Planet Weekend Picks, Sept. 14-16

Billy Magnussen, Sigourney Weaver, and David Hyde Pierce in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at McCarter Theatre. Photo: T. Charles Erickson

Friday, September 14

 

Ringwald

Author Molly Ringwald Visits the Princeton Public Library– The actress and author discusses `When It Happens to You,’ her debut work of fiction that interweaves eight stories, all with a theme of betrayal. As of Thursday afternoon, just a few tickets were left. The $25 ticket prince includes a copy of the book. Non-ticket holders can attend view the talk in the simulcast viewing area and attend the book signing after the talk. 7 p.m.

45th Anniversary Dance Party at the Arts Council of Princeton – A jukebox that spins classic 45s will be the centerpiece for a special celebration of the Arts Council of Princeton’s 45th Anniversary. From 7 – 9 p.m, a family-friendly program will include learning fun dance moves and a variety of activities and games for kids of all ages. At 9 p.m., the party will become an adults- only (21+) dance party inspired by the music of 1967, the year the arts council was founded. $10 individuals/$5 members or $25 families/$15 member families.

Brentano String Quartet, Princeton University Department of Music – ‘Fragments, Linking Past and Present’, a project celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Brentano Quartet features six fragments from composers from the past and responses by six living composers. Richardson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 15

Apple Days, Terhune Orchards –  Celebrate the apple harvest at the annual festival. Event includes lots of family activities including pony rides, wagon rides, make your own scarecrow station, a corn stalk maze, and an activity barn with the theme “All About Pumpkins.” Apple and pumpkin picking. Apple pies, donuts, muffins, and salads available. Music by the Daisy Jug Band. Rain or shine. Winery and tasting room, farm store and pick-your-own are free admission. Festival area entry $5, children under 3 free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Annual Butler/Wilson 5K, Princeton University – Student-organized run to benefit Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Registration is $10 or a non-perishable food item. Rain date is Sunday, September 18. Registration begins at 9 a.m., race begins at 10 a.m. Register at Butler College.

West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance  Trolley Line Trail Ride – Five-mile loop down the Trolley Line Trail and along Penn-Lyle past High School South and back to the park. Meet at the tennis courts at Community Park (North Mill Road entrance) in West Windsor at 2:15 p.m.; the ride leaves at 2:30 p.m.  The goal is to help people feel comfortable getting around by bike and see new routes. No preregistration is necessary; just bring a bike in good working order and a helmet. The ride itself is free. Children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. There are sidewalks on Penn-Lyle and Clarksville for the youngest riders. Rain date Sept. 16.

Art Exhibit at Stuart Country Day School – Opening reception for ‘Sacred Spaces: Paintings and Mixed Media,’ an exhibit of works by Jessie Krause and Eileen Shahbender. School located at 1200 Stuart Road, reception 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free.

Montgomery Friends of Open Space and West Windsor Community Farmers’ Markets – Montgomery market at the Village Shopping Center, 1340 Route 206 South in Skillman, West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market at the Vaughn Drive Parking Lot at the Princeton Junction Train Station, both 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Friends of Princeton Republicans Community Barbecue – All Princeton residents are invited to attend the free event regardless of political affiliation. The event will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Johnson Education Center on the Ellsworth Terrace, The center is located at One Preservation Place, just across from the entrance to the Johnson Park Elementary School on Rosedale Road.   In case of rain, festivities will move to the second-story party room in the Johnson Education Center. The TEMPOraries band, led by singer and guitarist Jonathan Savage, will perform.  Volunteers will grill and serve hamburgers and hot dogs, and roasted pig and a variety of salads will also be served.  Beer and wine will be available for adults 21 and over.

Sunday, September 16

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Birth of Christopher Reeve -The Princeton Public Library marks the anniversary with screenings of two favorite Reeve movies. Screening of ‘Deathtrap,’ a mystery starring Christopher Reeve as an aspiring playwright, 1 p.m.. Screening of ‘Somewhere in Time,’ a romantic drama starring Reeve, 3:30 p;m. Hosted by Reeve’s mother Barbara Johnson, free.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, McCarter Theatre – New play by Christopher Durang. Actors include David Hyde Pierce and Sigourney Weaver. Co-production with Lincoln Center Theater. Tickets $20 to $72. Friday  8 p.m., Satuday 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.