Weekend Arts Roundup: A Pre-Dean's Date Deluge of Dance, Music, and Theatre

Happy 2011, everyone!  Even though you all probably equate the weekend before the dreaded Day of the Dean with holing up in a library and crying your eyes out in sorrow, there are a slew of interesting arts events to tempt you this weekend. Crawl out of your paper-induced misery and give these a shot!

• BodyHype's 20th-Anniversary show is opening tonight at Theatre Intime--they're pulling out all the stops for this concert, it's not one to miss.  Thursday-Saturday at Theatre Intime: Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 10pm, Saturday at 7pm & 10pm.  Students $6, student events eligible.
• The Lewis Center's Atelier class, taught by a different visiting professor each semester, is presenting a final showcase of their music compositions from the term.  They call it "an evening of hilarious (and hair-raising) new songs and music theater scenes"--and the music I've overheard from their rehearsals in 185 has been beautiful.  Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm, Matthews Acting Studio at 185 Nassau Street. Free.

• The University TapCats, Princeton's only tap dance troupe, are presenting Tapparition in the Frist Film and Performance Theatre (on the 3rd floor).  They only do one show a year, so now's your chance! Thursday-Saturday at 8pm. Tickets $8, student events eligible.
• This weekend's free show at the Garden is the breakout indie hit Black Swan.  Watch Natalie Portman be driven crazy by her art! Fun times! Thusrday-Sunday, 12am (get there early to get a seat). Free popcorn and soft drinks.
• If you're in the mood to dream of far-off locales, check out A Broad Abroad, Olivia Stoker '11's semi-autobiographical one-woman thesis show for the Department of Theatre about her experiences in Europe. Featuring jazz keyboard music by Vince di Mura.  Whitman Class of 1970 Theater: Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm.  Student tickets $10, student events eligible.
• Wondering who those weirdos are who've been rehearsing outside the Chapel in long capes all week?  They're the actors from Wakefield Mystery Plays, Phoenix Gonzalez's thesis production of two Medieval mystery plays for the Department of Theater.  Performances start in the Chapel courtyard (bundle up!), then move into the Chapel for the second half of the production. Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm. Free and open to the public.
• Students from Music 214 are presenting staged scenes from Mozart operas - Cosi fan tutte, The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute - accompanied by members of the University Orchestra on Saturday night.  They're directed by Juilliard muckity-muck Edward Berkley, head of Juilliard's undergrad opera program and Director of the Aspen Opera Center. Michael Pratt and Andrea Grody '11 will conduct.  An exceptional, once-a-year opportunity.  Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, Saturday at 8pm. 10 general admission, but Free for students (!).