For full listings of what’s going on all week in the Old Port, be sure to visit our Events page.
Friday, January 15: Portland is home to a lot of amazingly talented singers, dancers, actors and comedians. But did you know that we also are home to some stellar improv artists? Mayo Street Arts will be playing hosts to two local improv comedy groups on Friday night, the Improvised Puppet Project and the Teacher’s Lounge Mafia, for Mixed Nuts: An Improvised Night of Midwinter Mayhem. Tickets are just $10 or $15 at the door, which in our humble opinion, is a bargain for a Friday night out in Portland! 8 p.m., Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo Street.
Another good options for folks bringing the funny is at The Asylum as they host their first Local Laughs of 2016. Patrick Bolduc, Brian Giles, Tim Hofmann and James Spizuoco will perform, and Kate Ghiloni hosts. Free as always, so be sure to order a couple of drinks and tip well! Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Asylum, 121 Center Street.
Saturday, January 16: If you felt inspired by Mixed Nuts to start performing yourself, be sure to sign up for Portland Stage’s The Theater of Maine’s class, “You’ll Die Laughing: A Masterclass.” This five-hour class focuses on working on both your dramatic and comedic acting skills with two sessions (both included in the $65 price). The first session, “Dangerous Play with Stage Combat,” uses – you guessed it – stage combat, as well as physical character building and contact improvisation. The second session, “Ferocious Play: Physical Comedy’s Arsenal of Awesome,” focuses on the physical comedy. All levels are welcome. 1-6 p.m., Portland Stage Company, 25A Forest Avenue.
Also taking place this weekend at The Asylum is the long-awaited (for some) reunion of O-Town! For the uninitiated, the band was formed during the ABC reality show, “Making the Band,” which began airing in 1999. The band split up in 2004, with each member going their different way. Now, after more than a decade apart, Trevor, Jacob, Erik and Dan have reunited for a tour. Sorry, Ashley Parker Angel fans, he’s sitting this reunion out. Looks like he is too busy posting lots of shirtless bathroom selfies on his web page to reunite with his fellow band members. Tickets are $20 and the show will also feature special guests Todd Carey and Dean Ford. 7:30 pm., The Asylum, 121 Center Street.
Sunday, January 17: It may have been discovered by hordes of people “from away,” but that doesn’t take anything away from the joy and the delight that is a meal at Duckfat. Seriously, their fries cooked in you-know-what are so amazing that even sworn vegetarians have been known to indulge (yes, it’s confession time). Sunday night it will get even more awesome when Allagash drops by for a Beer Dinner at Duckfat. The evening will commence with “snacking and socializing” before the main event – a five-course meal prepared by Chef Rob Evans and his talented staff. Local lamb will be the focus, as well as limited-edition beers from the folks at Allagash Brewing, including Nancy and Adventurex. Tickets are $90 and also include a brand-spanking new Allagash glass to call your very own. 6 p.m., Duckfat, 43 Middle Street.