Arts & Entertainment

EVENTS ADDED: Chili & Chowder, Children's Theater, 'Bear Facts'

A plentiful supply of cool kids activities, plus a U.S. Congressman to hold a "Town Hall" meeting on Saturday in Bernardsville.

All of a sudden, there are things going on again after the holidays. There are some really cool things for kids to do in the upcoming days, and through this weekend, as well as a chance to do some really important things — listen to (and maybe question) a U.S. Congressman, adopt a pet, or participate in a fundraiser while doing something fun.

Something that local residents might find especially helpful is a chance to learn about bears in a presentation on Sunday at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge.

As usual, please add other events we may have missed.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Cinderella, Cinderella"
When/Where:
The Basking Ridge-based Trilogy Repertory Co. will present its annual children's play at the , 32 S. Maple Ave., at three different times on Saturday; 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Why Go: A cool interactive play that lets your kids join in the play along with the rest of the cast.
Cost: Free, but pick up tickets in the children's library beforehand.

St. James Men of Charity Chili & Chowder Cookoff
When/Where:
From 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 184 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: What could be better than friends (adult company only!), chili, chowder and beverages, along with other goodies, all to raise money for charity. Babysitting available for children, age 3-plus, $10 per family, contact kgsmp@aol.com
Cost: $35 per person. To order, call the parish office at 908-766-0888, 908-647-2632 or 908-580-9894.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

'The Bear Facts'
When/Where: On Sunday, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. riday 
Why Go: Because we've had an awful lot of bear sightings in Bernards this past year — and a bear expert from the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife department will explain how people can share the local environment with bears when they visit populated neighborhoods.
Cost: Free


When/Where:
Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at Bridgewater Sports Arena, Frontier Road, Bridgewater.
Why Go: To watch your local version of ice hockey, and make a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project for veterans through the Ridge Ice Hockey Association or Morristown Booster Club.
Cost: Gate fee of $4 for adults, $3 for students

'The Wiz'
When/Where: Front & Center’s Junior and Senior Performing Arts Company will perform "The Wiz" on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Performing Arts Center in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Move on down the road to enjoy a rousing musical version of "The Wizard of Oz."
Cost: Tickets are $20 and $25 and can be purchased online or at the door.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-District 7) Town Hall Meeting
When/Where:
Saturday, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bernardsville Public Library, 1 Anderson Hill Road, Bernardsville.
Why Go: Because, if he's re-elected, Lance could represent Bernards Township starting in 2013, and he's already representing much of the Somerset Hills and part of Bridgewater. Hear what's going on in U.S. Congress.
Cost: Free


When/Where: Art exhibit on display any open hours at the Bernardsville Public Library, 1 Anderson Hill Road in Bernardsville, and at Studio 7 Fine Art Galleryin Bernardsville, with the show to last at both locations through Jan. 27.
Why Go: To view scenes from the Great Swamp in Basking Ridge and beyond as portrayed by 25 artists from the Somerset Hills, Morris County and other areas of the state in multiple medium, and to honor one of our natural wonders. 
Cost: Free

Inblot Art! for Tweens
When/Where:
At the for grades 4 to 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Why Go: Bring a smock as you learn to drip ink to make your very own works of art!
Cost: Registration required. Go online, or call 908-204-3031, ext. 3

Dog Adoption Day at Petsmart
When/Where:
Sunday at 11 a.m. at  on Promenade Boulevard in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To adopt your new best friend when you head over to the store for wonderful new puppy.
Cost: $0 to attend, just costs associated with the adoption of the dog.

4-H Winter Train Show
When/Where:
Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. at the  on Milltown Road in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To watch trains move and celebrate the 4-H's train afficionados with the annual showcase.
Cost: $4 for adults, and $2 for children ages 12 and under.

Winter Craftacular
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at the for children ages 3 through 8.
Why Go: To hear a story and create a craft while dressed in your warmest clothes to celebrate the winter months.
Cost: Free, though registration is required.

Flapjack Fundraiser
When/Where:
Sunday at 8 a.m. at  on Promenade Boulevard in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To work with the  and Camp Bow Wow to raise money for Rawhide Rescue while enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs.
Cost: $10, and all money will go to Rawhide Rescue.

Watchung Arts Center Artistry of Dance
When/Where: 8 p.m. Friday at the Watchung Arts Center, 108 Stirling Road, Watchung.
Why Go: Hot cha-cha! Enjoy championship dancers Sergei and Olga Bezrodnov, as they demonstrate the steps they'll be teaching in a new series of classes at the center.
Cost: Free.

Panel Discussion on Ethics
When/Where: 11 a.m. Jan. 29 at Temple Har Shalom, 104 M.t Horeb Road, Warren.
Why Go: Thinking cap time: an indepth-discussion of bio-ethical and legal issues faced by professionals today.
Cost: Free.


When/Where: Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. at the  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To see the story of the story of the woman who wrote 1960s classics like Chapel of Love and Da Doo Ron Ron.
Cost: $17 adults; $15 seniors and students.


When/Where: Friday, 8 p.m. at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Why Go: You need a little funny to end a busy week.
Cost: $25


When/Where: Saturday, 8 p.m. at Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morris Township
Why Go: You want to support their charity efforts that night; you want to hear good music.
Cost: $20 (BYOB)


When/Where: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Why Go: You're curious about how potentially awesome a live reading of a graphic novel can be (and, if you're still not convinced, ).
Cost: $27 to $37


When/Where: Saturday at 7 p.m. at the , 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany
Why Go: You want to hold 'em like they do in Texas, please.
Cost: $100

Free Self Defense Class for Women
When/Where: Friday at 7:30 p.m. at , in Kinnelon.
Why Go: Because women of all ages can learn easy techniques to defend themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
Cost: Free


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