Compiled by Rebecca Sirull, News Staff
Entry of the Week: Sunday, Feb. 2
If you thought the Super Bowl was the manliest competition happening this Sunday, think again. Head out to Somerville for BeardFest 2014, the beard and moustache contest. Participants will fight for prizes in five categories: natural full beard, free-style full beard, free-style moustache, free-style partial beard and best fake beard. There will also be a shaving station for those wishing to compete in the 2014 Northeast Regional Beard and Moustache Championships Aug. 2, as a part of the “six month sprint” category. And if you’re clean-shaven (or female), fear not. A make-your-own beard table will be available to make sure no one feels left out of the pogonotrophic fun. 191 Highland Ave., Somerville; 2 – 5 p.m.; $5; somervilleartscouncil.org/beardfest.
Thursday, Jan. 30
In the mood for a show but can’t seem to pick just one? Now you don’t have to. The Cambridge YMCA Theatre presents Cheap Seats, an omni-genre variety show, incorporating performers of any and all skills. Cheap Seats encourages originality, adventurousness and artistic inclusivity, meaning you’ll never see the same thing twice. On this stage, anything goes, so be prepared for an unforgettable night of poetry, comedy, dance, visual art and whatever else the performers can think of. It’s like a high school talent show, but with actual talent. 820 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 7 – 10 p.m.; $5-10; [email protected].
Friday, Jan. 31
Puppet shows aren’t just for kids anymore. The Bread and Puppet Theater presents “The Shatterer of Worlds” in the South End’s Cyclorama. A far cry from Bert and Ernie, the show tells the politically-charged, cautionary tale of a dystopian future in which life on Earth is slowly being obliterated by “the shatterer,” an allegorical figure intended to represent the destructive tendencies of humans. The performance incorporates a number of hot-button issues in modern society, while also providing stunning visuals and live sound effects. The audience becomes even more absorbed in the story as performers and massive puppets move throughout the crowd, bringing them right into the action. The theater will only be in Boston for four more days, so don’t miss out on the chance to rediscover the beauty of the puppet show. 539 Tremont St; 7 p.m.; $12; breadandpuppet.org.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Sick of all these chilly days? Warm up with a chili day. As a part of its Winter Carnival, Harvard Square will host its 6th annual Chili Cook-Off. Come taste free samples from local restaurants, including the Beat Hotel, Boloco, FiRE + iCE, The Just Crust and many more. Each locale will do its best to serve up the most creative and delicious option, so get ready to try spicy, vegan, traditional and some more unusual styles. After you’ve had your fill and tickled your taste buds, cast a ballot and help determine who will win the Harvard Square Chili Pot. It’s a treat for your ears too, with entertainment by Brazilian percussion ensemble, Bloco AfroBrazil. 31 Brattle Square, Cambridge; 1 – 2:30 p.m.; free; harvardsquare.com.
Monday, Feb. 3
There are many wonderful things about the Boston Ballet, the price of tickets not being one of them. But now ballet lovers are in luck. Boston University’s Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center will host a free Dance Spotlight, featuring excerpts from upcoming Boston Ballet spring programming. The performance features pieces from Jorma Elo’s “Close to Chuck,” Jiri Kylian’s “Bella Figura” and a ground-breaking world premiere from Jose Martinez. The event will also be moderated by Russell Kaiser, the assistant artistic director of the Boston Ballet. Be the first to see these exciting new performances, without breaking the bank. 685 Commonwealth Ave.; 7 p.m.; free; bu.edu/dbin/archives.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Or do they? Find out in Scott Caan’s play, “Two Wrongs,” directed by Kyler Taustin. The show tells the story of two young, neurotic patients, Terry and Shelly, who struggle to find healthy relationships, before being set up by their therapist Julian. This results in a chaotic triangle, and ultimately a cathartic journey and self-discovery for all three. Starring Chelsea Schmidt as Shelly, Brooks Reeves as Julian and Alex Marz as Terry, the play is simultaneously heartfelt and comedic, leading the audience to not only be entertained, but to embark on a journey of self-discovery of their very own and explore the idea that “everyone has something wrong with them.” 290 Congress St.; 7:30 p.m.; free; brownboxtheatre.org.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Experience the wonder of modern science and the (only slightly gross) reality of the human form at Body Worlds Vital. Part of an internationally-traveling exhibition, the Body Worlds series was founded by Gunther von Hagens and premiered in Japan in 1995. Now coming to Boston, Body Worlds Vital explores the active potential of the human body, featuring real human bodies in positions of motion, survival, achievement and a wide range of other physical activities. The bodies belong to people who have signed agreements before their deaths to participate in the exhibition. They have then undergone a process called plastination, which preserves muscles, bones and other tissues in order to replicate a living body almost exactly. Come see the human body like never before. 200 Faneuil Hall Square; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $18.50; bodyworldsboston.com.
