Boston Globe Events

tracks

Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant and Music Club
17 Holland St., Davis Square, Somerville. 776-9667. Casual attire. Cover varies. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m., Tues. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 30, Barry Crimmins, John Lincoln Wright. Dec. 31, Luther ``Guitar Jr.'' Johnson. Jan. 1, Wildest Dreams. Jan. 2, Blues Jam, Art Steele. Jan. 3, Krewe de Roux. Jan. 4, Geoff Bartley, Paul Rishell. Jan. 5, Great Atomic Power. Jan. 6, From Good Homes. Jan. 7, Jimmy Thackery. Jan. 8, Eddie Kirkland.

tracks

Aerosmith
Boston Garden, Causeway St., Boston. 931-2000. Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT) and Jan. 1, 7:30 p.m. Opening: Mighty Mighty BossTones. $25.
Phish
Centrum, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 931-2000, 508-798-8888. Dec. 31, SOLD OUT.
Janet Jackson
Worcester Centrum, 50 Foster St., 931-2000, 508-798-8888, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. (rescheduled from Dec. 12) $40, $27.50.
Bob Ralston of the Lawrence Welk Show
Richard Knight Auditorium, Babson College, Babson Park, Wellesley. 335-9057. Jan. 8, 8 p.m. Storm date Jan. 9, 2 p.m. $7.50 advance, $12 at door, $10 seniors and students. Presented by Eastern Mass. Chapter American Theatre Organ Society.
Rod Stewart
Two performances. 931-2000. Feb. 13, 8 p.m., Boston Garden, Causeway Street, Boston. $42.50, $27.50. Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Worcester Centrum, 50 Foster St. 8 p.m., $42.50, $27.50.

lectures

``Change Agents: Institutionalists Who Change the World''
Stafford Room, Westin Hotel, Copley Place, Boston. 402-472-2332. Jan. 3, 7 p.m. Free. Speakers: Ernesto J. Cortes, Jr.; Michael F. Sheehan; Hugh B. Kaufman, Burl W. Harr. Sponsored by the Association for Evolutionary Economics.
American International College Lecture Series
Breck Hall, Room 108, AIC, 1000 State St., Springfield. 413-747-6325. Jan. 3-Jan. 10, $10/session. Jan. 3, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Keynote Address: Jack Beatty, The Atlantic Monthly. Jan. 4, 6-9:30 p.m. ``Crime Violence,'' Alfred Ingham, Western New England College. Jan. 5, 6-9:30 p.m. ``Health Care,'' Lorna Gross, Worcester State College; Jeffrey Scavron, Brightwood Health Center. Jan. 6, 6-9:30 p.m. ``The Economy,'' Edward Deak, Fairfield University; Michael Meeropol, Western New England College.
``Mental Illness in the Family: When the Patient Refuses to Cooperate''
Brattle St., Cambridge. 495-8631. Tuesday, 4 p.m. Jan. 4, Free. ``Introduction to Radcliffe Career Services.'' Phyllis Stein, Director, RCS.
Bunting Institute Colloquium Series
Bunting Institute, 34 Concord Ave., Cambridge. 495-8212. w Free. Jan. 5, 4 p.m. ``Family Violence: Recommendations and Innovative Responses,'' Sarah M. Buel, Bunting Institute Fellow.
``Points of Light''
Rice House, Unitarian Church of Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St., Wellesley. 332-1261. Jan. 5, 7:30 p.m. $6. Beverly Halford, nutrition and health consultant. Open meeting of the Psi Symposium.
Middays at the Meeting House
St., Boston. w 482-6439. Thursdays 12:15-1 p.m. $2.50, elders and students $2, ages 6-18 $1; under 6 free. Jan. 6, ``The Birth of the Quabbin Reservoir: The End of the Swift River Valley,'' J.R. Green.
Brown Bag Lunch Series
Yard, 10 Garden St., Cambridge. 495-8140. Noon-1:30 p.m. Free. Jan. 4, ``An Introduction to Opera,'' Dennis Leclaire, Berklee College of Music.

events

12th Annual Seafarers' Island Holiday
the Boston Harbor Islands outing to Thompson Island where guides offer tours of this 157 acre site. Cross country skiing, weather permitting. Bring a picnic meal, camera. Pilgrim IV departs The Landing, William J. Day Boulevard, South Boston at noon, 12:30 and 1:15 p.m. leaving the island at 4, 4:40 and 5 p.m. (You must return on the corresponding boat.) $10, $9 seniors, ages 4-12 $6.
``Opening Night''
Salem Center, Salem. 508-744-5757. Dec. 31, 6-11:30 p.m. Buttons $5, available at Salem Chamber of Commerce, Crosby's Markets, Ted Cole's Music Shop and other stores.
First Night Worcester '94
508-799-4909. Dec. 31, 4 p.m.-midnight. Buttons $5 advance, $8 on Dec. 31. Activities include a Wild Video Dance Party, participatory art, jazz concerts, rollerskating, foods and midnight fireworks display over Lincoln Square.
First Night Newburyport
Various locations, Newburyport. 508-462-6680. Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-midnight. First Night Buttons $8; ages 3 and under, free. Activities include concerts, storytelling, magic shows, dance, puppet performances and midnight fireworks display at Waterfront Park, behind Firehouse Center. Produced by the Newburyport Teen Center.
Lowell Family First Night
Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack Street and across the street at Middlesex Community College, 33 Kearney Square, Lowell. 508-459-9899. Dec. 31, 4-9:30 p.m. Free. Performing artists, magic, music, dance, crafts and an Illuminated Stroll (Glow Sticks parade to City Hall) for fireworks countdown and display over Post Office Square at 9:30 p.m.
First Night, Northampton 1994
Main Street, Northampton. 413-584-3200 ext. 1050, 1055, 1060 and 1052. Dec. 31, 2 p.m.-midnight. Buttons $8 advance, $10 after 5 p.m. Dec. 31; children and seniors $3. Some 50 performances at 11 sites including comedy, music, theater, mime and traditional midnight ball raising at Hotel Northampton.
First Night New Hampshire
Concord, N.H. 603-746-9555. Dec. 31, 4 p.m.-midnight. Buttons $8, children under 5, free. Activities include Festival of Lights Parade, hot air balloons, art exhibits, snow sculptures, concerts, video, poetry, magic, Grand Finale fireworks.
South Station's Holiday Train Display
Grand Concourse, South Station, Summer and Atlantic Avenue, Boston. 451-2266. Through Jan. 8, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Includes 300 feet of G-scale track, 15 cars, three LGB engines.

