YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Experience the Young Frankenstein story as re-imagined by a team of Tony Award-winning writers and choreographers. When Frederick Frankenstein (a New York brain surgeon) inherits a castle and laboratory in Transylvania from his genius-but-deranged grandfather, he faces a dilemma: should he carry on his family’s tradition of trying to reanimate the dead? Horror meets musical meets comedy in this unforgettable show. Friday, May 25, 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 26, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $52.50-$89.50. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.ca.
BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW
Walking down the aisle in the near future? Just in time for wedding season, Justina McCaffrey is bringing her beautiful bridal designs back to the capital. And in celebration, Mia Bridal Co. in Little Italy (the new, exclusive retailer of McCaffrey’s designs in the city), is feting the designer’s homecoming with a special trunk show. A must see for brides-to-be. Friday, May 25, to Monday, May 28. Appointments required. Mia Bridal Co., 444 Preston St., www.miabridalco.com.
CAPITAL CHILL
Billed as a “chillout” event, this evening will blur the lines between music and art. For its inaugural season, Capital Chill has lined up musical acts like the Matt Dorgan Project, Adam Saikaley, and Graciellita, while artists include Stefan Thompson, Étienne Gélinas, Shannon Armishaw, and Chad Skinner. Art sales plus live painting, live sculpting, and projection art round out the night. Friday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. $15 in advance, or $20 at the door (19+ event). Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., www.capitalchill.ca.
VARIETY 1916
If you’ve ever wondered how people entertained themselves before the Internet, television, and radio, then this “Chautauqua-style, Edwardian tent show” will open your eyes. (For those unfamiliar with the Chautauqua, it was a production that travelled from town to town, performing for a few days at a time. Performances included music, theatre, lectures, and magic or puppet shows.) Join the Ottawa StoryTellers as they recreate a night of music, comedy, and culture set in 1916 (hence, the name). Topics cover everything from travelling shows and strong men to vaudeville to women’s rights. Friday, May 25, 7 p.m. $15. Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., www.ottawastorytellers.ca/billing-bridge-estate.
MEC PADDLEFEST (FREE!)
Get ready to get wet. Mountain Equipment Co-op is kicking off summer (or what feels like summer!) with a celebration of water sports. Learn how to paddle, test out different boats, and swap your outdoor gear at this year’s event. There will also be cardboard canoe races, a marketplace, and a whole host of instructors and speakers to answer your questions and get you ready for the upcoming season. Registration required. Saturday, May 26, 11 a.m. On-water clinics, $10. Mooney’s Bay, http://blog.mec.ca/events/mec-paddlefest/mec-paddlefest-ottawa.
TONE CLUSTER
Ottawa’s “quite queer choir” is heading to Denver to perform at the GALA Choruses International Festival, and wants to test out its repertoire here at home first. On Saturday, Tone Cluster will focus on songs by gay Canadian composers, and will be joined by special guests In Harmony, a Women’s Chorus and the Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus. Saturday, May 26, 8 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St., www.tonecluster.ca.
WINTERMITTS
If few pop groups sing in both French and English, even fewer incorporate accordions, banjos, and glockenspiels (it may sound made up, but it’s real!) into their sound. Vancouver-based indie-pop band Wintermitts will do all that and more this weekend on their third cross-Canada tour. This will be an all-ages, afternoon show. Sunday, May 27, 4 p.m. $10, students, teens, unemployed, and mothers $5 at the door only, kids under 12 free. The Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield, www.theblacksheepinn.com.