March 11-13: From Almost, Maine to Mark Twain

What, no weekend plans yet? Not a problem. Patch has lined up a few of the best bets to suit your fancy close to home.

Darien Players Present Almost, Maine

• Where: Darien Arts Center, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien
• When: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., through March 26; Sundays, 2 p.m.
• Why go: This performance of John Cariani’s romantic comedy directed by Carin Zakes includes new music by Broadway's Keith Levenson. Refreshments will be available for a donation during intermission.
• Price: $20/adults, $15/students and seniors. For tickets, click here or call 203-655-8683.

Norwalk and Mark Twain: Some Interesting Connections

• Where: Silvermine Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan
• When: Sunday, 4 p.m. (snow date March 20)
• Why go: This “lively and humorous lecture written as part of the Mark Twain Centennial Project” will aquaint the audience with interesting connections between the city, some of its residents, and one of America’s favorite authors. For more information call 203-966-9700 or visit www.silvermineart.org
• Price: Free, open to the public. Space is limited; reservations encouraged. Reserve tickets now.

"The Four Seasons: Rejection, Faith and an Explosion of Strings” 

• Where: The Palace Theater, 263 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford
• When: Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
• Why go: This “explosive” concert blooms just in time for Spring with J.S. Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3;” Martinu’s “Double Concerto” for strings, piano and timpani; and Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” with Rachel Barton Pine on violin and Eckart Preu on harpsichord. Concert-goers are invited to arrive early for guided listening activities. Just prior to the Sunday concert, Preu will present “MusiKids,” an interactive education experience for children ages 6-12. For concert details or to purchase tickets, visit www.stamfordsymphony.org or call 203.325.4466.
• Price: $22-$72; young adults (to age 35) are half-price; kids are FREE on Sunday.

• Where: , 16 Forest St, New Canaan
• When: Sunday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Why go: Learn about sleep and its “purposes of vitalizing us and bringing guidance from our true Reality,” according to the lecture description. Birinder Bhullar will discuss “understanding this beautiful and powerful altered state of consciousness we go through regularly.” For more information visit http://www.theanandacenter.com.
• Price: $70; to reserve a seat call 203-273-8364 or email anne@theanandacenter.com

Scrap Metal into Art: Sculpture by Gar Waterman

• Where: , 20 Jessup Road, Westport
• When: Through April 30
• Why go: This exhibit, featured in the Riverwalk display case, is presented in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and Recycling Month, both observed in April. For more information call  203-291-4800.
• Price: Free

Curio Cottage Thrift Shop Annual Tag Sale

• Where: Westport Woman’s Club, 44 Imperial Ave., Westport
• When: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Why go: Good stuff for good causes! Among the wares are furniture, collectibles, housewares, home accessories, hostess gifts, linen, artwork, and toys. Tag sale proceeds will benefit Fairfield County charities.
• Price: Free admission.

Russian National Ballet Theatre’s “Swan Lake”

• Where: Quick Center, 1073 North Benson Rd., Fairfield
• When: Friday, 8 p.m.
• Why go: This premiere, world-renowned ballet company is a must-see for any enthusiasts of dance, culture and art at its best.
• Price: $45, $40, $35. The website indicates the performance is “almost sold out” and that the public should call the box office at 203254-4010 for a spot on the waiting list.