Weekender

Isolation, anxiety and loneliness played a big part in the pandemic life we all recently endured. But so, too, did joy, hope and resilience. Artists explore the emotions, traumas and unexpected gifts of the past 15 months in “Postcards From the Edge” at Loading Dock Gallery at Lowell’s Western Avenue Studios.

The exhibit opened Wednesday and runs through Aug. 1.

Works are inspired by visions of imaginary or out-of-this-world travel. The distance between people and missing a special someone inspire other works. All are presented as messages — like postcards — and intended to resonate with the viewer.

Some works — small gems — are standard postcard-size. Others vary in size and are two- or three-dimensional. And there are also ceramics, jewelry, wearable art and more.

Artist John Dunkelberg’s oversized postcards encourage viewers to leave the real world behind and escape with the imagination.

“We all could use a getaway right now — from our homes, our jobs and perhaps our reality,” says Dunkelberg.

Linda Dunn shares her expressive ocean paintings, which evoke feelings of longing.

“This year, we learned to stay apart and stay home,” notes Dunn. “Maybe that longed-for trip to the beach with family will help restore our balance.”

Susan Hodge’s painting of an empty raft on a pond last summer reflects the emptiness so many felt over the past 15 months.

Thankfully, summer 2021 brings hope for better health, fun-filled gatherings and the promise of long-awaited reunions with friends and family.

The gallery is in the Western Avenue Studios and Lofts complex, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m. Call 978-415-9889, or visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com.

Gallery Note

FIRST THURSDAY IN FITCHBURG: Spend a night out in Fitchburg on Thursday, July 1, courtesy of the Fitchburg Art Museum and other participants. Visit FAM with free admission from noon to 7 p.m. See young actors from Stratton Players present an encore performance of “Artists Together – Sybil Deane Fairbanks and Eleanor Norcross” at 6 p.m. Then trek into town for dinner and more music. Visit www.facebook.com/events/153418320077427/?event_time_id=161799429239316 for First Thursday fun in July and on Aug. 5 and Sept. 2.

ART MART: Head on over to Western Avenue Studios in Lowell on Saturday, July 3, for the First Saturday Art Market, from noon to 5 p.m. This marks the first indoor event in almost 18 months. Roam the halls, reconnect and visit with artists, purchase art, and check out the new exhibit in Loading Dock Gallery. Call 978-710-8605 or visit www.westernavenuestudios.com.

‘BOMB’ SHOW OPENS: After a pandemic-induced postponement, the exhibition “Atomic Alert!: Confronting ‘The Bomb’ in the New Atomic Age” opened this week at Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton and is on view through Aug. 8. The show explores the U.S. government’s 1950’s Cold War efforts to educate Americans about what to do before an atomic attack, how to react to a sudden blinding flash, and what actions to take in the aftermath. Included are educational films about atomic attack dangers, Atomic Age comics, 1950s exhibits about building bomb shelters and finding safety in schools, offices and elsewhere, civil-defense posters, and evacuation maps. Curator Michael Schelbach gives a virtual lecture on Saturday, July 10, from 1 to 2 p.m., and admission is free on Sunday, July 11. The museum is open Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Timed admission and reservations required by calling 978-598-5000. Closed Sunday, July 4. Visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

‘NEW LIGHT’ AT MFA: Just in time for summer viewing, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston brings more than 60 works of art from across the collection, including 23 newly acquired contemporary pieces and thought-provoking dialogue in “New Light: Encounters and Connections.” On view July 3 through Feb. 6, the show is organized into 21 “conversations,” juxtaposing each contemporary work with one or two rarely seen objects acquired earlier at the MFA. Visit www.mfa.org for info and admission details.

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

At last, harried parents get a summer break with the return of Free Fun for Kids, from Aug. 4 to Sept. 2, at Boarding House Park in Lowell.

A popular summer event for over 30 years, the Wednesday and Thursday morning series is presented by the Lowell Festival Foundation at Lowell National Historical Park as a public service to the community, said Peter Aucella, general manager of the Lowell Summer Music Series.

