RADIO ON THE STAGE: Here's an interesting take on a holiday classic. "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" is playing this weekend at the Downtown Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport. The show brings the beloved story to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with sound effects. An ensemble brings dozens of characters to the stage as George Bailey considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Tickets are $25. Friday's show is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday has performances at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and there is a Sunday matinee at 5:30pm.
PROM NIGHT: Break out your best powder blue tuxedo and head to Hartford this weekend. "The Amazing '70s Prom" is coming to the U.S.S. Chowder Pot on Saturday night. Enjoy an evening of high comedy, with plenty of music, dancing and audience participation. You'll get a delicious seafood dinner and the show for just $39.95.
LIGHTING THE WAY: The true spirit of the holiday season will be on display in Mystic this weekend. The Mystic Festival of Lights is Friday at the Mystic Aquarium. The evening includes a special sea lion show, carolers, choirs (and other holiday music), story tellers, costumed characters and even a visit from the big guy himself. (That would be Santa). It's all set against a backdrop of nearly two dozen decorated trees. Across the street, Olde Mistick Village will offer complimentary refreshments and other holiday entertainment amidst a backdrop of luminaria. Admission is $5, which benefits the Sea Research Foundation's programs for at-risk youth, and a donation of one canned food item to benefit area food banks. Show is 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHICH FOOT?: San Diego alt-rockers Switchfoot are trading the sand and sun for the snow this weekend. The band, which hit it big with 2003's double-platinum "The Beautiful Letdown," will be at the Webster Saturday night. The group split with their major label a few years back to return to their roots as a hard-working independent act. Their current tour, "Evening With," will feature mostly songs from their new album "Hello Hurricane." Tickets are $20. Show is at 7p.m.
HERE'S YOUR SIGN: On the heels of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and his TBS sitcom aptly titled "The Bill Engvall Show," Bill Engvall has become a household name. This weekend, he's bringing his solo stand-up show to Connecticut. He'll play the Performance Theater at MGM Grand Saturday night. Tickets are $30-$55. 8 p.m.
TAKE FIVE: Fresh off his trip to Washington D.C. to hob-nob with the President, and new Kennedy Center honoree Dave Brubeck is coming to Connecticut. The jazz legend will play a pair of Christmas shows Sunday at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield. Brubeck, who'll be at the piano, will be joined by First Church soloists and adult, youth and children's choirs. The program will also feature traditional Christmas carols sung by the choirs and the audience. Tickets are $20 and $30. Show times are 4 p.m. and 7p.m.
