The Weekender: A Speakeasy, Phantom of the Country Opera, and CHS for a Day

High school and middle school spring productions continue around our area, while other stages host shows and concerts as diverse as a marionette show at and a speakeasy show at the Women's Club from Studio B.  is opening its doors for adults to take classes for a day, and is bringing us a fine acoustic concert. Read on for the details of these events and others, and be sure to check the Patch calendar for a complete listing of everything happening this weekend.

presents "Phantom of the Country Opera", a hilarious Country-Western take on the horror classic. Enjoy a pun-filled evening of song and comedy as the middle schoolers take to the Sterling Hall stage.  $10 general, $7 students and seniors; Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.; South Orange

Do you ever wish you could go back to high school?  Your wish is granted!  will host “CHS for a Day”, where you can register for up to for classes, taught by the CHS teaching staff, for just one day. Proceeds will benefit Achieve’s Take a Seat fund to restore the CHS auditorium. Visit achievefoundation.org for course listings and registration. $40 for 4 courses plus lunch, or $10 per course; Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Maplewood

Studio B is billing this one as “...Vaudeville, hooch, and forbidden fun.” Upstairs at the , the night features Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, David Gold and Doug Skinner, Tori Erstwhile and the Montys and many other incredible guests. $15; Saturday at 8 p.m.; Maplewood

The Livingston Symphony Orchestra will presents works of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff for an evening celebrating youth and romance at.  Ashley Park, the 15 year old volinist who won the annual scholarship competition, will perform Tchaikovsky's Voilin Concerto in D Major. $5 at the door; Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Livingston

, a violin-mecca offering sales, repairs, lessons and jam sessions, will host Taylored for an acoustic set, with opening act Nardo hitting the stage at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $5 at the door; Friday at 7 p.m., Livingston

Damn Yankees

The Paper Mill Playhouse presents Damn Yankees, directed by Mark S. Hoebee, with lyrics and music by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross. The story tells of Joe Boyd, who loves the Washington Senators baseball team enough to sell his soul in exchange for beating the “Damn Yankees”. Add in Lola, a sizzling-hot temptress, and Joe just may lose his beloved wife, too. $25-$96; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Millburn

will be the sweetest place in town this weekend as the candyman hits the stage in Willy Wonka.  The story follows a perhaps-magical candymaker on his quest to find an heir, and a boy named Charlie who has a heart of gold.  $7 at the door; Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.; Livingston

The Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations aren’t over yet!  The will host a party featuring Irish band The Celtic Connection this Saturday, with libations and bar snacks. Please RSVP to Mary Critchlow 973-761-0646 or critchlows@comcast.net. $20/member, $25/non-member; Saturday 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Millburn

Simple Gifts is so much more than a puppet show. The Cashore Marionettes are engineering marvels, able to produce life-like movement portraying a wide range of emotions.  Scenes are set to the music of Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland.  Come witness the magic at !  $15; Sunday at 2 p.m.; South Orange

The Golda Och Academy will present Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs on the this Sunday. The play follows 15-year-old Eugene Jerome and his family dealing with hard times... and each other! Reservations are necessary, so please contact tickets@goldaochacademy.org or (973) 602-3646.  $12; Sunday 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; West Orange

The presents Fred Miller on piano as he lectures on the life of George Gershwin, through music with historic and biographic insights on this great composer. Free; Sunday at 2 p.m.; West Orange