Stages: Groton Hill Music offers Free Class Day to get you moving musically – Lowell Sun

Register now for Groton Hill Music’s Free Class Day coming up on Sept. 16. (Photo courtesy Groton Hill Music)

Ah, Labor Day weekend, the official “end of summer.” But in many ways, it’s like the start of the new year, filled with new teachers, innovative classes, and fresh opportunities.

Groton Hill Music taps into the new year vibe with Free Class Day on Saturday, Sept. 16. Enjoy free classes and ensembles for all ages and abilities, Q & A sessions, snacks, and opportunities for the whole family to learn and play music.

Choose from over 30 classes, meet faculty, and staff, and find inspiration in Groton Hill’s new world-class facility.

There are beginner classes in piano, ukulele, violin, drums, and guitar. Singers can find their rhythm in youth chorus, soul singing, or beat making. Early childhood classes will satisfy the youngest music-makers. And adult learners will savor classes in the history of jazz, songwriting, and singing over sixty.

It’s all there and you can find out for free in two weeks. But you must register. Visit https://grotonhill.org/pages/freeclassday/ to learn more and sign up. And visit www.grotonhill.org to learn about the many concerts, guest artists, ensembles, and more that are planned for the busy fall and winter seasons ahead.

In the wings

HOLIDAY AUDITIONS: It’s Labor Day weekend – and that means that the holidays will be here before you know it. And with that jolly time of year comes “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.” The Hanover Theatre holds auditions for both on Sunday, Sept. 10. For info for “Christmas Carol” auditions, visit www.TheHanoverTheatre.org or email auditions@thehanovertheatre.org. Auditions for “Nutcracker” will be split by age group: 9-11 a.m., ages 13+; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., ages 10-12; and 1:15-3 p.m., ages 7-9. Register for “Nutcracker” auditions on-line at https://thehanovertheatre.submittable.com/submit/5f1a1ec9-1336-4692-a048-e344f45fccdf/nutcracker-2023-audition-registration-form. Visit www.TheHanoverTheatre.org for details.

DATE CHANGE: Balefire Productions has moved its production dates of its show “Two Guys at a Bar” to Sept. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at Gallery Z, 167 Market St., Lowell. The change is because of exposure to Covid in the cast. Ticket exchanges have been transferred to the respective dates they were purchased for, and Balefire has notified patrons by email. Questions? Email theatre@balefireproductions.info.

‘DA VINCI CODE’: Heading to Southern Maine for Labor Day weekend or a few days of September R & R? Don’t miss “The DaVinci Code” at the Ogunquit Playhouse on-stage through Sept. 23. It’s a play for thinkers, based on Dan Brown’s mega-bestselling, controversial, 2003 mystery-thriller about symbols and religion, myths and truths, and family and faith. It’s a stretch for the Playhouse, which has gained fame over the past 15 years for staging stellar new musicals and tried-and-true chestnuts. But it works, and then some, in a well-crafted, expertly acted production that will leave you on the edge of your seat and questioning what you may have believed. Expertly adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, it follows a simplified plot line from the novel and Ron Howard’s 2006 filmed thriller, which I recommend watching as a refresher before you see the play. For more info and tickets, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

Nancye Tuttle’s email address is nancyedt@verizon.net