Metro - Boston Arts

US – Saturday, March 20

The week's releases

Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.

SXSW: Day three

I couldn't wait to share this photo. They are a band from Chicago called Banana and the Woman, which my friend so keenly observed might have just as easily been called Sleeping Bag and the Rainbow Wig if the costume section at their Five and Dime had different options.

Taking on a blockbuster

If the name Stieg Larsson isn’t familiar, the cover of his globally best-selling book may provide instant recognition, considering the novel is reaching Harry Potter-level ubiquity. The film adaptation follows suit, blowing box office records all over Europe for its roundly praised, faithful rendition of the story of two detectives (of sorts) who uncover family scandals in search of a woman who has been missing for 40 years. We sat down with director Niels Arden Oplev to chat about his version of the tale.

Photo: MARCUS STERNTwo tickets to ‘Paradise Lost’

“Paradise Lost” is a Depression-era drama rife with parallels to the current economic and political climate. In the wrong hands, a predictable production of Clifford Odets’ period piece could bore an entire audience into a coma.

Arts

‘I’ll be your mama’

Sandra Shipley says she wants a lot of people to come see her in “Entertaining Mr. Sloane,” but there’s one person she’s a little nervous about.

Boston Arts

A ‘Fly’ new play at the Huntington

The magic of live theater has never been more evident than in the Huntington’s production of “Stick Fly.” In lesser hands, playwright Lydia Diamond’s tale of familial dysfunction could easily be pedestrian, but director Kenny Leon finds everything that’s good about it and encourages his talented cast to run with it.

Boston Arts

Going in for some ‘Light’ comedy

Physics meets chick flicks in “Legacy of Light,” the latest production of the Lyric Stage Co.

Arts

Clawing your way through spring arts

Spring is in the air. Well, maybe not yet, but there is evidence of some warming up going on in the theaters, concert venues and performance halls. Enjoy writer Zeth Lundy's picks of what the hottest shows in town are this season.

Winter Arts Preview

Theatre: Singing murderers and trippy puppets

Winter Arts Preview

Music: It’s classical, jazz and Pops

Winter Arts Preview

Dance: Jumping up and down

Boston Arts

Shipwrecked shenanigans

If you’ve ever worked for a jerk, “The Island of Slaves” is the perfect place for you to visit. In Neil Bartlett’s adaptation of Pierre de Marivaux’s 18th-century social commentary, two shipwrecked socialites and their heretofore abused slaves land on an island where masters and slaves are forced to switch roles.

Boston Arts

You’ll be screaming ‘Let’s go to Tahiti!’

What the ‘HONK!’ are you gonna do with your kids?

Lion’s share of the work

Dinner with a healthy helping of comedy and a side order of mystery

‘Love You I Do’ indeed

[not too shabby]

‘Knowledge’ is power for two Tork brothers

Photo: JOAN MARCUSAwakening to ‘Dreamgirls’

Statik Selektah: ‘Make it happen’

Company One render ‘Negro’ spiritual

Boston Arts

Huntington’s ‘Sons’ is close to perfection

Gonna have a surreal good time together

‘Groundswell’ not that swell

‘Gatz’ entertainment: Reading comes to life

Reaching great ‘Heights’

Broadway goes to the dogs

A ‘Wales’ of a good time

Naughty and nice

ABBA-cadabra! ‘Mamma’ is magic

A quick lesson in the ABCs of ABBA

The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.