Thursday, February 20th, 2020:

• "Pride and Prejudice", February 19 - March 8 This isn’t your grandmother’s Austen! Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this Pride and Prejudice for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn? Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical, or so full of life than it does in this effervescent adaptation. Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $17.50-$40. Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd. West Hartford, CT
• 39th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, February 20 - 23 The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres with the 2020 theme, "Connecticut Springs into Earth Day, " with creative and practical ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers alike. Highlights include: Over an acre of gardens in full bloom, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, and include naturalistic, low maintenance, native, organic, herb and pollinator gardens. The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut's 2020 Advance Standard Flower Show: more than 12,000 square feet of a design, horticulture and photography competition with more than 500 judged entries, all with the "Spring into Connecticut" theme. Over 300 booths of displays, activities, and shopping. More than 80 hours of seminars. Thu. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $18, seniors (Thu. and Fri. only) $16, children (5-12) $5, under 5 free. Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT

Friday, February 21st, 2020:

• 39th Annual Southeastern Connecticut Home Show February 21 - 23 Offers a diverse array of home products and services by local, state, and national vendors, presenting innovative and imaginative displays. Local crafts on display as well in a Home Show that combines high tech with hometown flair. Fri. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Adults $10, seniors $8, children (12 and under) free. Earth Expo & Convention Center, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
• "Looped" February 21 - March 21 Looped by Matthew Lombardo depicts an actual 1965 recording session in which an intoxicated Tallulah Bankhead, played by Kelly Boucher, required eight hours to dub a single line from her final movie Die! Die! My Darling! While antagonizing the film editor, Danny Miller, assigned to the job. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. $37, Connecticut Cabaret Theatre, 31 Webster Square Rd. Berlin, CT
• "Daisies on Harlem's Doorstep", February 21 - 23 The lights and glitter of the Harlem Renaissance attract an innocent young woman searching for her sister. Daisy finds herself with the help of four very different women. An award-winning play by Sharece M. Sellem. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Adults $20; seniors, military, students $18; member $17. Donald L. Oat Theater at Norwich Arts Center, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
• Atlantic Broadband Garde Cinema Series: "Us" Director: Jordan Peele Writer: Jordan Peele Stars: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss Studio: Universal Nominations: Screen Actors Guild: Outstanding Performance by Female Actor; Four Critics Choice Award nominations Awards: Critics Choice Award: Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie; New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Best Actress A mother and father take their kids for an idyllic summer getaway. Haunted by an unexplainable and unresolved trauma from her past and compounded by a string of eerie coincidences, Adelaide feels her paranoia elevate to high-alert as she grows increasingly certain that something bad is going to befall her family. After spending a tense beach day with their friends, Adelaide and her family return to their vacation home. When darkness falls, the Wilsons discover the silhouette of four figures holding hands as they stand in the driveway. Us pits an endearing American family against a terrifying and uncanny opponent: doppelgängers of themselves. Rated R. Presented in association with the Black Engineering Council of Electric Boat. The 2020 Atlantic Broadband Garde Winter Cinema Series Pass brings you – for one package price – twenty or more critically acclaimed and Oscar and Golden Globe nominated films with state-of-the-art 4K digital projection and full surround sound. Passes can be used by other than the purchaser. Limited availability so buy today! 7:30 p.m $12; series pass $62. Garde Arts Center, 325 State St. New London, CT
• Ice Cube, February 21 Widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Rap history, Ice Cube began his career two decades ago with N.W.A — aka the World’s Most Dangerous Group. After penning some of the most memorable lyrics on N.W.A’s groundbreaking tracks “Straight Outta Compton” and “Fuck Tha Police,” Ice Cube broke away at the height of the group’s success. As he moved on to launch his solo career, his debut studio album AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (Priority, 1990) sold more than a million copies. A concept album about the fall and rise of the black man, Ice Cube’s solo sophomore effort Death Certificate (Priority, 1991) debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, eventually selling over two million copies. His impressive musical career also includes the multi-platinum success of his two-part album War & Peace, as well as the hit albums Lethal Injection, Bootlegs & B-Sides, The Predator, the gold-certified and independently released Laugh Now, Cry Later, Raw Footage, and I Am The West (a 2010 release that debuted at #22 on the Billboard 200 and proved to be one of the most successful independent releases in Hip Hop that year). 7:30 p.m. $29-$39, Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
• "Sex N' the City - A Musical Parody" This “Super” Unauthorized Musical Parody follows your favorite single gals looking for love in the big city. The show tackles serious questions like "will I ever find the one," "can you ever really be over your ex," and "for the third time, it’s a neck massager!" Come join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the 1990s. 8pm, $35-$40, Shubert Theatre, 247 College St. New Haven, CT
• Fitz & the Tantrums, February 21 There came a point, in the time following the release of HandClap, the biggest song of Fitz and the Tantrums’ career, when its ascent crossed the threshold of successful, zoomed past game-changer, to just plain, WTF?! The double-platinum, Top 5 smash, which racked up 1.5 billion streams in China alone, was synched on countless shows from American Idol to The Oscars. Fitz and the Tantrums were invited to perform for the masses on primetime television and such cultural institutions as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and FOX’s Super Bowl preshow after “HandClap” become something of an unofficial theme song for the NFL. 8 p.m. $35-$55, Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT
• "Constellations", February 21 - March 7 How might the smallest change in our life dramatically alter its course? Playwright Nick Payne's brilliant love story explores Marianne and Roland relationship and all of its infinite possibilities. This exploration of love, science, heartbreak and hope raises the question, what is the difference between destiny and choice? Due to subject matter and language, this is not recommended for children. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. (March 1) 2 p.m, $20-$25, TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave. New Milford, CT
• Champions of Magic, February 21 The five world-class illusionists that make up this mind-bending theatrical production are back on tour in 2020, following sell out shows across the globe, rave reviews and a run in London’s West End. Don’t miss this incredible show to entertain the entire family. With more than 30 million online views between them, this cast of top magicians includes international award-winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen on screen around the world with appearances on The CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, NBC’s Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon, The Today Show and Access Hollywood Live. Champions Of Magic has been seen by tens of thousands around the world, now’s your chance to see why fans return to see one of the world’s biggest touring illusion shows time and time again. 8 p.m., $41-$76, Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT

