You may have noticed that there’s a different name with this week’s Arts Ahead. Rachel Wachman is away and left me in charge of telling you about all the fun stuff happening in the community this week.
Since I love to read, let’s start at Gibson’s Bookstore. Author Anthony Caplan will read from two of his works on Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event is free to attend, and if you like what you hear, you can purchase a signed copy.
One of his novels sounds especially riveting: published last November, Alias Tomorrow is a story within a story, following an author named William Morrow as he writes a dystopian, Mars-based novel about a rebel named Antioch. According to the event description, the book is “a literary, science fiction hybrid exploring family, identity, and what it means to be human” — sounds to me like Pierce Brown’s Red Rising meets John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. I am so there.
Speaking of Steinbeck, the Majestic Theatre’s production of Of Mice and Men runs from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21. After the Saturday night show, ticket holders for any of the weekend’s performances can attend the talkback, where the creative team and actors will discuss their process with the audience. If you want to learn how a community theatre tackles a complicated story of friendship and fate, this is your chance.
I am a multifaceted individual, however, and I’m a carnivore as well as a bookworm. Lucky for me, it’s the 21st Annual Burgerfest, when The Barley House replaces its menu with specialty burgers. This year, they’re commemorating America’s 250th and the World Cup with dishes like the Founder’s Steam and the USA Hat Trick, available through Saturday.
A portion of Burgerfest’s sales will be donated to Dartmouth Health Children’s, which has received over $100,000 during the celebration’s 21 years. Each burger on the menu is sponsored by a local business that matches the donation.
As a diehard fan of the Brazilian national team (and therefore a hater of Argentina’s team), I’m embarrassed to admit that I will be ordering the Messy Messi burger. It comes with chimichurri butter and crushed sea salt kettle chips. Can you blame me?
On the topic of the World Cup, the Capitol Center for the Arts is hosting a USA vs. Australia viewing party this Friday at the BNH Stage, where fans can watch not one but two teams wearing red, white and blue battle it out on a 30-foot stage. The game is at 3 p.m., but the party starts at 2 p.m.
Admission is free, but you have to reserve a ticket to attend. Food and drinks can be purchased at the venue, and the event description promises giveaways before the game and at halftime. Sounds like a blast, but if anyone knows where I can watch Brazil vs. Haiti, please let me know. I’m not joking. My email is below, for serious inquiries only.
Have a great weekend!
