September Theatre Highlights

9/7 THROUGH 9/23: CABARET AT CENTER FOR PERFORMiNG ARTS, RHiNEBECK— It’s a little ways outside of town, but Dutchess County theatre lovers know about the refurbished barn several miles east of Rhinebeck. The Center also provides educational programs and outreach, as well as quality family-oriented entertainment. Though a bit more tuned toward adult themes, Kander and Ebb’s CABARET has become a perennial favorite, thanks to a great score, rich characters, and timeless love-in-the-face-of-evil storyline. The cool cabaret costumes don’t hurt either. 661 Rte. 308, www.centerforperformingarts.org, 845-876-3080

DUTCHESS COUNTY DRIVE-IN MOVIES— When was the last time you went to a drive-in movie? Most drive-ins have gone the way of the dodo, large expanses of asphalt, with weeds springing up through cracks, in front of a hulking blank screen. Well, even though summer’s officially over, grab yourself one more little piece before the leaves change. You have your choice of two drive-ins relatively close by. One is the Overlook Drive-In, just miles west of the Taconic on County Road , between Rtes. 44 and 55(see www.overlookdrivein.com, 845-452-3445), and the other is Hyde Park Drive-In, just off Rte. in Hyde Park (www.hydeparkdrivein.com, 845-229-4738 ). More info about drive-ins all over the country can be found at www.driveinmovie.com.

9/14 THROUGH 9/30: HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE AT SHADOWLAND THEATRE, ELLENVILLE— Shadowland concludes its 00 season with this Pulitzer Prize-winning play that chronicles the abuse of a young girl by a troubled relative. Paula Vogel’s HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE is a funny and poignant, yet disturbing look at this relationship, following it through her adolescence, adulthood and beyond, up to their surprising confrontation. Critically praised by the Village Voice and The New York Times, this play (rated R) is a must-see. Th-Sa 8PM, Su 2PM. 1 57 Canal St., www.shadowlandtheatre.org, 845-647-5511