaim for his role in the Showtime series, "Weeds." He is currently one of the stars on the CBS-TV comedy series "Man With A Plan." Comedian Jimmy Dunn will open for him. Tickets are $32 at themusichall.org.
Liv N’ Brilliant at the Press Room in Portsmouth
The beginnings of Liv N’ Brilliant, made up of five musicians from southern Maine, began when Liv Lorusso and Jordon Brilliant met at Bentley’s Saloon in Arundel, Maine. Liv Lorusso got her start as a performer during a chance encounter with the James Montgomery Blues Band. Over the past five years, she has shared the stage with blues legends such as James Montgomery, John Butcher Axis, Paul Nelson, and Buddy Guy. Brilliant was born in Texas, and grew up in Austin, the live music capital of the world. He moved to the New England music scene in 2016. Sam Vlasich from York, Maine, eventually found himself fronting NH-based Red Sky Mary for the better part of a decade. Harrison Foti and Brad Hartwick are the dynamic-duo rhythm section who grew up in the New Hampshire music scene, playing in former band Victim of Circumstance and now River Sang Wild. Cover is $10 for the 9 p.m. 21-plus show on Saturday, April 16 at the Press Room in Portsmouth. Visit pressroomnh.com.
Bonus tip: You can see the Oscar-nominated film "Belfast" on the big screen at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, students and military members.