The Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, April 10-16

Ben Cosgrove Credit: Courtesy of Next Stage Arts Project

Climate Exchange

Saturday 13

At A Celebration of Earth at Next Stage Arts in Putney, composer-performer Ben Cosgrove’s landscape-inspired music sets the stage for New York Times best-selling authors Douglas Brinkley and Bill McKibben to talk about their research and writing on climate action. Film director Vanessa Vadim moderates the conversation; a live stream is available.

Pain Intolerance

Thursday 11

Philip Eil Credit: Courtesy of Cat Laine

Investigative journalist Philip Eil discusses his timely true-crime page-turner, Prescription for Pain: How a Once-Promising Doctor Became the “Pill Mill Killer,” at the Norwich Bookstore. Eil’s harrowing debut chronicles the rise and fall of Paul Volkman, currently serving the longest sentence given to any physician convicted of drug-related charges during the opioid epidemic.

Golden Gala

Friday 12 & Saturday 13

Royall Tyler Theatre’s 1974 opening production of ‘The Contrast,’ written by Royall Tyler Credit: Courtesy

To mark more than 300 performances over five decades, Gov. Phil Scott declared March 14 to be Royall Tyler Theatre Day in Vermont. Now the beloved University of Vermont arts space hosts two days of workshops and panels to kick off its next half century, culminating in 50 Years of Royall Tyler Theatre: A Musical Revue. Alumni cast members from past productions collaborate with current students for an unforgettable one-night-only performance.

Take a Bow

Saturday 13

Vermont Fiddle Orchestra Credit: Courtesy

It may be difficult for audience members to remain in their seats at the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra Spring Concert at the Barre Opera House. Traditional jigs, reels, marches and waltzes from Québec and Europe get hearts racing and feet stamping. The plucky ensemble also plays a more modern tune to honor the late David Kaynor, its former director.

Feeding Friendly

Tuesday 16

Still from ‘Ramen Day Credit: Courtesy of Corey Hendrickson

Amid the uncertainty and darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vermont Everyone Eats! program provided an undeniable bright spot. In Ramen Day, Middlebury filmmaker Corey Hendrickson documents the grassroots effort to feed food-insecure Vermonters using local ingredients, simultaneously extending a lifeline to struggling food producers and restaurants. The emotional film premieres at Montpelier’s Capitol Showplace.

Flipping Amazing

Wednesday 17

FLIP Fabrique Credit: Courtesy of Stephane Bourgeois

Prepare to be blown away by Blizzard, a spellbinding spectacle from world-renowned circus arts ensemble FLIP Fabrique. Vermont State University-Lyndon’s Alumni Gym transforms into a winter wonderland as the Québec troupe brings audiences on a blustery, breathtaking acrobatic journey.

Great Expirations

Ongoing

“Facing It” by Jack Morris Credit: Courtesy of Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery

Burlington’s Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery presents “Expiry,” a solo exhibition by Jack Morris. Using antique cameras and new and expired film, the Stowe native has developed a mosaic narrative approach challenging the idea that photographs reflect absolute reality — and adding new dimensions to the creative process.

This article appears in Apr 10-16, 2024.