SIMON SAYS: Times like these can put everyone on edge. So why not try to find the humor in it? This weekend at the Repertory Theatre of New Britain, see "Prisoner of Second Avenue," Neil Simon's comedy about one man's fall and recovery. The play tells the story of Mel, who loses his job, has to deal with noisy neighbors, a burglary, air pollution and, to top it off, his psychiatrist's death. The only thing left for Mel to do, is have a nervous breakdown (funny stuff right?). The show promises to make you laugh 'till you cry. Tickets are $18. The theater's site has showtimes and more info.
RAW DEAL: Head to the Webster Theatre in Hartford on Saturday to witness the pioneers of "livetronica." The New Deal has a sound that lies somewhere between electronica and jam-band. And over the last decade, the Canadian trio has been perfecting their improv-heavy act at hundreds of shows and festivals like Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The New Deal is playing an all-ages show at the Webster on Saturday night. Tickets are $21. Show's at 8 p.m.
SO DEMANDING: Friday night brings an evening of dinner and a show so funny you might have that dinner coming out your nose. Comedy on Demand is the state's favorite improv troupe, and Friday, they're taking over the Gelston House in East Haddam. The winter-warming dinner theater experience consists of a great meal followed by Comedy On Demand, creating sidesplitting skits based on audience suggestions. Tickets are $8, plus the cost of your meal. Dinner is at 6 p.m., and the funny starts at 8 p.m.
FROZEN FORE: It's the middle of winter, so what better way to spend your weekend than by teeing it up at the links? Head to the Burlington Golf Center on Sunday for the 15th annual Polar Bear Open. A full field of brave men and women's golfers will compete while laughing in the face of Old Man Winter. But don't think that the frigid foursomes will be left out in the cold. Each loop brings players back to the Pro Shop for free mugs of hot mulled cider and other tasty treats from Hogans Cider Mill, while warming themselves up by a wood-burning stove. If you have what it takes, the Open costs $25 per player, and advance registration is required. Starts at 10 a.m. If you go, take some photos and send them to us at isee@nbcconnecticut.com
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: No, we aren't telling you to watch SNL this weekend (though it's a hilarious show, and NBC can use some love). Instead, head to Berlin this weekend for a the theatre's version of the show. The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is putting on its production of "Forbidden Broadway," starting Friday night. The show is a musical revue paying tribute to some of the greatest performers to walk the Great White Way. You'll see impersonations of everyone from Liza Minnelli and Steven Sondheim to spoofs of shows like Les Miserables, Hairspray and Spamalot. Tickets are $30. The show is Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
RECREATING GREATNESS: Bruce Springsteen is one of the most beloved musicians in the world and "Born to Run" is the Boss' quintessential album. Friday night at Mohegan Sun, the record will be recreated, note for note, cut for cut, and it's live. Classic Albums Live makes it their mission to take the world's greatest albums and put them on stage. You have to hear it to believe it. It's as close to Springsteen as you're going to get without shelling out big bucks for one of his concerts. The show starts at 9 p.m. in Mohegan's Wolf Den.