Five Can't Miss Events of the Week: March 24–30

Baby animals, Newport murder mystery, native culture and more.

Start your Easter weekend off right with the kiddos and learn all about baby animals, including the bunny. No Peter Cottontail here; your kids will love petting the real deal. The Providence Children’s Museum hosts a spring-themed day with make-your-own animal ears, snuggly teacup pigs and, of course, sweet bunnies. Children will also learn how to take care of pets from the Providence Animal Rescue League. One warning, though: Your child might ask for a pet pretty soon. The fun does not stop here; hop throughout the museum to other engaging exhibits, including Water Ways, Coming to Rhode Island and Underland. You will be satisfied to know the events incorporate learning and fun, engaging children of all ages. For a complete list of activities and admission prices, visit the website.

The Details: March 26. 11 a.m.−2 p.m. $9. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org.

 

It’s the year 1891, and eligible bachelors and socialites are gathered to celebrate the 275^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with a salon of the Bard’s greatest love scenes. You’d think the drama would be contained to the stage, but the backstage action results in a “murder worthy of Shakespeare's quill.” Shakespeare fans are going to love the murder-mystery “To Be or Not To Be,” presented by the Marley Bridges Theatre Company, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the arts. During a night filled with thrills, rumors and lies, scramble for your detective cap, interrogate the suspects and help solve the mystery. “To Be or Not To Be” is part of the Mystery at the Museum series, which features six new original scripts staged at the stunning Newport Art Museum. The series is committed to C.R.I.M.E.: the integration of creativity, role-playing, interaction, mystery and experience into one show-stopping package. 

The Details: March 26–April 30. Call or visit the website for show times. $15−$30. The Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 401-324-9436, pilaba.com.

      

 

The faces behind the annual Urban Pond Procession invite the community to hear stories about Providence’s indigenous past. The event, featuring performances, a documentary screening and food tastings, brings to life more than 600 years of history of the Mashapaug Pond in South Providence, which was a vital resource for Native Americans in the area. See a documentary by Alvarez High School students on indigenous cultures and Mashapaug Pond, watch a water drum performance by Thawn Harris and hear a food sovereignty presentation by Loren Spears of the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter. Then, sample indigenous foods prepared by community members.

The Details: March 26. 10 a.m.–noon. Free. 156 Reservoir Ave., Providence, upparts.org.

 

If Easter Sunday with the family wasn’t awkward enough for you, head to the Columbus Theatre for some truly painful comedy. Neil Hamburger, the fictional character created and played by Australian comic Gregg Turkington, will make you uncomfortable. His permanently sweaty comb-over, combined with disjointed pacing and phlegmy throat clearing, exemplify the word “gag.” Neil’s a sad, lonely cat — you can tell from the barbs at his ex-wife — but an audience that’s in on the joke will appreciate a laugh at one man’s (fictional) misfortune.

The Details: March 27. 8 p.m. $15 in advance, $17 at the door. Upstairs at the Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence, ticketfly.com.  

 

If you’re already daydreaming about a bountiful summer garden, this Hope and Main class is for you. Say goodbye to single-crop gardens; the Succession Garden will teach you how to cultivate a variety of veggies, herbs and flowers all side by side and within one intense planting season. Instructor Bleu Grijalva walks participants through the process of crop planning and advises on the best soil fertilizers for diverse plants. Before long, you’ll have more produce than you'll know what to do with. (And we’ll be here to take it off your hands.) Photo by Julie Steiner.

The Details: March 30. 6 p.m. $30. Hope and Main, 691 Main St., Warren, 401-245-7400, makefoodyourbusiness.org.