What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (Jan. 15-18)
A local play, comedy, auditions and music are in the line up for this weekend in Mat-Su.
The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” is all about coziness and fellowship — the idea of embracing what evokes a “contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. At least according to its Wikipedia page.
With the Mat-Su now in the deep embrace of winter, this weekend might be a good time to get your hygge on with a slate of chilled-out events, including a personal book signing in cozy downtown Palmer, an intimate album release in the snow-blanketed Talkeetna Mountains, and a hearty dose of community theater at Wasilla’s welcoming downtown auditorium.
Here are our picks for how to “get hygge with it” this weekend in the Valley.
‘The Magician’s Nephew’ Returns
It’s week two of the three-week theatrical run of The Magician’s Nephew at Valley Performing Arts in Wasilla. Directed by David Meneses and performed by local actors, the C.S. Lewis play follows a young boy and his magical adventures through mythical kingdoms.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25, or $22 for military, seniors and students. Find more information on the Sentinel community calendar.
Cabaret Auditions
Inspired by the stage? VPA will hold auditions for an upcoming cabaret-style show. Interested performers should be 16 or older and bring a song and dance to perform; an improv prompt will also be given.
Auditions are 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the theater. For more info, visit VPA at vpaalaska.org.
Family-Friendly Comedy in Wasilla
Everett’s and Mat-Su Resort in Wasilla continue their comedy series at 7:30 p.m. Friday with family-friendly comedian Jason Russell. Described as performing a “clean, high-energy act suitable for clubs, theaters, corporate and family audiences,” Russell grew up idolizing characters from Saturday Night Live and SCTV.
Tickets are $30. Find more info on the Sentinel's community calendar.
Local Musician, Local Venue
Palmer singer-songwriter Aspenyarrow will hold an album release show from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Hatcher Pass Lodge in Hatcher Pass. Influenced by artists such as Lizzy McAlpine, Dodie and Phoebe Bridgers, Aspenyarrow describes her music as “songs that explore the complexities of mental health, relationships and self-discovery.”
The lodge’s cafe will be open from noon to 5 p.m., with drinks available from the bar until 7 p.m. For more info, visit hatcherpasslodge.com.
Meet the Author
Alaska romance novelist Neva Post will stop by Fireside Books in Palmer from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday to sign copies of the newest titles in her Yeti Series: Yeti for His Heart and Married to Her Yeti.
Post’s books exist in a world where Yetis and humans coexist — and sometimes fall in love. Meet her in person during this free book signing at the downtown Palmer bookstore. For more info, visit the Sentinel's community calendar.
Want your event included in an upcoming edition of "What to do this weekend in Mat-Su?" Email contact@matsusentinel.com.
-- Matt Tunseth is a freelance reporter from Southcentral Alaska. Reach him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com