concerts

``Die Fledermaus'' New Year's Eve Gala
Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, Cambridge. 496-2222. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Strauss' operetta performed by Boston Aria Guild; 10:30 p.m., Grand Masked Ball, live music. Operetta $30, $40; ball $35. Jeffrey Rink, conductor; cast includes Priscilla Gale, David Murray, Robert Honeysucker, Lynn Torgove, William Cotten, Marion Dry, John Clarke.
First Day Concert: Boston Baroque
Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, Cambridge. w 876-7777. Jan. 1, 3 p.m. $14.50-$25.50. Martin Pearlman, director.
Bach program: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1 and 3; Cantata BWV 51 with Sharon Baker, soprano, Friedemann Immer, trumpet; Concerto for Three Violins.
New Year's Eve Pops
Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. 266-1492, 266-1200. Dec. 31. $28-$83. Pre-concert festivities at 8:30 p.m., concert at 10:15 p.m. Harry Ellis Dickson conducts Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra.
Church of the Advent
30 Brimmer St. Boston. 523-2377. Dec. 31, 6 p.m. Free-will offering. Candlelight festival of lessons and carols. Edith Ho conducts works by Ferguson, Handl, Lister, Mathias, Rutter, Scheidt, Shaw, Sheppard, Willcocks, Wichart.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. w 266-1492, 266-1200. Thurs., Sat., occasional Tues. at 8 p.m.; Fri., 1:30 p.m. (note new starting time), unless otherwise noted; open rehearsals occasional Thurs., 10:30 a.m., occasional Wed., 7:30 p.m., preceded by 7 p.m. lecture. Concerts $20-$57; open rehearsals $11; rush seats $7 day of concert, on sale starting 9 a.m. Fri. for afternoon concert only, 5 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. Jan. 5 open rehearsal; Jan. 6-8, 11: Yuri Temirkanov conducts Prokofiev's ``Lt. Kije'' Suite; Sibelius' Violin Concerto with Joshua Bell; Elgar's ``Enigma'' Variations.
At Longy
ext. 991. Free concerts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Jan. 4, Chloe Owen, soprano; Barbara Karp, piano. Songs by Strauss, Wolf, Poulenc, Dvorak, Rorem, Pasatieri, Hoiby, Diamond, LaMontaine. $5. Jan. 6, Peggy Pearson, oboe, with Danielle Maddon, violin; Betty Hauck, viola; Beth Pearson, cello; Robert Schultz, percussion; Michael Beattie, harpsichord. Works by Bach, Dutilleux, Carter, Mozart.
Jennie Fay-McKinstry, organ, and Kathleen Downey, flute
First Congregational Parish Unitarian, Petersham Common. 508-724-3504. Jan. 2, 4 p.m. Free. Works by d'Aquin, Bach, Handel, Vaughan Williams, Lloyd Webber, Boellmann.
King's Chapel Noon Hour Recitals
58 Tremont St., Boston. 227-2155. Tues., 12:15 p.m. Free, donation requested. Jan. 4, Lydia Forbes, violin; Cynthia Forbes, cello; Valerie Yockey, soprano; Kathryn Habedank, harpsichord and organ. Works by Bach, Corelli.
Music in the Cathedral
Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St., Boston. w 482-5800. Thurs., 12:45 p.m. Free-will offering. Dec. 30, Cynthia Holden and Carol Whitner, organ duo. Jan. 6, Peter King, organ.

DROP

``In Our Time,''
a 65-minute album produced by drummer Eric Preusser and keyboardist-composer Frank Wilkins, is a noble attempt. It's also for a noble cause, since all profits go to the American Cancer Society _ in memory of Preusser's sister and father, both recent victims of cancer. The disc (celebrated live tonight at Scullers) actually has an insular cast; Presseur and Wilkins anchor the rhythm section on each of the 11 tracks, and invite friends along for the ride. But years on the local scene have yielded many associations, and you can't say an album sticks to a set sound when it features cameos by both George Garzone and Myanna. The production is smooth, and Pat Loomis' sharp alto sax on ``Crystal'' brings allusions to Grover Washington or Kenny G. But there's driving swing in ``Doctor Do Little,'' thanks to the robust tenor sax of Melvin Butler. Other tenors also fare well, with Ryles veteran Herman Johnson laughing through his horn in ``At Peace'' and Garzone bringing his husky tone to ``Deborah.'' Other standouts include ``Water,'' with its luminous keyboard and sinuous bass groove, and ``Return to Amnchara,'' wound in the mysterious vocals of Henrietta Robinson. ``In Our Time'' covers many bases, from Alan Dawson's vibes melody in ``Forever Dream'' to Myanna's funky alto take on ``Doctor Do Little.'' But apart from a few generic pop-jazz moments, it's a nice cruise. Also slick, but less successful, is the debut of
``Vox One''
(Melville Park). The a cappella quintet sets its sights high, attempting a gospel-soul-jazz style that draws comparisons to groups like Take 6 or Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra. The harmonies _ complete with deft vocal drum and bass mimickry _ are tightly arranged, if slightly busy. But the voices of the Berklee-launched group aren't of mature-enough quality to pull it off. Soprano Jodi Jenkins' lead on Otis Redding's ``Respect'' lacks color and punch, and only gets worse when she improvises beyond the lyric. Likewise, ``Old Man River'' and ``Amazing Grace'' have winceable moments. Bass vocalist Tom Baskett also stumbles in ``The Water Is Wide,'' but rebounds magnificently in Al Jarreau's ``Could You Believe.'' Vox One also shines with the soulful, wordless glide of ``Why Blue,'' and skillfully negotiates Paul Pampinella's sentimental lyrics in ``Move On.'' But most tracks, especially the standards, fall flat. The most impressive entree in this batch may be ``Harmonica Salad'' (Tin Sandwich), a disc of jazz and blues from local harmonica ace
Mike Turk.
He may not explore the instrument on the level of ex-Flecktones virtuoso Howard Levy, but Turk plays both diatonic and chromatic harps with a casual-yet-challenging style. He also works with five great groups of musicians on this long-overdue CD (eight of 11 tracks were recorded back in 1986). Two songs recorded with a jazz trio in 1992 are among the highlights, especially a flowing version of Miles Davis' ``Half Nelson,'' keyed by Tim Ray's sensitive piano work. Turk also stretches out on three originals with another fine jazz combo of guitarist Gray Sargent, bassist Marshall Wood and drummer Bob Savine. Then he blows hearty blues harp in a band with guitarist Ronnie Earl on ``Habanero Hero'' and ``Chro-Magnum Man,'' and lends a Steely Dan-ish flavor to ``Heart's On Fire'' and ``The Comeback Kid.'' Touche. Where has this guy been?

