You could, if you wanted, sit in a dark theater and simply check off the similarities between the blockbuster “Bridesmaids” and this fall’s “Bridesmaids” knockoff, titled “Bachelorette.” Female bodily function jokes? Check. Inappropriate come-ons on an airline flight? Check. Crass, crude and fearlessly frank talk about sex, once reserved for the fraternity house? Check. Wedding […]

The upcoming season of the Portland Symphony Orchestra promises to be a strange and wonderful creation, with the hoariest of old chestnuts — the Beethoven Fifth, the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, Prokofiev’s “Classical” symphony, the “William Tell” overture — mixed with some lesser-heard works. Of the latter, some are highly unusual ones, and some […]

Art “Addiction to Perfection,” encaustic paint and mixed media by Kimberly Curry and graphite on paper by Jeanne Titherington, 3Fish Gallery, Portland. 3fishgallery.com. Through Oct. 27. Frederick Lynch and James Linehan, “Geometry Meets Nature,” Littlefield Gallery, Winter Harbor. littlefieldgallery.com. Through Oct. 15. “Continuing Connections,” Michael Alpert, orchard photographs, Turtle Gallery, Deer Isle. turtlegallery.com. Through Oct. […]

The Portland Museum of Art — and a legion of foodie fans — gather to celebrate the publication of the new book ‘Portland, Maine Chef’s Table.’

In Rufus Coes’ “Coastal Route” at Elizabeth Moss Galleries in Falmouth, there are two paintings of plain boxes. One, an open and seemingly appreciated-until-empty case of Budweiser, doesn’t purport to contain any mystery. It’s a prosaically realistic watercolor, impressively stark and textured with dry-spackled drops. It sits on a slate gray porch in colorlessly silver […]

Friends of the St. Lawrence Arts Center toast the support generated by a special Allagash brew.

Former intelligence officials share the secrets of recognizing the signs of lying and offer tips on asking the right questions.

DEBRA SPARK