Out & About: Featured Events in February 2016

British drama, bluegrass tunes, and expanded art gallery offerings are just a few ways to beat the winter blahs

Simply Shakespeare

Following their smashingly successful staging of Macbeth in both Manchester and Manhattan, directors Kenneth Branagh and Rob Ashford team up again for The Winter’s Tale. This stage production (in which Branagh also tackles a leading role) is broadcast from the Garrick Theatre in London, and also stars the formidable actress Dame Judi Dench. Difficult to categorize, the show is affectionately known among scholars as one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays”: the first act is full of psychological drama, while the second and third acts are full of comedy — and there’s a happy ending. Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. $20. Bardavon 1869 Opera House. 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072; www.bardavon.org

new works
Michael Kessler’s New Works exhibit draws connections between gesture and geometry, relying heavily on inspiration from nature

The Grand Artiste

Having recently expanded in order to feature more works by both prominent and local artists, the Canfin Gallery presents paintings by Michael Kessler. In an exhibit entitled New Works, Kessler draws connections between gesture and geometry. As with all of his pieces, he relies heavily on inspiration from nature. The artist has presented solo shows all across the United States, as well as internationally in London and Sweden. Feb. 6-28. Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 12-5 p.m. The Canfin Gallery. 39 Main St., Tarrytown. 914-332-4554; www.canfingallery.com

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gibson brothers

Singing the Blue(grass)

The Gibson Brothers often have been praised as one of the most exciting acts in the contemporary bluegrass genre. Having won multiple IBMA awards, brothers Eric and Leigh charm audiences with their affable personalities, skilled songwriting, and haunting duets. Returning to the Valley this month, they take the stage with longtime bassist Mike Barber and Jesse Brock. Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. $48. The Emelin Theatre. 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098; www.emelin.org

Keeping Priorities Straight

One of the most successful and popular plays of modern times, You Can’t Take It With You follows the romance of Tony — who stands to inherit a pile of money from his snobbish family — and working-class Alice. The lovers — and their two families — come from vastly different worlds; they wind up facing off in a madcap evening that forces them all to reevaluate what is most important in life. Feb. 12-21. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $22-$24. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

word art exhibit

Emerging Talent

Last year for the first time, the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art issued an open call for regional artists to submit their works for a new exhibition called WORD. Fittingly, the only requirement was that each piece must feature at least one word; also, it must explore, through contemporary style, how words affect the people at whom they are directed. Works by close to 140 artists were submitted, and 45 were selected to be shown in this juried exhibit — which also features contributions from established artists like Beatrice Coron, Dylan, and Anne Hamilton. Feb. 27-July 31. Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 12-6 p.m. $5, $4 seniors & educators, $2 students & children. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art. 1701 Main St., Peekskill. 914-788-0100; www.hvcca.org

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