Weekend Preview: troubled times, fun times

Technically, you could bring opera glasses to any of the events in this edition of Weekend Preview…

Individuals seeking to deploy those tiny optic devices aright will be interested in Tacoma Opera’s “Trouble in Tahiti,” by Leonard Bernstein and “Pagliacci” by Ruggero Leoncavallo. The two-fer show runs Friday and Sunday at Tacoma’s Pantages Theater. The double bill will be sung in English and Italian with projected English translation.

“Trouble in Tahiti” is basically the show “Mad Men” set to music. Set in 1952, the opera involves Sam and Dinah, who are discontent with each other and their lives. Dinah goes to a shrink, while Sam avoids his home life by hitting the gym.

With its iconic sad clown, “Pagliacci” is one of the most famous Italian operas. When his wife takes up with a villager, the leader of a troupe of traveling players confuses the play they are performing with real life, with murderous consequences.

The shows tie together well since both deal with relationships gone wrong and the outcomes those failed relationships create.

Opera glasses may be somewhat less appropriate when Tacoma Community College features Symphonic Band’s free concert Thursday at TCC Building 3. Saxophonist Fred Winkler will be featured with the band, performing the Northwest premiere of Paul Richards’ “Bat Out of Hell.”

Finally, opera glasses may be utterly anathema or perfectly suitable at the Toxic Spill Roller Derby Bout set for Saturday at Wheelz Skate Arena in Fircrest. This is first bout by Tacoma’s newest roller derby league Toxic 253. The night will begin with a demonstration by Poison Ivy’s Junior Derby, followed by a bout between the ladies of Toxic 253 and The Rainy City Roller Dolls B team and will finish with a thrilling men’s scrimmage.

Good times all around.