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Club 47 with Tom Rush
Symphony Hall, Mass. Ave., Boston. 931-2000 or 266-1200. Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. $18.50-$26.50. Guests: The Story, Kristina Olsen, Vance Gilbert and Susan Werner.
Inca Son
Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St., Reading. 944-0494. Jan. 2, 10:30 a.m. Free. Music of South America.
Women in Harmony
Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Mass. Ave. and Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. 931-2000. Jan. 7, 7:20 p.m. Priscilla Herdman, Anne Hills, Cindy Mangsen, Kathy Phipps and Wendy Sobel. $12.50 advance, $14.50 day of show, students and seniors $10.50 advance, $12.50 day of show.
Saengerchor Boston
1789 Unitarian Meetinghouse, 27 North St., Medfield. 508-359-6119 or 508-877-1693. Jan. 9, 4 p.m. Free, donations requested. German-American chorus band.
Ceol Chiarrai
Waltham High School, Lexington Street, Waltham. 899-0911. Jan. 7, 8 p.m. $10. 15 of Ireland's premier traditional musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers.
``A Joyful Noise'' Gospel Concert
Sanders Theatre, Harvard University. 496-2222. Jan. 15, 8 p.m. $10, $5 seniors. Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. featuring Ruth Hamilton, Vivian Taylor, Maynard School Chorus of Cambridge, New Temple Singers of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, The Community Chorus, Freda Battle and Family. Presented by Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center.
Funny Songwriters Showcase
Somerville Theatre, Davis Square, Somerville. 931-2000. Jan. 15, 7 p.m. $12.75 and $11.75, students and seniors $10.75 and $9.75. Nancy Tucker, Jim Infantino, Don White, Cosy Sheridan and Michael Duffy.
Heritage Folk Arts Performance Series
Museum of Our National Heritage, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. 861-6559 or 862-7837. Jan. 15, 8 p.m., Pat Kilbride, John Whelan and John McGann, $11.50 advance, $13 at door.
Homegrown Coffeehouse
First Parish Unitarian Church, Great Plain and Dedham Avenues, Needham Center. 444-7478. Jan. 8, 8 p.m., Bill Morrissey. $10.
2nd Friday Coffeehouse
First Church in Belmont, 404 Concord Ave. 484-1054. Concerts at 8 p.m. $6, students $5. Jan. 14, Roger Miller, Chris Holm, Chuck Greene, Sherli Sherwood.
Colonial Inn Concert Series
48 Monument Square, Concord. 508-371-1672 or 508-371-1750. Shows at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Jan. 8, Mr. and Mrz. Burnett, Two for the Show. Jan. 14, Scott Alarik. Jan. 15, Matt Glaser and Jazz Fiddle Assassins.
Naked City Coffeehouse
Old Cambridge Baptist Church, 1151 Mass. Ave. 491-8973. 8:30 p.m. Donation $2. Jan. 5, Bill Cud-dyer. Jan. 12, Black Snake Moon.
One World Coffeehouse
First Universalist Church, Main Street, Essex Village. 508-768-3690. Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m., Tamarac. $5 donation.
Live at Luthiers
99 Moody St., Waltham. 894-4292 or 647-3773. At 8 p.m. Jan. 6, Ruthie Dornfeld, $5. Jan. 8, Joyce Katzberg, Martha Leader, $5. Jan. 13, Diana Kirk, Steve Hurl, $5. Jan. 15, The Blunt Instruments, $10 workshop, dinner, concert, $5 for evening only.
Watch City Coffeehouse
First Parish Church, 50 Church St., Waltham. 647-1055. $7 advance, $8 at door, $5 seniors and students; paid reservations recommended. Jan. 7, David Dodson and Anni Clark.
Bookcellar Cafe
p.m., Russell Hallac. Jan. 6, 7 p.m., Urban Ambience. Jan. 7-9, Mrs. Potato Head.
Coffeehouse on the Corner
All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Church of Braintree, 196 Elm St. 340-1568. Jan. 8, open mike with Dave Crossland, $5. Jan. 15, open mike with Seth Connelly, $3.
Small Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Revolution Books, 38 JFK St., Cambridge. 491-8973. At 8 p.m. Free. Open mike. Jan. 1, Charlotte Dore, Jonathan Weiner. Jan. 15, Harsha.
Linden Tree Coffeehouse
Wakefield. 246-2836. Jan. 8, 8 p.m., Kim Wallach, $6.
Joyful Noise Coffeehouse
First Baptist Church, 1580 Mass. Ave., Lexington. 861-0142. Jan. 8, 8 p.m., Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser, $10, $8 students, $5 children under 12.
South Shore Folk Music Club
Beal House, Route 106, Kingston. 871-1052. Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Northern Lights, $10.
Sacred Harp Singing
Old Cambridge Baptist Church, 1151 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 648-1009. Hosted by Norumbega Harmony and the church. Second Monday of month, 7:45 p.m. Donations.
Uncommon Coffeehouse
First Parish in Framingham, 24 Vernon St., Framingham. 508-872-2978. Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Cormac McCarthy, Sherli Sherwood, $9.
At The Folkway
8 p.m., weekends 8:30 p.m. Dec. 30, TS Baker, Stan Moeller, $8. Dec. 31, New Year's Eve Celebration with Ken Laroche and Friends, $15. Jan. 1, Tom Paxton, $15. Jan. 5, Twelfth Night Show with John Roberts and Tony Barrand, $12.
Rose Garden Coffeehouse
Orthodox Congregational Church, 17 West St., on the Common, Mansfield. 508-699-8122. 8 p.m. $6. Jan. 15, Dave Crossland, Bernice Lewis.
South Acton Coffeehouse
35 School St., Acton. 508-263-2332. Jan. 8, 8 p.m., The Story, $12.
Woods Hole Folk Music Society
Woods Hole Community Hall, Water Street. 508-540-0320. Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m., Kallet, Epstein and Cicone, $7.
Home-Cookin' Coffeehouse
Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Mass. Ave., Arlington. w 648-3799. Jan. 15, 8 p.m., Kate and Richard Stanley, $7.

dance

Boston Ballet
``Nutcracker''[mdnm] Wang Center for the Performing Arts, 268 Tremont St., Boston. w 931-2000, 695-6950. Through Jan. 2. Performances: Thurs. 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 and 6:30 p.m.; Mon. 7:30 p.m. $20-$56; Jan. 2 shows $18-$49.

