Out & About in January 2010

Come to the Cabaret

Take a trip to 1930s Berlin, where cabaret singer Sally Bowles is seducing audiences at the Kit Kat Club, oblivious to the signs of Nazism’s rise. Sally and her friends can be found in the Kings Theatre Company’s production of Cabaret, at the Lycian Centre for Performing Arts. In the words of Sally, “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play.” Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. $33.75-$49. Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf. 845-469-2287.

Mad for Mod

The eighth edition of Vassar College’s Modfest — a celebration of contemporary music, art, dance, drama, film, and literature — kicks off this month. Each year, the festival spotlights the work of one modern composer; this year’s honoree is serial music pioneer Milton Babbitt. On Jan. 24, Babbitt takes part in a public “conversation” with fellow composer (and Vassar faculty member) Richard Wilson; afterwards, the Argento Ensemble performs a selection of his music. Other featured events include art exhibits, poetry readings, screenings of foreign films, and concerts. Jan. 21-Feb. 7. 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-437-5370.

Stand-up Satire

Bill Maher has earned 21 Emmy nominations, countless laughs, and a fair number of enemies by pushing the limits of “acceptable” political and social commentary. (You may remember the widespread controversy generated by a comment he made on his TV show Politically Incorrect questioning the “cowardice” of the 9/11 terrorists — controversary which eventually led to the show’s cancellation.) In 2008 he focused his highly skeptical lens on the topic of organized religion. The resulting film, Religulous, has become the seventh highest-grossing documentary of all time. Come see what all the fuss is about when the satirist/stand-up comedian/television host visits the Ulster County Performing Arts Center. Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. $50-$85. 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088.

Songs of Orpheus

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, named after the Greek god whose music inspired trees and rocks to dance, joins world-renowned pianist Angela Hewitt for a program of works by Stravinsky, Bach, Maxwell Davies, and DvoVrák at the Concert Hall of the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. $42.50-$77.50. 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914-251-6200.

Impressions

American impressionist landscapes — ranging from a sunlit road, to a snow-covered riverbank, to vibrant cityscapes — are the focus of an exhibit at the upstate Hyde Collection. An Enduring Legacy: American Impressionist Landscapes from the Thomas Clark Collection is comprised of 68 paintings from the private collection of Saratoga resident Thomas Clark, and includes works by Maurice Braun, Hayley Lever, E. Bruce Nelson, and Harry Aiken Vincent, among others. Through March 28; call for hours. $5 suggested donation. 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. 518-792-1761.

Ode to Ol’ Blue Eyes

Steve Lippia, the man who has been called a “vocal dead ringer” for Frank Sinatra, takes the stage at West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Theatre this month, crooning his renditions of such Sinatra hits as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” and “New York, New York.” An acclaimed interpreter of American classic standards and adult contemporary pop music, Lippia previously starred in The Rat Pack is Back, a musical comedy about Sinatra and his famous pals. Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. Call for ticket information. 655 Pitcher Rd., West Point. 845-938-4159.

Ice Queen

What’s Olympic gold medalist Oksana Baiul doing at Ulster County’s Mohonk Mountain House? On the evening of Jan. 29, she’ll be lacing up her skates for a short solo performance at the resort’s skating pavillion. (Prior to her appearance, skaters from the Boundless Edge Ensemble and skating school will show off their ice-dancing skills.) The show starts at 9 p.m. The next day, Baiul offers skating tips, reminisces about her Olympic experiences, and signs autographs (3:30-6 p.m.). The Mohonk on Ice day package, including a meal and the chance to see the skating star on either day, is $50 inclusive. (Call 845-256-2056 for reservations.) Call 800-772-6646 for rates for the overnight package, which includes meals, afternoon tea, and ice-skating. Rte. 44/55, New Paltz.