THU 9.25
Return to Candyland
…the adult version

Picture this: Your favorite innocent childhood board game in the form of an interactive theater performance, complete with hula hoops, lots of glitter, tap dancing, ballerinas, and … latex. Now that we’ve planted that imaginative seed in your head, we better tell you that such a show does exist and it’s coming to the Oberon stage for two nights only. But watch out for the Molasses Swamp. With this crew, we can’t be sure that’s actually molasses in there.

Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. THU 9.25 + THU 10.2. 8pm/18+/$15-20. americanrepertorytheater.org

FRI 9.26
Between The Planes
camera as eye ball

Allston Rock City Hall may have put plans to become a live music venue on hold, but it’s are still serving up artsy excellence, per usual. Exhibit A: Between The Planes. ARCH challenged Somerville native Daniel Levy to cherry-pick from his extensive works and present a show that showcases a dialogue between the surreal and the gritty, the natural and the fantastic. In Allston, surreal and gritty shouldn’t be hard to find.

ARCH Gallery, 52 Everett St., Allston. 6pm/all ages/FREE. thearchboston.com

SUN 9.28
Jerrod Carmichael
funny or die

Last year, Jerrod Carmichael was named one of the top ten comics to watch. We were feeling obedient so we started watching, and we are liking what we’re seeing. Carmichael has a frank and funny way of riffing on race that has earned him an HBO Special Release at Johnny Ds, as well as the honor of being directed by Spike Lee. Not too shabby.

Johnny Ds, 17 Holland St., Somerville. 8pm/21+/$12. wilbur.com

TUE 9.30
Manhattan Short 2014
let’s get critical

Out of 589 short film entries from over 47 countries, Manhattan Short has chosen only 10 finalists and, well, you get to be the judge of what’s best. Upon entry, you’ll receive a ballot and the newfound power (and maybe entitlement) of a seasoned film critic. Vote for Best Film and Best Actor while indulging in a global melting pot of mini cinematic feats at the one and only Coolidge Theatre.

Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 7pm/all ages/$10.25. coolidge.org

WED 10.1
Traces
ménage à … 7

Quirky Montreal circus group, 7 Doigts de la Main (translates to “7 Fingers of the Hand”), has performed everywhere from Broadway to the Vancouver Olympics. They’re back by popular demand at ArtsEmerson, showcasing their signature performance, “Traces.” This contemporary fusion of storytelling, circus-y acrobatics, music, and stunning choreography is bound to spiritually awaken audiences of all ages. Which is good. We were getting cynical.

Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Boston. WED 10.1 thru SUN 10.12. 7pm/all ages/$25-69. artsemerson.org

WED 10.1
Andris Nelsons
new guy in town

Feeling classy and sophisticated? Saunter on down to Boston’s most elegant classical music hall. Now’s a better time than ever because Andris Nelsons has just been appointed the 15th musical director of the BSO and is officially the youngest conductor to lead the orchestra in 100 years. Yes, 100 years. Read: It’s kind of a big deal. His inaugural performance sold out quick, but get yourselves dolled up and experience Nelsons’ second program, in which he leads the orchestra through the stunning works of Beethoven, Bartók, and Tchaikovsky.

Boston Symphony Orchestra, 301 Mass Ave., WED 10.1, THU 10.2, FRI 10.3. 8pm, 1:30pm/all ages/$33-112. bso.org