tracks

New Year's Eve International Folk Dance Party
Masonic Hall, 1950 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 491-6083. Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $12. Live music. Sponsored by Folk Arts Center.
New Year's Eve Contra, Square and Couples Dance
Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord. 547-7781, 272-0396. Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $10. With Lisa Greenleaf, Walter Lenk and friends. Bring clean shoes.
Concord Scottish Country Dance Group New Year's Eve Party
First Parish Unitarian Church, Weston. 259-9566, 235-6490. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $12.50.
Norwegian Dance Workshops
West Medford Congregational Church, 400 High St. 508-256-8546. Jan. 1-2. Each workshop or dance $10; five for $40. Telespringar and Halling workshops both days, noon-2:30 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. Dance Jan. 1, 8 p.m.-midnight. Hardanger fiddle classes Jan. 1, 3-5:30 p.m.; Jan. 2, noon-2:30 p.m. With Karin Brennisvik, Sibjorn Rua, Halvor Lisland, Toby Weinberg. Bring clean, dry shoes. Sponsored by Boston Spelemannslag.
New England Squares and Contras
First Unitarian Church, 1326 Washington St., West Newton. 455-8812, 332-0523. First Sat. of the month, 8 p.m.; beginners' instruction 7:30 p.m. $5, elders and children under 14 $2. Kate Oesterheld, caller; music by Uncommon Fare. No partner necessary, families welcome. Bring soft-soled shoes.
New England Squares and Contras
St., Belmont Center. 508-877-1168. First Sat. of the month, 8 p.m. $5. Lisa Greenleaf, caller; music by Unstrung Heroes. For experienced dancers.
Family Dance
Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord. 491-6083, 354-1340. First and third Sun. of the month, 2 p.m. $4, family maximum $12. Jan. 2, contras and folk dances with Tony Saletan, Judith Stames-Hamilton. All dances taught. Bring clean shoes. Sponsored by Folk Arts Center and New England Folk Festival Assn.
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
7 Temple St., Cambridge. 492-8180. Mon., 7:45-10:30 p.m. $5. Live music. Beginners welcome. No partner necessary. Soft-soled shoes.
New England Squares and Contras
Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord. 508-667-7459, 617-272-0396. Mon., 7:30 p.m. $5. Tony Parkes and guest callers; music by Yankee Ingenuity. Beginners welcome. No partner necessary. Bring clean shoes.
Israeli Folk Dancing
Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard St., Brookline. 643-0221. Mon., 8:30 p.m. $3. Barbara Rosen, instructor. All levels, instruction during first hour.
Village Squares
Kennedy Skating Rink Function Room, Bearses Way, Hyannis. 508-771-3341. $2.50. Mon., 7:30 p.m., Mainstream and Plus level with easy rounds with Irv Tousignant. Thurs., 7 p.m., beginners class; 9 p.m., Plus workshop with Tousignant. Bring soft-soled shoes.
Fairtown Squares
Masconomet Regional High School, Endicott Street, Boxford. 508-352-7678. Mon. except holidays and school vacations: 7-8 p.m., Country Western class with Paula Huse, Rich Tobin, $5; 8-10 p.m., Plus/A-1 workshop with Jim Mayo, Lorraine Courtois, $3.
Tuesday Contras
Hannum Hall, 7 Temple St., Cambridge. 354-1340. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $5, students $2.50, first time free. Callers: first Tues. of the month, Tony Saletan; second Tues., open mike for callers (861-6522) and musicians (648-3903) with Cambridge Open Danceband Society; third Tues., Tony Parkes; fourth and fifth Tues., guests. Live music. All levels including beginners welcome, no partner necessary. Dance walk-throughs. Bring soft-soled shoes. Sponsored by Country Dance Society.
Fairs 'n' Squares
St. John the Evangelist Church, 21 Church St., Hopkinton. 508-653-0254, 508-478-8064. Tues., 7:30 p.m., Plus level workshop with Shawn Cuddy, $5 per couple. Thurs., 8 p.m. starting Jan. 6, Plymouth Church, 87 Edgell Rd., Framingham Centre: beginners western dance class. Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m., New Year's Eve dinner-dance, Plymouth Church Parish Hall, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham Centre. Jim Pulaski, cuer; Birgit Maguire, cuer. $15 per couple, 508-653-0254, 508-877-3827.
Israeli Dancing
Congregation Beth El, 561 Ward St., Newton. Tues., 7:30 beginners, 8:15 Simcha dancing and intermediate, 8:50 p.m. advanced. Donation $5 to benefit AMIT projects in Israel. For mature women and young women sixth grade and up.
Framingham International Folk Dance
Fayville Village Hall, Central and Grove streets, Southborough. 508-872-4110. Wed., 8 p.m. $3. Instruction and requests. Bring soft-soled shoes.
English Country Dancing
Hannum Hall, 7 Temple St., Cambridge. 354-1340. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6. Country Dance Society leaders. Music by Bare Necessities, guests. Dec. 29, Party Dance.
Great Plain Squares
Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Ave. (next to post office), Needham Heights. 444-8009. Wed. $8 per couple. 7:30-9:30 p.m., beginners class with Mil Dixon. 8 p.m., club dancing with Leo Morgan Dumas, caller; Jo Zumwalt, cuer. Progressive to Plus level. 7-7:45 p.m., Phase I rounds with Jo Zumwalt, $2 per couple. Monthly Sat. dances with guest callers, cuers. Wear soft-soled shoes.
Experienced International Folk Dance
First Unitarian Church, 404 Concord Ave., Belmont. 491-6084. Thurs., 8:30 p.m. $5, students $3. Sponsored by Folk Arts Center.
New England Squares and Contras
VFW Hall, 688 Huron Ave., Cambridge. 354-1340, 272-0396. Thurs., 8 p.m. $5. Various callers, live music. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. Bring soft-soled shoes.
Scottish Country Dance
First Universalist Church, 211 Bridge St., Salem, opposite Parker Bros. plant. 508-745-2229. Thurs., 8 p.m., instruction for beginners 7:30 p.m. $2.
Boston Gay and Lesbian Country Dancers
First Church of Jamaica Plain, Centre and Eliot streets. 522-2216, 720-2443. Sat. as noted, 8 p.m., instruction for beginners 7:30 p.m. $5. Jan. 1, New England squares and contras. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. Bring soft-soled shoes.
Israeli Folk Dancing
Riesman Center, 74 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge. 495-4696. Sun., 8 p.m. $2, students $1. Beginner and intermediate instruction first hour, requests second hour. Sponsored by Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel.
Round Dancing
Masonic Temple, High and Park streets, Danvers. 508-356-0472. Sun. 5 p.m., beginners; 7 p.m., easy intermediate; 8:30 p.m., high intermediate-advanced. $8 per couple. Lou and Stephen Toth, instructors.

