TIME OUT: May 18 to 24, 2012

'Calamari Sisters' Big Fat Italian Wedding'

The Calamari Sisters are back in Rochester for the world premiere of "The Calamari Sisters' Big Fat Italian Wedding." Sisters Delphine and Carmela will sing, dance and cook their way through such favorites as "Chapel of Love," "Love and Marriage," and "Daddy's Little Girl." Rochester native and 1992 Pittsford-Mendon graduate Jay Falzone is co-creator of the Calamari Sisters, along with Dan Lavender and Stephen Smith. The trio of writers now lives in New York City. "I predict that this new dish on the Calamari Sisters' banquet of shows will be our biggest success yet," says Falzone, a Syracuse University graduate who attributes the show's heart to his grandmother, Delphine Pierri, while acknowledging that the actual idea was born at a cocktail party gone awry. "I'm so grateful to be able to pay homage to the wonderful craziness of my Italian upbringing, while bringing so much joy to others," he says. Shows are at East End Theatre, 727 E. Main St. Tickets are $39. For showtimes and tickets, visit thecalamarisisters.com.

Rochester City Ballet presents 'Dance Mix'
Rochester City Ballet continues to break new ground with "Dance Mix," a mixed-bill performance this weekend at Nazareth College Arts Center. The troupe will perform excerpts from Brighton native Daniel Gwirtzman's "Encore"; set to jazz recordings, it is a humorous, behind-the-scenes look at a dress rehearsal. Gwirtzman leads his own acclaimed dance company in New York City. Rochester City Ballet also will perform Edward Ellison's "Carmen," choreographed for the company in 2006. And Artistic Director Jamey Leverett choreographed "4Play," a contemporary battle of the sexes. Her husband, Tim Leverett, composed the music and will perform on his drum kit alongside the dancers. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Nazareth College Arts Center. Visit rochestercityballet.com or boxoffice.naz.edu.

Sculpture and dance connect
Join Albert Paley, world-renowned sculptor, and Garth Fagan, Tony- and Olivier Award-winning choreographer, as they discuss the inspiration and challenges behind creating their respective works during Conversations with Garth. This installment of the series is at 7 p.m. Friday at the Garth Fagan Dance Studio Theatre, 50 Chestnut St. The Garth Fagan Dance company will perform. "Dance and sculpture have the same fundamental principles working with balance and not balanced aspects of materials and dancers as well as understanding the space visually and in motion," Paley said. "This conversation will be interesting to discuss how memories play into both types of works in not only their manifestation but emotionally." Fagan agrees. "Good choreography involves principles of art, design, space, shape, form, sculpture and at times, music," he said. Visit garthfagandance.org.

'South Pacific' at Auditorium Theatre
Rodgers & Hammerstein's "South Pacific" takes the stage at the Auditorium Theatre. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. The beloved score's songs include "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa my Hair," "This Nearly Was Mine" and "There is Nothin' Like A Dame." The musical is based on James Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Tales of the South Pacific." Performances are at 7:30 p.m. today, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday. Visit ticketmaster.com or rbtl.org for tickets and details.

On the big screen
Based on Hasbro's classic naval combat game, "Battleship" stars Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker and Alexander Skarsgard. "What to Expect When You're Expecting " stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Matthew Morrison, Brooklyn Decker and Anna Kendrick. The film looks at love through the eyes of five interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn't always deliver what's expected. "The Samaritan" stars Samuel L. Jackson as a grifter trying to escape from his past, having spent 20 years in prison. But he gets ensnared in the plans of a young protege and it becomes all too clear to Foley that some wrongs can never be made right. Find movie times.

'Great Catsby' benefits Lollypop
Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, plans a gala at 7 p.m. Saturday guaranteed to be the "cats pajamas." The Roaring '20s will be celebrated during "The Great Catsby" at Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion in Canandaigua. Visitors can stroll the gardens, play a game of croquet, indulge in some bathtub gin and dance the night away! A troupe will provide period-style entertainment including Charleston dancers in flapper attire, a Tommy-gun hand-balancing act, and a flair-juggling barback. Silent and live auctions are planned, with all proceeds benefiting animals in need at Lollypop Farm. Visit lollypop.org.

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