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ALL WEEKEND -- Restore a sense of humor: Harlequin Productions is staging “OR,” a neo-Restoration comedy set in 1660 about Aphra Behn, the first professional female playwright. Because it was written just a few years ago, the play has a modern sensibility. You can see it at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday or 2 p.m. Sunday. (The show also will run through Feb. 16.) Call 360-786-0151 or go to harlequinproductions.org to get tickets.
ALL WEEKEND -- Outside the box: "NEXT TO NORMAL” is a thought-provoking and intense musical that won a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for its portrayal of a family coping with loss, grief and mental illness. Capital Playhouse is staging the show now at 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, but you also can catch it through Feb. 17. Tickets are $29-$39. Call 360-943-2744.
ALL WEEKEND -- Just peachy: Olympia Family Theater's annual youth production this year is "JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH," David Wood’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book about an orphaned boy who travels across the ocean in a peach. Showtimes are 7 p.m. tonight and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, although there are more showtimes through Feb. 17. Catch the show at the black box theater at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $16 general admission; $9 for ages 12 and younger; $12 for seniors, students and military. For more information, call 360-570-1638 or go to olyft.com; for tickets, call 360-753-8586 or go to olytix.org. OFT says the play will be most enjoyed by those ages 6 and older.
ALL WEEKEND -- 20 years of art: Celebrating 20 years in business, THE STATE OF THE ARTS GALLERY is hosting a special show of artists who have been or are now members of the gallery. The artists all created pieces based on the theme of 20. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 23 at 500 Washington St. SE, Olympia. At tonight’s 6:30 p.m. opening, a raffle will be held to win one of the works of art or a print of it. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Call 360-705-0317.
ALL WEEKEND -- Art faces down bullies: “OUT OF THE SILENCE” is an art exhibit developed by local calligrapher Sally Penley to address bullying and hate crimes against LGBT youth. It opens with a reception from 5-8 tonight at The Urban Onion restaurant inside the Hotel Olympian, 116 Legion Way, Olympia, where the art will be displayed. Calligraphers from the United States and Canada donated 60 pieces of art for the exhibit, which runs through March 30. It then moves to various other venues until the summer of 2014, when the art will be offered in an online auction. All proceeds benefit Pizza Klatch, which offers weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBT youth and their allies at six Thurston County high schools. Contact Lynn Grotsky at lynngrotsky@gmail.com to learn more.
SATURDAY -- Get lit: The 9th annual ILLUMINATED BALL, with the theme The Secret World of Bioluminescence, explores the magic and science of animals who create their own light. The gala Procession of the Species fundraiser includes a performance with original music, dance and aerial acrobatics; music by The Brown Edition; drinks; desserts; and a silent auction. The fun runs from 8 p.m. Saturday at 1 a.m. Sunday at the Eagles Hall Ballroom, 805 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia. Tickets are $65 in advance at Traditions Cafe & World Folk Art; $75 at the door. The event is for those ages 21 and older only. For more information, call 360-705-1087, or go to procession.org. For the first time, a limited amount of reserved seating is available for an additional $25; after purchasing a ticket, call the Procession Studio at 360-705-1087.
SATURDAY -- Put on your dancing shoes: Olympia’s favorite dance party returns with POLYRHYTHMICS, a horn-driven funk band. Put on your dancing shoes and catch the 9 p.m. Saturday show at the Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way SE, Olympia. Tickets are $10. Call 360-259-1589 for more details.
SATURDAY -- Comedic duo: Physical comedian HENRIK BOTHE is joining forces with standup comedian BRAD UPTON for a comedy night starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door; the show is open only to ages 21 and older. For more information, go to baurice.com.
