A&E

In Stronger, Jeff Bauman goes to see the Boston Marathon to impress a girl named Erin, and loses his legs to a terrorist’s bomb. His obnoxious family rushes to the hospital and continues to scream at each other throughout the film. In contrast, Erin’s demeanor is reserved. She dumped Jeff before the race, was wary of meeting him at the finish line, and is challenged by his injury and subsequent double amputation. But she still shows up to be at his bedside and takes a slew of undisguised verbal abuse from Jeff’s alcoholic mother. In addition, two other issues take center stage: the unflinchingly realistic portrayal of Jeff’s recuperation, and the constant pressure exerted by the Boston community to have Jeff be their “poster boy” for the “Boston Strong” mantra.

Last weekend for the play at the Raven, final weeks for the Barrel Room, Cloverdale's Friday Night Live and the Twilight Parade and Future Farmers Fair this weekend, and more...

Raven PlayersBetty and Edith and Sue are lifelong friends who share the same godmother. On stage at the Raven Performing Arts Center, 115 North St. Performances until Nov. 19, various times. See review this issue. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30pm. Sunday 2pm. Basketball OpenerHealdsburg High basketball...

At a recent performance of Sarah Ruhl’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone, one audience member was heard to murmur to her seatmate, “Is this funny? I think it’s sad,” while other audience members chuckled. It’s a fair question... The Raven Players production runs through May 26 at the Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg...

If you have never heard of Katniss Everdeen, you soon will. She is the strong young, warrior woman who volunteers for the Hunger Games to save her younger sister from this annual battle to the death against other “tributes” (contestants) from the twelve districts. This takes place in a future when the Capital’s forces keep tight control to prevent the rebellion that occurred in North America 70 years earlier.

Greta Schoenberg is relaunching her ballet and contemporary dance school in Healdsburg this month, offering classes for kids from 3-1/2 to 9 years old and adults at the historic Felta Schoolhouse, Parkpoint Health Club, and The Studio fitness space.