6 Things to do in and around Modesto this week

'Brighton BeachMemoirs'

Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical comedy "Brighton Beach Memoirs" is set on the eve of World War II near the end of the Great Depression when two families try to make ends meet in one small house. It's the first chapter in a trilogy that includes "Biloxi Blues" and "Broadway Bound."

WHEN: 7 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 23.

WHERE: Stage 3 Theatre, 208 S. Green St., Sonora

TICKETS: $12-$20

CALL: (209) 536-1778

ONLINE: www.stage3.org

Jim Brickman

Pianist Jim Brickman, known for his romantic, adult contemporary music, makes a stop in Modesto as part of his national "On a Winter's Night" tour. Coming along for the ride is Luke McMaster, who sings Brickman's new peppy pop song "Good Morning Beautiful." Brickman is a Grammy nominee known for his hits "Valentine," "The Gift" and "Love of My Life." He is also host of the weekly radio show "Your Weekend with Jim Brickman," which is carried 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Sundays by Stockton's 99.3FM KJOY.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $19-$69

CALL: (209) 338-2100

ONLINE: www.galloarts.org

'Anna in theTropics'

Prospect Theater Project presents Nilo Cruz's 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Anna in the Tropics." The play centers on two sisters who compete for the affections of a handsome lector hired by the cigar factory where they work to read stories to the employees.

WHEN: 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 9.

WHERE: Prospect Theater Project, 520 Scenic Drive, Modesto

TICKETS: $20

CALL: (209) 549-9341

ONLINE: www.prospecttheaterproject.org

'Every Christmas Story'

Sierra Repertory Theatre presents "Every Christmas Story Ever Told." The show weaves together Rudolph, Tiny Tim, Cindy Lou Who, Frosty, Santa and Scrooge with a crazy mix of Christmas music. Three actors lead this madcap romp through the holiday season.

WHEN: 7 p.m. today, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 16.

WHERE: Sierra Repertory Theatre, 13891 Mono Way, Sonora

TICKETS: $18-$30

CALL: (209)532-3120

ONLINE: www.sierrarep.org

Red Dog Ash

Red Dog Ash, an award-winning Turlock bluegrass band, is having a CD release party. The group promises to offer top-rate musicianship and stellar song-writing that will carry listeners through California's unique history and landscapes and tap powerful emotions.

WHEN: 8 p.m. today

WHERE: West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman

TICKETS: $13 reserved, $10 general

CALL: (209) 862-4490

ONLINE: www.westsidetheatre.org

Purple Haze

Purple Haze, the popular Bay Area Jimi Hendrix tribute band featuring Ralph Woodson, returns to the State Theatre with opening act Cold Shot, a Modesto tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Both groups received standing ovations at their April performances at the State.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto

TICKETS: $22

CALL: (209) 527-4697

ONLINE: www.thestate.org