Cyrano's Theatre Company's production of the classic comedy "You Can't Take It With You" is in previews this weekend leading up to next week's opening gala. Previews are pay-what-you-can, so it's a great chance to see what promises to be a fine show at a bargain price. "You Can't Take It With You" previews Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 14 at 3 p.m.; and Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at Cyrano's Off-Center Playhouse, 413 D St. in Anchorage. The show officially opens Friday, March 19. Tickets at CenterTix or (907) 263-2787.
As a bonus, Cyrano's presents a special event this Saturday, March 13: Storyteller and actor Jack Dalton will interview Jack Roderick, who -- in addition to appearing in Cyrano's production of "You Can't Take It With You" -- has been an author, attorney, oil industry expert and head of the Peace Corps in India. The interview begins at 4 p.m.; there's a $10 suggested donation at the door.
Dance Spectrum Alaska turns 21 this year, and the company will celebrate its "coming of age" with its annual spring concert, held Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. DSA dancers perform jazz, tap, ballet, modern and hip hop, and the program will include numbers choreographed by company dancers and alumni in addition to professional choreographers. Performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Discovery Theatre. Tickets, $25 for adults and $15 for youth, are available at CenterTix or directly from DSA at (907) 344-9545.
In Juneau, Perseverance Theatre presents Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's "Boom," the most-produced play in the U.S. this season, through March 21. "Boom," which "mixes a romantic comedy with a science fiction thriller," according to Perseverance, runs Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Perseverance Theatre, 914 Third St. in Douglas; a special St. Patrick's Day pay-what-you-can performance has been added on Wednesday, March 17. Tickets, $20, are available at (907) 463-8497 or perseverancetheatre.org.
Finally, if you haven't yet been to "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination" at the Anchorage Museum -- first of all, what are you waiting for? THEY HAVE WOOKIEES. Second, here's an incentive to get you down there: On Friday, March 12 at noon, NASA's Houston Space Center will deliver a live interactive video conference comparing an astronaut's space suit with a Stormtrooper costume from the "Star Wars" films. The video conference is included with the price of your ticket ($8 for children 12 and under; $18 for students, military and seniors; $22 for adults), available at the Anchorage Museum, 625 C St., or at anchoragemuseum.org.
Although, honestly, do you need more incentive than Wookiees?
Contact Maia Nolan at maia(at)alaskadispatch.com.