Here is your curated Hartford event calendar for February.

What makes the list?
Events that I would either attend or recommend to a good friend. That’s it. And right now, if a venue’s Covid policies are sloppy, I ain’t recommending.

ADD TO CALENDAR

  • ANGRY, RAUCOUS, AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS: Last chance to see this at Hartford Stage is on February 6, 2022 — if you want to use a library pass, don’t wait around. I’d give a description, but if you aren’t grabbed by that title alone, there’s not much I can do to fix you. Hartford Stage requires proof of full vaccination and for visitors to wear masks at all times unless eating or drinking; refreshments are only allowed in lobby right now, and not inside the theater.
  • GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRÉ: One night only, Cinestudio is showing this bio film about André Leon Talley. The venue’s description: “When André Leon Talley died on January 18th, the word most used to describe the 6’6″ fashion journalist known for dressing in capes and dishing with Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model was ‘fabulous’. And while we would never diminish his supreme fabulousity, Kate Novak’s documentary reveals that there was much, much more to this man. Interviews with Talley and friends in the fashion world reveal his hardscrabble childhood in segregated North Carolina, his days at Brown University (where he earned an MFA in French literature) and the racism and homophobia he encountered. The first African American man to serve as the creative editor of Vogue magazine, Talley advocated for more diversity of color and sexual preference among the journalists, models and designers in the fashion industry. And when you count among your personal clients everyone from to Mariah Carey to Michelle Obama, it’s a given that your inside stories, fierce intelligence and wit will not be forgotten.” This plays on February 10 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available online.  Cinestudio requires proof of full vaccination along with government issued photo ID, and for masks to be worn correctly while inside the building.
  • THIS BITTER EARTH: Contains partial nudity, but who knows which parts?! At Theaterworks from Feb. 16- March 20, 2022, This Bitter Earth promises to be thought provoking. Their description: “A deep love is challenged by divisive political realities. Jesse, an introspective black playwright, finds his choices called into question when his boyfriend, Neil, a white Black Lives Matter activist, calls him out for his political apathy. As passions and priorities collide, this couple is forced to reckon with issues of race, class and the bravery it takes to love out loud.” Visitors will need to show proof of vaccination and government-issued ID, and wear a mask at all times inside the building; the concession area is currently closed. Tickets are available online. If live performance isn’t your thing right now, you can stream this play instead.
  • EMERGENCE: If you’ve walked on the Twain and Stowe House grounds in the last year, you’ve noticed the Solitary Garden — a garden bed built with the same dimensions of a solitary confinement prison cell. Now, the Judy Dworin Performance Project has created a dance theater piece inspired by women at York Correctional. This two-part performance can be viewed online, free, on two nights. You can view this on Zoom on February 17th beginning at 6 PM with a live talk back at 8 PM; or, watch the premiere on YouTube on February 18th at 7 PM. Tickets are available online.
  • PRINCESS BRIDE: Take a disco nap. This begins at 10 PM on Friday February 18, 2022. Tickets available online. Cinestudio requires proof of full vaccination along with government issued photo ID, and for masks to be worn correctly while inside the building.

CULTURAL ASSETS

For ongoing free education, entertainment, and resources — like 24/7 food pantries and libraries — check out this map. Zoom in and click on the icons for more information.