Saturday, February 22nd, 2020:

• Special Olympics Winter Games, February 22 - 23 Powder Ridge is proud to host Special Olympics Connecticut 2020 Winter Games. Over 900 athletes of all abilities from across the state are expected to participate. Events are free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to attend. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Figure Skating and Speed Skating, Unified Floor Hockey and Skills, & Gymnastics. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., FREE, Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, 99 Powder Hill Rd. Middlefield, CT
• From the Heart Racing, February 22 Join us for a Prize-Drawing Giveaway, 50/50, and fundraiser. All proceeds will help support causes such as school sports programs and diabetes relief. 1 p.m.-6 p.m., FREE, Witchdoctor Brewing, 168 Center St. Southington, CT
• A Tribute to Cher and Lady Gaga, February 22 Lisa Carter and Nicole Fuller bring the voices of Cher and Lady Gaga for a fantastic cabaret style tribute performance. 6 p.m., $55 (plus tax and service charge). Waters Edge Resort and Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd. Westbrook, CT
• Disney's "Frozen Jr.", February 22 - 23 The students of the Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education will present the enchanting musical on the Warner's Main Stage! Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, Disney's Frozen Jr. brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and load with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw event the coldest heart. Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., $15, Warner Theatre, 68 Main Street, Torrington, CT

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020:

• The Bolshoi Ballet in HD: "Swan Lake" February 23 Prince Siegfried is summoned by his parents to choose a bride. However, he encounters a mysterious and magnetic swan-woman, Odette, by the lake and is captivated. His vow of eternal love to her will have irreversible consequences. Tchaikovsky’s essential masterpiece returns for a live broadcast of the most-beloved ballet in the classical canon. Technically challenging and filled with vibrant emotion, with a stunning and world-famous corps de ballet in perfect unison, the legendary love story between Prince Siegfried and the dual personalities Odette/Odile, born at the Bolshoi Theatre, is a must-see. 12:55 p.m., $15-$25., Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Rd. Ridgefield, CT
• "Pete the Cat", February 23 Everyone’s favorite rockin’ blue cat takes the stage in this musical performance. When the unsuspecting Biddle family takes in the fantastic feline, Pete the Cat rocks the family’s world with his strumming and strutting. Everybody loves Pete the Cat, well, everyone except Jimmy, the planet’s most organized second-grader. That all changes, of course, when Pete the Cat takes Jimmy on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Based on the New York Times #1 best-selling children’s books by authors Kimberly and James Dean, Pete the Cat is also a popular animated series on Amazon Prime Video. A Theaterworks USA production. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 2 p.m. $18-$22, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Rd. Storrs, CT
• Atlantic Broadband Garde Cinema Series: "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", February 23 Director: Marielle Heller, Writers: Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster, Stars: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Studio: Sony, Nominations: Oscar for Best Performance (Tom Hanks); One Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards; Two Critics Choice Awards, Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger’s empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel’s jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past. Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor. Rated PG. 3pm, $12, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St. New London, CT

Find more things to do in CT here!
Check out a newly released movie such as:

• Brahms: The Boy II
• The Call of the Wild
• Emma (Limited)
• Goldie (Limited)
• The Night Clerk (Limited)
• Premature (Limited)

I reviewed Roav Viva 12 days ago here . As I don't own a car, I drive only sporadically (I use Zipcar - so, like most people when I come out of the supermarke I think "where did I park?" but my second thought is "what did I park?") and I don't drive every day so I've only used Viva 3 times since then.
Shortly after the review I drove to Costco and took Viva with me. I was again driving the Subaru Impreza. As I know the route, I didn't ask for any directions. I had her play music on the way there, and read to me from a Kindle book on the way home. Both were again flawless. I'm finding that the process of installing Viva is much easier than [competitor's product] that I used before, I just plug it in and hook my phone up to Bluetooth and I'm done, now that I did the one minute or so of initial setup and don't have to do that again.
Failure hits
A few days ago I had a road trip (vacation), I was driving 120 miles or so to southeastern Connecticut (around the Mohegan Sun casino area) with my boyfriend, and I thought this would be a good opportunity to show it to him. This was a total failure. The car this time was a new Ford Focus. I started the car (here in the Boston area), hooked my phone to Bluetooth, and plugged in Viva. I thought this would be good because the socket is much more open and closer to the driver than in the Subaru. I heard her say something like "Viva is ready for smart driving." Okay. Good. "Alexa, play my playlist, classical stuff." Nothing. "Alexa, read my book." Nothing. "Alexa, what time is it?" Nothing. 3 days of nothing. She didn't answer. When I pressed the attention button, most of the time she didn't respond. Sometimes her light would spin a moment, then flash red (and the app would show disconnected), then switch back to blue spinning, then switch back to solid blue (and the app would show connected), then no response. Once or twice, when I said "Alexa," I got an answering "pling", and on screen the app said "listening," and I'd say "what time is it?" to see if it worked, it'd look like it was thinking, I'd get a pling, and no response. Then it would be dead again. I kept trying for 3 days, no luck.
Today I got back from my trip. I wondered if the problem was the location I went to, but no luck once I got home either. I wondered if their online service was down. During my 3 days I made phone calls from the car, I played music from Amazon music from the car, and I even talked to Alexa on the Amazon Music app, so I don't think the microphone was bad or that I had no connection.
I turned in that rental car, went home and took a nap. Then I had to go to the pharmacy, so I took Viva with me.
I later thought to look in the Alexa app and she doesn't show anything from the car for that time. Nothing at all.
More success
For my trip to the pharmacy I had the Subaru again. Same installation procedure. Instantly, it worked again. Perfect. Flawless. I had her read my Kindle book to me as I drove. Wonderful. Exactly what I had wished for for 3 days.
I have two conclusions from all of this:

1. Roav Viva doesn't like the new Ford Focus, and
2. Once you have Alexa in the car with you, you get really used to having Alexa in the car with you very quickly.