tracks

Axis
13 Lansdowne St. 262-2437. Cover varies. Creative dress.
Paradise
967 Commonwealth Ave. 351-2582. Entertainment from 8 p.m. Dancing. Casual dress. Cover varies. All shows 18+ unless noted. Dec. 31, The Band, $20 advance, $25 at door. Jan. 8, Concussion Ensemble, Cobalt 60, Big Red Crush.
The Rat
528 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square. 536-2750. Casual dress. Cover varies. Entertainment from 9 p.m. Shows 19+ unless noted. Dec. 30, Slump, Liquid Kaos, Birdbrain. Dec. 31, Fighting Cocks, Turbulent Daughters, Powerman 5000. Jan. 1, Chuck, Vision Thing.
Bill's Bar
5 Lansdowne St. 421-9678. Entertainment from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Casual dress. Cover varies. Sun., Euro Dance. Tuesdays, Phatt Tuesday. Thurs., 18+, Central Park West.
Venus de Milo
11 Landsdown St. 421-9595. Casual dress. Cover varies. Entertainment from 10 p.m. Cover varies. Sunday, Euro Dance. Monday, 18+, Mind's Eye Cafe and Night Gallery. Tuesday, Phatt Tuesdays. Wednesdays, Alternative Lifestyles. Saturday, 19+, 70's Disco.
Zanzibar
One Boylston Place, Bos ton. 351-7000. Proper dress. Cover varies. Entertainment Tues., 11 p.m., Euro Nite, $10.
The Causeway
65 Causeway St. 499-7996. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m. Casual dress. Cover varies. Dec. 30, Upside Down Cross, Post Mortem, Two Million B.C. Dec. 31, Letters to Cleo, Gravel Pit, The Figgs. Jan. 1, Grip, Pusher, High Defiance. Jan. 5, Lotus Eaters. Jan. 6, Bob Evans, Alloy, Mead Hall. Jan. 7, Groove Butcher, G-Love, Ginger Butkis. Jan. 8, Mark Erdotti Lounge Explosion, Shiny Beast, Regrapped.
Bell-In-Hand Tavern
Entertainment Thurs. from 8:30 p.m. with The Martells.
The Harp
85 Causeway St. 742-1010. Cover varies. Casual dress. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31, 5-0, Tim Crandall. Jan. 1, The Sense. Jan. 2, 5, 7-8, Tim Crandall.
The Beanpot
150 Canal St., Boston. 722-9321. Cover varies, no cover before 10 p.m. Casual dress. Dec. 30, Room Service. Dec. 31, The Response, Bim Skala Bim, Future Shakes, $25 advance, $30 at door includes buffet, champagne toast.
Hard Rock Cafe Cavern
131 Clarendon St. 353-1400. Entertainment from 9 p.m. Casual dress. No cover. Dec. 31, Barrence Whitfield and the Savages with Sidewalk Gallery, $40 includes music, buffet, toast, continental breakfast at 1 a.m. Jan. 7, Chin Strap, Syphloids, Girl on Top.
Roxy
279 Tremont St. 227-ROXY. Entertainment Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Cover varies. Proper dress. Thurs. 9 p.m. The World. Friday, Roxy Internationale. Sunday, Latin Night. Dec. 31, 8 p.m., New Year's Eve Block Party with White Heat Swing Orchestra, Niecey Boswell, DJ Tony Z. $39.94 includes hot/cold buffet; $59.94 include gourmet buffet, balcony/reserved seating. Both packages include admission to NYC Jukebox, Gal XC and Playoffs in Boston after 12.30 a.m.
Scullers Jazz Club
Guest Quarters Suite Hotel, 400 Soldiers Field Road. 562-4111. Casual dress. Shows Tues.-Thurs., 8 and 10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 30, ``In Our Time,'' presented byEric Preusser featuring Frank Wilkins, Pat Loomis, Tim Ingles, Skip Smith, Preusser, Wannetta Jackson, $8. Dec. 31-Jan. 1, New York Voices featuring Darmon Meader, Lauren Kinhan, Peter Eldridge, Caprice Fox, Kim Nazarian. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. show with dinner, $65; 11 p.m. show $85 with dinner. Jan. 1 shows, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., $16. Jan. 3, Melissa Galuppo, James Owens, Little Robyn, $10. Jan. 4, Frank Wilkins Jazz Vocal Showcase, $6. Jan. 5, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Lew Tabackin, Renee Rosnes, Klaus Suonsarri, $12. Jan. 6, Bruce Gertz Quartet with Jerry Begonzi, Joey Calderazzo, George Schuller, Bruce Gertz, $10. Jan. 7-8, Christopher Hollyday with Alan Dawson, John Lockwood, $11.
Dick's Last Resort
55 Huntington Ave. 267-8080. Piano weeknights, 5-8 p.m. Bands nightly, 8:15 p.m. No cover. Casual dress. Dec. 30, Ricky and the Giants. Dec. 31, New Year's Eve, McGregor McGehee Band, dinner, champagne, survival kit. $95 per couple, $47.50 per person, $10 music and kit only. Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Gary Bohan Trio.
Green Dragon
Tavern[mdnm] 11 Marshall St. 367-0055. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m. Casual dress. Cover $3. Sun., reggae. Tues., Irish session. Wed., Panama, The Kid, The Preacher. Thurs., Andrea and The Judge. Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Shoot the Moon.
Cityside Restaurant and Bar
Proper dress. Cover varies. Entertainment 8 p.m. Dec. 30-Jan. 1, Inquiring Minds. Jan. 2, Khris Wales. Jan. 3, Scott Damgaard. Jan. 4, Phil Donatelli. Jan. 5, Bruce Jacques and the Invisible Band. Jan. 6, Doug Mitchell. Jan. 7, One Fine Mess. Jan. 8, See No Evil.
Marketplace Cafe
300 Faneuil Hall Marketplace. 227-9660. Casual attire. No cover. Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. Sun., Touch of Jazz. Tues., SilasJr. and Hot Ribs. Wed., Mike Duke and the Soul Twisters. Thurs., Brian Walkley Band. Fri.-Sat., jazz bands. Jan. 7, Baron Brown, Brian Walkley, Bob Gay. Jan. 8, Glen Hamann Duo.
Kinvara Pub
34 Harvard Ave., Allston. 783-9400. Casual dress. Cover varies. Entertainment Wed.-Mon. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 30, Tip the Waitress. Jan. 1, Broadcast. Jan. 3, Walk-on Comedians, Luck of the Draw. Jan. 4, Free Jukebox. Jan. 6, Exit 17. Jan. 7, Shoot the Moon. Jan. 8, Dennis Healy Band.
Green Briar
304 Washington St., Brighton. 789-4100. Casual dress. Entertainment 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Cover varies. Dec. 30, Dennis Healy Band. Jan. 3, Irish Sessiun. Jan. 5, Karaoke. Jan. 6, Da Mud Hens. Jan. 7, Cupla, Undercover. Jan. 8, Cupla, Lulus in Crisis.