“We may see fewer kids, but we made the decision to return to programming after having done nothing last summer,” said Aucella. “We’ll urge people to spread out — and there is lots of room for that.”

The lineup includes many old favorites like Curious Creatures and the Yo-Yo People. Also returning are the free healthy snacks, including Dasani water, Homefree cookies, Pea-Tos cheese-flavored snacks made from peas and Zollipops, healthy lollipops that are good for the teeth. Plus, Project LEARN will provide free kids books to kids in attendance.

Unfortunately, pandemic staffing shortages will prevent the free artmaking projects and trolley rides.

But free fun entertainment, the heart of the series, hasn’t changed.

Free Fun starts Aug. 4, with Curious Creatures, a hands-on interactive live animal show for all ages. Kids will meet exotic reptiles, lizards, snakes and more, up close and personal.

Matt Heaton and the Outside Toys bring an entertaining music show to BHP on Aug. 5. His songs are a mix of rockabilly, surf, American roots and Irish traditional, delivered with humor and fun.

Shine & the Moonbeams bring their special blend of soul and funk music to BHP on Aug. 11 in a show that is joyful and interactive.

Ben Rudnick & Friends return Aug. 18 with sophisticated melodies, precise instrumentation and witty lyrics. The family-friendly acoustic band has been described as a Jerry Garcia-like jam band for kids.

Trend n Motion brings hip-hop liveliness and the spirit of dance to the audience Aug. 19. The diverse team uses the spirit of dance to highlight how dance expression helps the quality of life.

Two-time gold-medal magic champ George Saterial, a highly acclaimed magic professional, entertains with his Magic by George show Wednesday, Aug. 25.

On Aug. 26, magician/juggler Robert Clarke performs, bringing his unique skills into play.

Jenny the Juggler, Boston’s only full-time professional juggler, headlines the final week Wednesday, Sept. 1, in a show blending magic, music, singing and more.

The Yo-Yo People, a husband-wife duo, bring down the Free Fun curtain on Sept. 2. The popular act has played here before.

In case of rain or excessive heat, shows will be relocated to Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Aucella and his cohorts appreciate the generous grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, through the Massachusetts Cultural Council, that is helping to underwrite the series.

Visit lowellsummermusic.org/free-fun-for-kids for info and updates.

In the wings

STRIKE UP THE BANDS: Chelmsford Community Concert Band returns to live performances for the first time in 15 months, on Saturday, July 3, at 7 p.m., on Chelmsford Town Common. It’s a favorite part of Chelmsford’s July 4 celebrations. Expect favorite Independence Day and summer pieces as the band celebrates the joys of making music again. Other concerts are planned for July 20 and Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. Visit www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com. … Looking ahead, the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra revives its Summer Pops at Shedd Park concert Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. Visit www.lowellphilharmonic.org.

SUMMER STAGES: Jack Neary directs John Manning and Jocelyn Duford in his charming romantic comedy “First Night,” July 1 and 2, at 7:30 p.m., at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison, Maine. The acclaimed production of his popular circa-1980s play was produced by Acting Out and toured to several venues pre-pandemic. This marks its first post-pandemic outing. $32 at www.deertrees-theatre.org/first-night-play.html. … Gloucester Stage Company continues its 2021 season with “Ken Ludwig’s ‘Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” Friday thirough July 25, at its outdoor venue, the Windhover Performing Arts Center in Rockport. Ludwig’s witty, comedic works leave audiences howling, and this piece, a madcap adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is no exception. It’s a funny ride for all ages. Tickets $15-$54 at www.gloucester.stage.com

A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS: Despite the heat wave, promoters and producers are looking ahead to the holidays — and 2021 looks to be much different than 2020 was. Holiday shows in the offing include the Boston Pops Holiday Tour coming to Worcester’s Hanover Theatre on Dec. 3, at 8 p.m., and Lowell Memorial Auditorium Dec. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Hanover tickets are $59-$129, on sale July 13. Visit www.thehanovertheatre.org/holidaypops21. Lowell ticket are $49-$129, on sale now at www.lowellauditorium.com, or call 800-657-8774. … Also lined up for holiday celebrating are Mannheim Steamroller at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. Visit the website for tickets. Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony plays the Hanover on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Visit the website for tickets. … The Boch Center in Boston brings “A Christmas Story, The Musical” to the Wang Theatre, Dec. 7-19. For tickets and info, visit www.bochcenter.org or call 800-982-2787.

