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See ’em before they’re famous: The annual Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition has launched the careers of several top-shelf classical musicians (including Ani Kavafian of the Lincoln Center Chamber Players and the Eroica Trio’s Adela Pena). Some the country’s best conservatory violinists, cellists, and violists are put through their musical paces as they vie for the $3,000 first prize — and the chance to perform with the HVP in 2015. Hear the top three finalists give their solo recital performances for the judges — and find out who is deemed the best of the best. March 16 at 3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. • Skinner Hall, Vassar College campus. 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or bardavon.org
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The folks at Eisenhower Hall Theatre invite you to “Be Our Guest” at a performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The national touring production of the smash Broadway musical — based on the 1991 film of the same name — is a retelling of a French fairy tale about a hideous monster (he’s really a prince) and the beautiful girl whose love he must earn to become human again. You’ll be humming the Alan Menken score in the car all the way home. March 2 at 3 p.m. Call or visit Web site for tickets. • 655 Pitcher Rd., West Point. 845-938-6769 or ikehall.com
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If you’ve never seen National Lampoon’s Animal House on the big screen, then get yourself to UPAC this month. The 1978 low-budget blockbuster — made for just $2.8 million, it has earned more than 40 times that — is one of the first of the “gross-out” genre of film comedies. (Think John Belushi — shown at right — and the cafeteria food fight.) The wacky plot concerns the Deltas, a college fraternity composed of misfits that is constantly running afoul of the school administration — as well as the buttoned-up Omegas next door. Utter havoc ensues when the whole frat is expelled, and they exact their revenge at the annual homecoming parade. Hilarious fun. 7:30 p.m. $6. • Ulster Performing Arts Center. 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088 or upac.org
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The Golden Dragon Acrobats bring their latest production, Cirque Ziva, to the Tarrytown Music Hall. This troupe reinterprets a centuries-old Chinese art form by executing various gasp-inducing physical exploits: The performers contort themselves into impossible shapes, juggle wineglasses and umbrellas with their feet, and do handstands atop a mile-high stack of chairs (among other feats of derring-do). Fast-paced, technically original, and artistically beautiful, this is a spectacle that will thrill kids, parents — and grandparents, too. March 7 at 8 p.m. $35-$45. • 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 877-840-0457 or tarrytownmusichall.org
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The Peekskill-based chamber ensemble Rebel presents an all-Mozart concert, featuring both familiar and lesser-known works by the Austrian wunderkind. The group, which specializes in 17th- and 18th-century music, performs on period instruments; they’ve made frequent appearances on NPR and been hailed by the New York Times as “sophisticated and beguiling.” After the performance, held in the acoustically superior Bedford Presbyterian Church, you can hobnob with the musicians at a catered reception. March 9 at 4 p.m. $35, $30 seniors, $10 students, $5 children 5-12. • Village Green (intersection of Rte. 22 & Rte. 172), Bedford. 914-734-9537 or rebelbaroque.com
