There’s plenty to do this weekend in addition to Arts Walk and Procession

A ‘Romeo’ by any other name

Harlequin Productions’ “Romeo & Juliet,” opening Friday, April 25, is a modern take on Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers. While the bard’s language remains, Artistic Director Aaron Lamb has adapted the show, setting the action here and now, in “a nation divided like no other time in recent history.” Harlequin had originally announced the show as “R&J,” a title meant to nod to the adaptation’s youthful modernism. (“Prince Harry and Meghan Markle famously call each other ‘H’ and ‘M,’ ” said Helen Harvester, the theater’s marketing and communications director.) But the twisted title caused some confusion, Harvester said, so the original was restored. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, plus May 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, plus May 4, 14 and 18 at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are $33-$48; pay what you choose for performances at 7:30 p.m. May 1, 9 and 17.

Washington Center has shows morning and night

Olympia Arts Walk and Procession of the Species mean a lot of people — including a lot of children — will be downtown on Saturday, April 26. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is doubling its family-friendly procession-day entertainment. In addition to the now-traditional post-procession singalong film, the center, at 512 Washington St. SE, is hosting the comic science show “Doktor Kaboom” at 10:30 a.m. “Kaboom,” created and performed by actor/comedian David Epley, does not include explosions or anything else likely to frighten little ones. Tickets are $20-$22.

Then, in the evening, costumes are encouraged for the singalong version of Disney’s 2021 “Encanto.” The film is set for 7 p.m., later than last year’s post-procession flick. “People were still making their way to the venue or trying to park” when the film started last year, said Jill Barnes, executive director of the center. “We did hold the show for about 15 minutes.” If the procession goes long, the singalong will start late again this year. Tickets are $12-$22.

Locals in spotlight at film society

The Olympia Film Society isn’t listed on the Arts Walk map, but the society’s Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, is home to not one but two events showcasing local talent this weekend. On Friday, April 25, The Bridge Music Project’s Performance Flowcase will feature performances by participants in the nonprofit’s songwriting workshops. The performances begin at 7 p.m., and admission is free, with donations appreciated.

And at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26, the Locals Only Film Festival includes short films on a variety of subjects and in a variety of styles. Hosted by the film society’s Audrey Henley and Rob Patrick, the festival is free.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore loves Arts Walk, Procession of the Species and Shakespeare plays, so this is a big weekend for her. She talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.