“Much Ado About Nothing,” Patten Free Library, Bath

July 20-22, Thursday-Saturday, 6pm, “Much Ado About Nothing,” featuring professional actors and designers from Maine and across the country. The performances are presented in conjunction with the Patten Free Library. This production is sponsored by the Bath Savings Institution. “Much Ado About Nothing” is the ultimate battle of the sexes. Beatrice and Benedick can’t stand love and can’t stand each other. So what is left but for their friends to trick them into falling for each other? “Much Ado is a rollercoaster!” says Director Jeri Pitcher. “There are misunderstandings, mistakes, misinformation, and misguided actions. We go from peace to war to peace again and from love to hate and to love again, seemingly in an instant.” Romance, insults, and mistaken identity are all part of Shakespeare’s most scintillating comedy, $20, $15/seniors/students, $5/12 and younger, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer Street, Bath. FMI: 207-443-5141, www.bathshakespeare.org.
July 20-23 and 25-26, Thursday-Sunday, Tuesday-Wednesday, “Grease,” head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high school romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through the the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including “You’re The One That I Want,” “Grease Is The Word,” “Summer Nights,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Greased Lightnin’” and many more, see site for ticketing details, Maine State Music Theatre, 1 Bath Road, Brunswick. FMI: 207-725-8769, msmt.org.
July 21, Friday, 5pm, “20th Annual Traditional Family Bluegrass Festival,” rain or shine. Come hear a broad variety of bluegrass/newgrass music from seven regional bands that will take the stage on Friday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Bring the family, a picnic, or purchase food from the Snack Shack, some lawn chairs and swimming attire for the kids. A great family event. Kick back and enjoy a full weekend of non-stop music in the beautiful pines at White’s Beach. Field camping is free with a weekend ticket. Campsites with power are also available, White’s Beach and Campground, 472 Durham Road, Brunswick. FMI: 207-729-0415, www.whitesbeachandcampground.com.
July 21, Friday, 7:30pm, “Bowdoin International Music Festival presents Ravel, Sirota, and Schubert,” “Every culture has its images of paradise,” writes Maine composer Robert Sirota, “all of which include the sights and sounds of birds.” It is from birdsong that Sirota drew inspiration for his 2008 work, performed tonight with faculty artist Linda Chesis. Birds of Paradise is bookended by Ravel’s sensitive tribute to Classical form, and, on the second half, by Schubert’s first grand Piano Trio, among the formidable flood of compositions penned by the composer in his final year, $45, Studzinski Recital Hall, Bowdoin College, 21 College Street, Brunswick. FMI: 207-373-1400, bowdoinfestival.org.
July 21, Friday, 8:30pm, “Musical Melange,” acclaimed for his commanding virtuosity, delicate sound and passion for innovative programs, cellist Jakob Koranyi opens this eclectic concert, also featuring Todd Palmer, one of the world’s most gifted and accomplished clarinetists, and Gilles Vonsattel, “a pianist well worth watching” (The New York Times). Gilles Vonsattel, piano; Todd Palmer, clarinet; Jakob Koranyl, cello, $45/adult, $10/under 25, Union Hall Theatre, 2 Central Street, Rockport. FMI: 207-236-2823, www.baychamberconcerts.org.
June 22-23, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm/Sat, 11am-4pm/Sun, “Camden-Rockport Antiques Show and Sale,” featured are exhibits by 40 antique dealers from 12 states including Kansas and Ohio. Proceeds benefit the Society’s museum, William Conway House upkeep and maintenance; and educational projects. Lunch and snacks are available for sale. The Society features a special table in the center of the gym showcasing vintage quilts and period clothing from its collection, historical books, information, and books for sale, $7, Camden-Rockport Historical Society, 1 Conway Road, Rockport. FMI: 207-646-0505, www.goosefareantiques.com.
July 25, Tuesday, 5:30pm, “William Wegman and His Weimaraners,” artist William Wegman, accompanied by his famous Weimaraners, will present a slide talk on his work. An important pioneer in video art, William Wegman created a series of short videos between 1970 and 1978, which are now considered classics in the field. Immediately following the talk, a reception for the artist will take place at CMCA, adjacent to The Strand Theatre, $10/members, $15/advance, $20/day of, Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street, Rockland. FMI: 207-594-0070, www.rocklandstrand.com.