Stepping Out

Ibsen's 'Peer Gynt' performed at Hofstra

Drama students bring the Norwegian farm lad to life this weekend

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On Stage

Peer Gynt
Hofstra University Drama students bring their talents to Henrik Ibsen’s poetic masterpiece, a sprawling verse epic that ranges wildly across realms rustic, exotic and fantastic. Sweeping adventure, heartbreaking romance, madmen, trolls, and the Devil himself all make an appearance in “Peer Gynt.” Jack Saleeby stars as the lovable rogue who spends his life roaming around the world in an attempt to be somebody, anybody, except himself. Challenging the limits of theatrical convention, “Peer Gynt” is a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the heart.
Friday and Saturday, April 8-9, 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m. $10, $8 seniors and students. Hofstra University Black Box Theater, New Academic Building, South Campus, Hempstead. (516) 463-6644 or www.hofstratickets.com.

Family Fun

Clifford the Big Red Dog
That beloved big dog is ready for action when he ambles onto the stage at the Madison Theatre, in a new musical adventure. Clifford is bigger and more entertaining than ever in this interactive spectacle. He is joined by his friends from Birdwell Island, including Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone in a fast-paced show filled with singing and dancing. Clifford’s infamous Big Ideas, featured in the animated PBS series, take center stage here as well. Afterwards, join Clifford and his friends for a special meet and greet.
Saturday, April 9, 2 and 6 p.m.. $25, $15 children. Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or www.madisontheatreny.org.

Musical Treasures
American Chamber Ensemble

The American Chamber Ensemble returns to Hofstra University this weekend with a lively program devoted to American composers. Hofstra senior baritone Alex Lavoie, an ACE student award winner, joins members of the acclaimed ensemble as guest soloist. Hear Douglas Moore’s Quintet for clarinet and strings, Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet, Peter Schickele’s Piano Quartet, Jonathan Russ’s new solo piano work, and songs by Ned Rorem, among other works. ACE Directors pianist Blanche Abram, clarinetist Naomi Drucker and pianist Marilyn Lehman perform, with violinists Eriko Sato and Deborah Wong, along with violist Lois Martin and cellist Chris Finckel.
Sunday, April 10, 3 p.m. $20, $15 seniors and students. Hofstra University’s Helene Fortunoff Theater, California Ave., South Campus, Hempstead. (516) 463-6644 or www.tickets.com.