DAI BING

Shen Yun

February 5 and February 7

HER HORROR STORY

What natural phenomenon occurred in 1815 that helped influence Mary Shelley’s writing

of Frankenstein? (Scroll to bottom to see answer.)

a. Tornado

b. Meteor shower

c. Volcanic eruption

d. Blizzard

In her new book, The Lady and Her Monsters, Boston author Roseanne Montillo reveals this detail and other fascinating stories behind the writing of Shelley’s masterpiece. Montillo reads and signs copies at Brookline Booksmith (617-566-6660; brooklinebooksmith.com) on Tuesday and Concord Bookshop (978-369-2405; concordbookshop.com) on Thursday, both at 7 p.m.

February 7

STRAIGHT TALK ON GUNS

John Rosenthal, a founder of the nonprofit Stop Handgun Violence (you’ve seen its gigantic billboard along the Mass. Pike near Fenway), will speak on common-sense gun control Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck in Gloucester. Suggested donation $10. 978-758-1210; rockyneckartcolony.org

February 8-10

EASTERN PAGEANTRY

Shen Yun, a vivid spectacle of traditional Chinese dance through the centuries, colorful costumes, and music, comes to the Boston Opera House for five shows Friday through Sunday. Tickets start at $50. 617-259-3400; bostonoperahouse.com

Justin Willman

February 9

SWEET MAGIC

You may recognize him as the host of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, but Emerson grad Justin Willman has another career as a comic magician. He’ll perform at the Wilbur Theatre on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $22. Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000; thewilburtheatre.com

February 9

YEAR OF THE SNAKE

Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum celebrates the lunar New Year on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. with lion dance performances, a Chinese yo-yo show, storytelling, art activities, and more. Free with museum admission. 978-745-9500; pem.org

Answer: C

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