Boston Beach Club
North Market Building, 300 Faneuil Hall Marketplace. 227-9664. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m. Dancing. Casual dress. Cover varies. Jan. 3, Silas Jr. and Hot Ribs Blues Jam.
Irish Embassy Pub
234 Friend St. 742-6618. Casual dress. Cover varies. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m. Jan. 1 and 8, Gregg Buckley Band. Jan. 2, Perfect Strangers. Jan. 4, Eoine Woods. Jan. 6, The Candles. Jan. 7, Lounge 2000.
Black Rose
160 State St. 742-2286. Proper dress. Cover varies. Irish entertainment nightly 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Downstairs: Sundays, John Corcoran. Mondays, Kevin Farley.
Purple Shamrock
1 Union St. 227-2060. $3 cover Wed., Fri., Sat. Casual dress. Sun., Kick the Can. Mon., Dave Smyth. Tues., Mark Purcell. Wed., Don Campbell and Dave Rowe. Thurs., Jim Plunkett.
Mr. Dooley's Boston Tavern
77 Broad St. 338-5656. Cover. $2. Casual dress. Entertainment from 9 p.m. unless noted. Sun., Irish Jam Session. Tues., Folk Music. Wed., Traditional Session. Thurs., Mo Conner.
Commonwealth Brewing Company
138 Portland St. 523-8383. Casual dress. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m. Cover $3. Dec. 31, Motion. Jan. 1, Special Rock Night. Jan. 6 and 8, Noddaclu. Jan. 7, Calypso Hurricane.
Roberta's Showbiz Cafe
Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St. 482-2227. No cover. Casual dress. Entertainment 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Tues.-Sat. Scott Olsen, pianist.
Linwood Grille
69 Kilmarnock St., Fenway area. 267-8644. Casual dress. Cover $2. Entertainment from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 30, Physical Therapy. Dec. 31, Part Time Lovers. Jan. 7, Slipknot. Jan. 8, John Putnam and Used Blues.
The Boyne
458 Western Ave., Brighton. 782-2418. Entertainment from 7 p.m. No cover. Casual dress.
Great Scott
1222 Commonwealth Ave. 566-9014. Cover varies. Entertainment from 10 p.m. Proper dress. Dec. 31, Toadhouse.
Harpers Ferry
158 Brighton Ave., Allston. 254-9743. Casual attire. Cover varies. Entertainment 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 30, Acoustic Avocado with guests. Dec. 31, Duke Robillard, Driving Sideways. Jan. 1, Evil Gal. Jan. 2, Rhythm and Blues jam with Stovall Brown. Jan. 3, Alizon. Jan. 4, Acoustic Avocado. Jan. 5, The Candles with Chuck and Helen. Jan. 6, Slipknot. Jan. 7, Shirley Lewis. Jan. 8, Clutch Grabwell and Leadfoot Horns.
O'Brien's
Pub 3 Harvard Ave., Allston. 782-6245. Casual dress. Cover varies. Entertainment 9:15 p.m.-1 a.m. Jan. 7, Exit 17. Jan. 8, Beaten Path.
Cafe Grappa
Days Inn, 1234 Soldier's Field Road, Brighton. 254-4336. No cover. Casual dress. Entertainment from 9 p.m. Dec. 30, Jose Ramos and the Special Blend Band with guests.
Adelphia Lounge
dress. No cover. Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. Wed., Joy. Thurs., Luke Wetherfield Open Mike Night. Sunday, Startime. Dec. 31.-Jan. 1, Night Life with Stacey Seremetis.
Brendan Behan Pub
378 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 522-5386. Casual dress. No cover. Entertainment from 9:30 p.m. Jan. 1 and 8, Billy Kelly and Friends. Jan. 2, Prodigal Suns. Jan. 3, Iodine Bros. Jan. 4, Irish Seisun. Jan. 5, Red Eye.
The Kells Restaurant/Pub
161 Brighton Ave., Allston. 782-6172. Casual dress. Entertainment from 9:15 p.m. Mondays, Brogue. Tuesdays, Larry Tomei.
Midway Cafe
3496 Washington St., Jamaica Plain. 524-9038. Cover varies. Casual dress. Dancing. Entertainment from 10 p.m. Sun., Blues Jam with Tom Lawlor. Tues. Jazz Jam with Henry Cook Quartet. Dec. 30, Burning Sensations. Dec. 31, Majik.
Jacob Wirth's
33 Stuart St. 338-8586. Casual dress. No cover. Fri., 8 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Piano sing-a-long with Mel Stiller.
Bay Toer Room
60 State St. 723-1666. No cover. Proper dress. Dancing and entertainment from 9 p.m. Dec. 30, Mary Morgan.
Top of the Hub
Prudential Center, 52d Floor. 536-1775. Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. Dancing. No cover. Proper dress. Thursdays in Dec. Steve Soares, piano. Tues-Weds. in January, Diana Fischer, piano/vocals. Dec. 30-31, Maggie Galloway Quartet. Jan. 1 and 6-8, Maggie Galloway Quartet.
Diamond Jim's at the Lenox Hotel
710 Boylston. 421-4900. No cover Fri.-Sat., cover varies Tues.-Thurs. Neat attire. Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. Dec. 30, Jazz singers Molly Malone and Henrietta Robinson with Al Vega Trio. Dec. 31, New Year's Eve party with Al Vega Trio and guests. Jan. 4, auditions for sing-off competition with Jon Mansfield. Jan. 5, Show Club All Star Jazz Band with Ted Casher, Phil Person, Al Vega and guest singers. Jan. 6, jazz singer Charlie Harris with Al Vega Trio. Jan. 7-8, sing-along with Jon Mansfield.
Westin Hotel
10 Huntington Ave., Copley Square. 262-9600. Proper dress. No cover. Entertainment from 8 p.m. Turner Fisheries: Dec. 30, Debra Man Quartet. Dec. 31, Steve Soares Quintet. Jan. 6-8, Steve Soares Quartet.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
15 Arlington St. 536-5700. No cover. Proper dress. Entertainment Tues.-Sat., 6:30-10 p.m. In Ritz Cafe: Tues.-Sat., 6:30-10 p.m., Robin Chudy. Ritz Lounge: Dec. 31, John Domurad Duo.
Hotel Meridien
250 Franklin St. 451-1900. Proper dress. No cover. In Julien Lounge: Entertainment from 5 p.m. Through Dec. 31, Jeffrey Moore.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers
50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street. 426-2000. Casual dress. No cover. In Swan's Court: Tues.-Sat., 7:30-11:30 p.m., Lynn Jackson, Mike Palter and Dave McKay.
Sweetwater Cafe
3 Boylston Place. 357-7027. Casual dress. Entertainment from 9 p.m. Fri., country music.

