PICK OF THE DAY
Behind the bar
Good bartenders don’t just mix drinks. They also listen to the troubles of their customers, and sometimes offer advice. Irish barkeep Dev is no exception. In the Stoneham Theatre’s production of local playwright James McLindon’s “Distant Music,” Dev dispenses wisdom and receives it from two patrons, one a devout Catholic, the other a Harvard professor. The action is set in Cambridge, so Boston area theatergoers should feel right at home. Feb. 28-March 10. Thurs 7:30 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 3 and 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. Talkback with McLindon after
March 3 matinee. $40-$48. Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham. 781-279-2200, www.stonehamtheatre.org
THURSDAY
They’re wonder-full The women’s networking group known as Wonder Women launches the Strength & Courage speaker series with the Globe’s Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein and Jenny Johnson of NECN’s “TV Diner.” They’ll participate in a discussion with moderator Jeanne Dasaro and take audience questions. Feb. 28, 6-8 p.m. $6. Collaboratory 4.0, 40 Berkeley St., Boston. www.wonder
womenboston.com
What’s the news Local novelist Jennifer Haigh turns to the short story for her latest book, “News From Heaven.” The collection of 10 interconnected tales focuses on a Pennsylvania coal mining town and its inhabitants. Haigh reads from the book for JP Writes & Invites, featuring readings by Boston authors and interactive Q&A sessions. Feb. 28, 6:45 p.m. Free. Jamaica Plain Library, 12 Sedgwick St., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-2053, www. bpl.org/branches/jp
The game of love In Harold Pinter’s “The Lover,” husband and wife Richard and Sarah try to spice things up with some role playing but find that it puts their marriage to the test. The production is the premiere show by Bridge Rep of Boston. Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. March 1-2, 8 p.m. Through March 17. $25, $15 students. Boston Center for the Arts, Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston.
www.bridgerepofboston.com
FRIDAY
Bob hits the books Here’s what actor/comedian Bob Saget says about the book he’s currently working on: “I’ve always thought there was a time and a place for filth. . .” According to his website, the tome will be full of “filth and craziness.” Will some of that make it into his stand-up act? See for yourself at the Wilbur. March 1, 7:30 p.m. $29-
$43. Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston. www.thewilbur.com
Power of pictures Photographer Kristin Chalmers found that taking pictures of her son and letting him play with her camera allowed him to open up. She took her findings to a residential school for children and young adults with autism and other disabilities. See her photos chronicling the daily lives of students and staff in “The Broad Spectrum Project: Looking Through the Window of Autism.”
Reception March 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. On view through March 30. Mankiw Family Gallery, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, 785 Beaver St., Waltham. www.chch.org/mankiwfamilygallery
SATURDAY
Critical massacre Back in the 18th century, things were heating up in Boston, and the events of the Boston Massacre lent fuel to the colonists' fire. Go to the place where it happened for a Boston Massacre Re-enactment, preceded by comments from patriots, loyalists, and moderates on the attitudes that led to the event. March 2, 7 p.m. Free. Old State House Museum, 206 Washington St., Boston. 617-720-1713, www.bostonhistory.org