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

Finally — after over 18 months in the dark — live, in-person performances return to Merrimack Repertory Theatre in November.

Courtney Sale, MRT’s Nancy L. Donahue artistic director, made the official announcement this week, detailing the five shows she has selected to continue the 2021-22 season that began this spring with two dynamic filmed productions — and expressing cautious optimism for a return to a semblance of normalcy.

“After an immensely challenging year, we are delighted to announce our 43rd season,” she said. “This selection was finely curated for audiences in our region to come together under one roof and share the magic of live theater. With music, comedy, provocation, love and wickedly talented artists, I am especially proud to reopen MRT in-person programming with this slate of plays.”

The roster of plays rounding out the seven-show season includes the previously announced “Wild Horses,” by Allison Gregory, Sept. 15-Oct. 3. Directed by Sale, it will be performed at locations in and/or around Lowell and will be available as a filmed video performance. Set in the ’70s, the play hilariously recounts one woman’s recollections of one summer of her youth – love, identity and the intoxication of sweet freedom.

The world premiere of the MRT-commissioned “The Rise and Fall of Holly Fudge” by Trista Baldwin, directed by Sale, marks MRT’s return to live performances at Liberty Hall, Nov. 26-Dec. 12. It’s Christmas 2020, and hard-working, single mom Carol wears a mask and makes her legendary Holly fudge, named for her daughter, that she gifts to friends and co-workers. But several snafus make it hard for her to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

The season continues with the several-times postponed “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End,” by Allison and Margaret Engel. On stage Jan. 19-Feb. 6, it celebrates Bombeck, whom many consider to be one of America’s favorite moms. Karen MacDonald stars.

“Back Together Again: The Music of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway” plays March 30-April 17. Husband-and-wife performers Christina Acosta Robinson and Ken Robinson bring their lovely music together again, performing such iconic hits as “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “Where Is the Love?”

“Best Summer Ever” rounds out the season, May 4-22. Written and performed by Kevin Kling, it’s about sleep-away camp, lazy pool days and late-night star-gazing. That’s 9-year-old Maurice’s life until a major loss and a lie threaten to shadow his summer.

MRT will also host a special event, “Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie,” Feb. 23-March 13. Joyous, toe-tapping and inspirational, it brings to life the stories and songs of the great American troubadour. Musical numbers include “This Land Is Your Land” and “So Long, It’s Been Good to Know You.”

Sale is excited to welcome patrons back to in-person performances. But she said several shows will be available on film for patrons who can’t get to the theater.

Subscriptions, starting at $75 for four shows or $95 or five, go on sale on June 24, and single tickets, starting at $21, will be available Aug. 10. Visit www.mrt.org or call the box office at 978-654-4678 for details.

In the wings

‘FIRST NIGHT’ IN MAINE: Lowell’s own Jack Neary brings the touring production of “First Night,” his charming romantic-comedy featuring John Manning and Jocelyn Duford, to the Deertrees Theatre in Harrison, Maine, for two performances, July 1-2, at 7:30 p.m. The production, directed by Neary for Acting Out Productions, toured successfully to several venues, pre-pandemic in 2019. This production marks its first post-pandemic outing, with the show being presented live and on stage. Deertrees, dubbed “Maine’s most enchanting playhouse,” has been around for 85 years and is now under the artistic direction of Gail Phaneuf, a well-known playwright-actor-director-teacher with numerous Boston-area credits, including Lowell’s Image Theater Company. Tickets are $32. Visit www.deertrees-theatre.org/2021-season.html for tickets. For info on the Harrison area, visit www.deertrees-theatre.org/plan-a-visit.html.

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