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``The Substance of Fire''
Lyric Stage, 140 Clarendon St., Boston. 437-7172. Jan. 7-Feb. 6. Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 5 and 8:30 p.m.; matinees Sun. and Jan. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. $17-$26. Play by Jon Robin Baitz about a Holocaust survivor.
``The Importance of Being Ernest''
Huntington Theatre Company, 264 Huntington Ave., Boston. 266-0800 or 931-ARTS. Jan. 14-Feb. 13. Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m. (excluding Jan. 25), matinees Sat.-Sun. and Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.; Jan. 16 and 23 at 7 p.m. Press night Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Humanities Forum immediately following performances on Jan. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. Post-show discussions immediately following performances on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. $18-$38, elders and students $5 discount, $10 student rush tickets day of show. Oscar Wilde comedy.
``Gertrude Stein and A Companion''
Triangle Theatre Company's Paramount Penthouse Theater, 58 Berkeley St., Boston. 426-3550. Jan. 12-Feb. 5. Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m.; matinees Jan. 23 and 30, 3 p.m. $15; Jan. 12, opening night includes champagne reception with cast and crew, $25. Love story of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.
``Death of a Salesman''
The Theatre at the Union, Quincy and Harvard streets, Cambridge. 495-4530. Jan. 6-29. Jan. 6 and 8 and following Fri.-Sat. through Jan. 29 at 8 p.m., Jan. 7 at 7 p.m., Jan. 16 and 23 at 5:30 p.m. $10-$16. Drama by Arthur Miller presented by the Nora Theatre Company.
``Twelfth Night''
Academy Playhouse, 120 Main St., Orleans. 508-255-1963. Jan. 6-22. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $8-$10. Shakespeare comedyperformed by the Cape Cod Academy of Performing Arts.
``Moby Dick''
Worcester Forum Theatre, Center of Performing Arts, 6 Chatham St. 508-799-9166. Jan. 6-30. Press Opening Jan. 9, 1:30 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 5 and 8:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30 p.m. $18, elders and students $3 discount, previews and press openings $15. One-man show with Jack Aranson adapted from Herman Melville's classic.
``Never the Sinner''
Performance Place, Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway, Somerville. 625-1300. Jan. 13-Feb. 5. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m. $15. John Logan play presented by the Mass. Bay Theatre Company.
``Billy Bishop Goes to War''
New Repertory Theatre, 54 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands. 332-1646. Jan. 13-Feb. 20. Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 5 and 8:30 p.m., Sun. 3 and 7:30 p.m., matinees Wed. 2 p.m. $14-$23. Play by John Gray and Eric Peterson.

