Gioacchino Rossini's comic opera has been a favorite with audiences since it premièred in Rome in 1816. Townsend Opera Players is presenting three performances of the show in English beginning Sunday at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

With flashing lights, smoke, explosions and non-stop Irish step dancing, Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” offers Celtic culture on steroids. The touring production, which opened Thursday at the Gallo Center for the Arts’ 1,200-seat Rogers Theater, brought the packed house to its feet and filled the theater with cheers and whistles.

The Four Lads will sing some of their wholesome hits featured in the show, like "Moments to Remember" and "Standing on the Corner Watching the Girls Go By" on Nov. 21 at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Joining them are other groups of the time: The Ink Spots, The DeMarche Sisters and The Tex Beneke Orchestra, which will do a Glenn Miller tribute.

Prospect Theater Project presents George Bernard Shaw's 1894 play "Arms and the Man" from Nov. 20 through Dec. 13.

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Modesto Junior College presents its electronic music concert Sample Fest 2009 on Wednesday.

Home Base: Modesto

Ex-Turlocker has the 'Spirit' as film takes award

LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL

Soprano Alexis Magaro will perform Nov. 21 in the next program in the Manteca Kindred Arts concert series.

Back by popular demand, "Woody Guthrie's American Song" is returning to Stage 3 Theatre in Sonora from Nov. 20 through Dec. 20.

Whether it's flipping burgers, shaking signs on street corners or mowing lawns, the jobs available to most of today's teens don't have a high "cool factor." Nor do they hold much promise for long-term career dreams. At Modesto Sound, things are different.

SAN FRANCISCO — It was summer 1974, and a one-time street performer produced a comedy show in the back room of a club — a perfect antidote to the grimness of Watergate and the Vietnam War. Tickets were $2.50 each, and everyone was hoping for a six-week run.

"Friday Night Lights" returns this season with old characters in new hats. Many familiar residents of Dillon, Texas, have moved on to new jobs, new schools and new challenges. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) is among them. He pulls a red cap on his head.