I will try not to get that particular Zipcar again. I will try a different Ford Focus sometime to see if the behavior is different.
(Anker support, if you're reading this, I would be happy to supply details if you want to debug this in any way, with the understanding that I don't own the car so I can't get you much further detail about it. Send me a private message if you want to know more. I took a few screenshots but they won't tell you much, and I have one short video but it's well described above.)

I reviewed Roav Viva 12 days ago here . As I don't own a car, I drive only sporadically (I use Zipcar - so, like most people when I come out of the supermarke I think "where did I park?" but my second thought is "what did I park?") so I've only used Viva 3 times since then.
Shortly after the review I drove to Costco and took Viva with me. I was again driving the Subaru Impreza. As I know the route, I didn't ask for any directions. I had her play music on the way there, and read to me from a Kindle book on the way home. Both were again flawless. I'm finding that the process of installing Viva is much easier than [competitor's product] that I used before, I just plug it in and hook my phone up to Bluetooth and I'm done, now that I did the one minute or so of initial setup and don't have to do that again.
Failure hits
A few days ago I had a road trip (vacation), I was driving 120 miles or so to southeastern Connecticut (around the Mohegan Sun casino area) with my boyfriend, and I thought this would be a good opportunity to show it to him. This was a total failure. The car this time was a new Ford Focus. I started the car (here in the Boston area), hooked my phone to Bluetooth, and plugged in Viva. I thought this would be good because the socket is much more open and closer to the driver than in the Subaru. I heard her say something like "Viva is ready for smart driving." Okay. Good. "Alexa, play my playlist, classical stuff." Nothing. "Alexa, read my book." Nothing. "Alexa, what time is it?" Nothing. 3 days of nothing. She didn't answer. When I pressed the attention button, most of the time she didn't respond. Sometimes her light would spin a moment, then flash red (and the app would show disconnected), then switch back to blue spinning, then switch back to solid blue (and the app would show connected), then no response. Once or twice, when I said "Alexa," I got an answering "pling", and on screen the app said "listening," and I'd say "what time is it?" to see if it worked, it'd look like it was thinking, I'd get a pling, and no response. Then it would be dead again. I kept trying for 3 days, no luck.
Today I got back from my trip. I wondered if the problem was the location I went to, but no luck once I got home either. I wondered if their online service was down. During my 3 days I made phone calls from the car, I played music from Amazon music from the car, and I even talked to Alexa on the Amazon Music app, so I don't think the microphone was bad or that I had no connection.
I turned in that rental car, went home and took a nap. Then I had to go to the pharmacy, so I took Viva with me.
More success
For my trip to the pharmacy I had the Subaru again. Same installation procedure. Instantly, it worked again. Perfect. Flawless. I had her read my Kindle book to me as I drove. Wonderful. Exactly what I had wished for for 3 days.
I have two conclusions from all of this:

1. Roav Viva doesn't like the new Ford Focus, and
2. Once you have Alexa in the car with you, you get really used to having Alexa in the car with you very quickly.

I will try not to get that particular Zipcar again. I will try a different Ford Focus sometime.
(Anker support, if you're reading this, I would be happy to supply details if you want to debug this in any way, with the understanding that I don't own the car so I can't get you much further detail about it. Send me a private message if you want to know more. I took a few screenshots but they won't tell you much, and I have one short video but it's well described above. I haven't checked the Alexa app yet to see if she heard anything.)