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``A Christmas Carol''
Huntington Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave., Boston. 266-0800. Through Dec. 31. Dec. 30, 2 p.m.; Dec. 31, 5 p.m., includes First Night buttons for ticket holders. $22-$39, under age 17 $5 off. Charles Dickens tale.
``Approaching Midnight/Stories for the New Year''
C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University, 55 Temple St., Boston. 695-0659. Dec. 30 and Jan. 1, 8 p.m.; First Night performances Dec. 31, 8:15 and 10 p.m. with purchase of First Night buttons, no reservations necessary. All other performances, reservations required. $12-$18. Based on oral histories by Boston senior citizens presented by Coyote Theatre.
``Scrooge''
French's Opera House, 45 Fairmount Ave., Hyde Park. 361-7024. Through Jan. 2. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $12, elders $10, students $8. Based on Dickens' ``A Christmas Carol.''
``The Sisters Rosenweig''
Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston. 1-800-447-7400. Jan. 25-Feb. 6. Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m., matinees Thurs. and Sat. 2 p.m. and Sun. 3 p.m. $27.50-$47.50. Comedy about three sisters by Wendy Wasserstein.
``The Who's `Tommy'''
Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., Boston. 931-2787. Through Jan. 15. Through Jan. 9: Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 7 p.m., matinees Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Week of Jan. 9: Mon.-Thurs. 8 p.m.; Fri. 5 and 9 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m.; matinee Sat. 2 p.m. $25-$60. Rock musical by Pete Townshend.
``La Cage Aux Folles''
Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston. 800-447-7400. Through Jan. 16. Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m., matinees Thurs. and Sat. 2 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., Jan. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m. $30-$60. Musical.
Flying Karamazov Brothers
Hasty Pudding Theater, 12 Holyoke St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. 496-8400. Through Jan. 2. $18-$30. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m., matinees Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. and Dec. 30; Dec. 31, 6 and 10 p.m. No matinee Jan. 1. Jugglers and vaudevillians.
``You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown''
Charles Playhouse, 76 Warrenton St., Boston. 426-6912. Through Jan. 2. Fri. 8 p.m., Thurs. and Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Dec. 31, 2 and 6 p.m.; Jan. 1, 2 and 7 p.m. $22.50-$32.50. Musical comedy based on ``Peanuts'' characters.
``Grease''
Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston st., Boston. 426-9366. Jan. 19-Feb. 13. Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m.; matinees Thurs. and Sat. 2 p.m. and Sun. 3 p.m. except Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. $20-$60. Press night Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Musical with Rosie O'Donnell and Ricky Paull Goldin.duplicate listing
Storyteller Jay O'Callahan: ``Coming Home to Someplace New: Pill Hill Stories''
Upstairs Theatre, Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence. 401-351-4242. Jan. 5, 8 p.m. $50. A.R. Gurney play with Ben Gazzara and Gena Rowlands.
``A Convict's Return''
Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, Liberty Hall, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St. w 508-454-3926. Jan. 7-Feb. 5. Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Jan. 16, 7 p.m.; Jan. 19, 2 p.m.; Jan. 22, 3 p.m.$16-$29. One-man show with Geoff Hoyle.
``Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad''
Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. 547-8300. Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m., matinees Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Loeb Main Stage: In repertory, through Jan. 1, ``Henry IV, Part I''; through Jan. 2, ``Henry IV, Part II.'' Jan. 7-Feb. 24, ``What The Butler Saw,'' farce by Joe Orton. $18-$42.
``Dancing at Lughnasa''
_ Downstairs Theatre at Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence. 401-351-4242. Dec. 31-Feb. 13 (press night Jan. 4, 7 p.m.) $24-$30. Drama by Brian Friel.
``The Sound of Music''
Turtle Lane Playhouse, 283 Melrose St., Newton. 244-0169. Dec. 30, 8 p.m. $15 and $17, students and elders $10. Musical.
``Invisible Friends''
Performance Place, Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway, Somerville. 625-1300. Through Jan. 8. Dec. 30 and Jan. 6-7 at 7 p.m.; matinees Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. $10, elders and students $5. Alan Ayckbourn play presented by the Mass. Bay Theatre Company.
``Jurassic Parking''
Boston Baked Theatre, 255 Elm St., Somerville. w 628-9575. No performances until Dec. 31 at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m. $18. Jan. 1, 8:15 p.m. Open ended run resumes January 7: Fri. 8:15 p.m., Sat. 7 and 9:15 p.m. $14.75 and $16.50. Musical satire and comedy.
``Our Town''
Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main St., Gloucester. 508-281-4099. Through Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $10. Thornton Wilder play.
``Annie''
Chiswick Park Theatre, Route 20, Sudbury. 508-443-5550. Through Jan. 2. Thurs. 7 p.m., matinees Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. $20-$30. Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m., performance followed by holiday music performed by the orchestra with champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres. $45. Musical.
``Nunsense''
The Theater Lobby, 216 Hanover St., Boston. 227-9872. Tues. 7 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 6 and 9 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $17-$25; student rush seats $11. Musical comedy about antics of Little Sisters of Hoboken. Dec. 31: 7-9 p.m., catered dinner by Dolce Vita restaurant at the Theatre Lobby; 9 p.m., show. Dinner $25; performances $25-$30.
``Forever Plaid''
Terrace Room, Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Park Square. 357-8384. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., Sun. 3 and 7:30 p.m., Thurs. 2 p.m. Week of Dec. 30: Mon.-Thurs. 8 p.m., Sat. 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Sun. 3 and 7:30 p.m.; matinee Dec. 30, 2 p.m.; Dec. 31, 7 and 10 p.m. Regular performance schedule resumes Jan. 4. $26.50 and $29.50. Musical revue.
DINNER THEATERS
Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston. 426-5225. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., Sun. 3 and 7:30 p.m., matinees first and second Thursdays of month at 2 p.m. Holiday schedule: Week of Dec. 30: Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 8 p.m.; Wed. 2 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 31, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Jan. 1, 5 and 8 p.m. Holiday performances $26-$28; New Year's Eve $29.95. Regular performance $20-$26. Comic murder mystery.

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``Let's Kill The Boss'' New Year's Eve Mystery
Mystery Cafe, Grand Ballroom, Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, 296 State St., Boston. 424-CAFE. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Includes surf n' turf dinner, show, dancing to the music of the Russ Carlton Orchestra, champagne toast at midnight. $129 per couple.
``Murder on the Menu''
Mystery Cafe, two locations. 800-697-2583. Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, 1620 Worcester Road, Natick: Jan. 14 and 28, 8 p.m. Worcester Holiday Inn, Lincoln Street, Worcester: Jan. 22, 8 p.m. $29.95. Audience participation murder mystery.
``Let's Kill the Boss''
Mystery Cafe At Three Cheers, 290 Congress St., Boston. 524-2233. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 6 and 9 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m. Dinner and show $28-33. Spoof on corporate America.
``Marriage Can Be Murder!''
Four locations. 800-697-2593. Mystery Cafe at the Clarion Somerset Hotel, 2 Somerset Parkway, Nashua, N.H.: Fri. at 8 p.m. Lantana, 23 Scanlon Rd., Randolph: Fri. 7:30 p.m. Grill 93, River Road, Andover: Sat. 8 p.m. Village Green, Route 1 North, Danvers: Sat. 8 p.m. Dinner and show $29.95. Jewish/Italian wedding mystery.
At Amesbury Playhouse Dinner Theatre
194 Main St. w 508-388-9444. Thurs.-Sat.:7 p.m., dinner; 8:30 p.m., show. Sun.: 5 p.m., dinner; 6:30 p.m., show. $18.50-$29.50. Dec. 30-Jan. 30, ``Brigadoon.''
Mystery du Jour Dinner Theater
Various locations. ``The Ghost of BadTable Manor,'' two locations: J.J. O'Rourke's, Routes 9 and 20,
``The Kringle Kapers''
Mystery Cafe dinner shows. Various locations. 524-2233. At Three Cheers, 290 Congress St., Boston: Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 6 and 9 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m. At Lantana, 23 Scanlon Rd., Randolph: Fri. 7:30 p.m. At Grill 93, River Road, Andover: Sat. 8 p.m. $29-$33. A holiday Chris-Mystery.
Montvale Plaza Dinner Theatre
54 Montvale Plaza, Stoneham. 438-4111. Fri. 6:30 p.m. $22.95. Reservations required. Hits of '40s and '50s performed by Music Is Art.
``The Pirates Cove''
Holiday Inn, Routes 1 and 128, Peabody. w 508-535-4600. Fri. and Sat. 6:30 p.m. $22.50. Dinner show with Broadway music by Quarterdeck Singers.
``Nights at the Opera''
Cafe Promenade, Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Ave., Boston. 424-7000. Sat.
8 and 10 p.m. Dinner and show from $32.95. Opera vignettes.
Medieval Manor
246 East Berkeley St., Boston. 423-4900. Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 5 and 9:30 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.
AUDITIONS
386 Market St., Brighton. 723-3162. Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. $18, Fri. $21; Sat. $25. Reservations required. Musical set in speakeasy of Roaring '20s. [el2]

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``Chess''
Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St., Reading. 324-4137. Jan. 3-4, 7:30 p.m. Musical by Richard Nelson to be presented in April and May.