Once in awhile we’re lucky enough to see a stage production so powerful that it changes the way we view the world around us. And if we can take in this type of show close to home, without the hassle of heading into Boston, even better. This Friday, the Newton Theatre Company opens its 2024-2025 season with “The Guys,” a transformative, based-on-real-life-story taking place in the aftermath of 9/11.

Newton Theatre Company’s production features Newton educators Olivia Moriarty (director), Paige Perkinson (Joan), and Jeff Knoedler (Nick). Performances take place in an intimate setting at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Newtonville. Seating is limited and tickets sell out quickly. Performances are September 13, 14, 20 & 21.

For those who have not yet stepped inside Shepherd & Maudsleigh’s massive 11,000 square foot community art studio, prepare to be amazed. Located in West Newton, this fully-equipped state-of-the-art printmaking studio offers classes, community, and a workspace that feels like a retreat yet is a stone’s throw from Washington Street. For those seeking a creative outlet, Shepherd & Maudsleigh has workshops for all levels—from newbies to seasoned artists. This fall there are classes in Silkscreening, Fabric Block Printing, Bookmaking, Photogravure Printing, and more. Not sure which workshop to try first? Peruse their website or call/email to tour the studio to see all of the possibilities. Located at 27 Dunstan Street, W. Newton.

Imagine an art studio where kids explore their boundless creativity, providing them with the space, tools, encouragement and guidance to discover and bring out their inner artists. That’s Kidcasso in a nutshell. Staffed with exceptional teachers—who also happen to be artists—Kidcasso is a fine arts studio for kids. Here, teachers help students tap into their imaginations, with each class blending together individual creative expression and a fundamental arts education. The result? At Kidcasso children create personal works of art while learning and growing in a fun, supportive environment. The art studio offers classes for kids of all ages— from 6 months-14 years old. New to Kidcasso? Try a free class in September and October! Address: 1275 Washington Street, West Newton.

Lucky us, one bakery after another keeps opening in Newton--by our count 5 more have opened since last year's crawl! Later this month they're flinging open their doors, inviting us in, and offering samples, specials, and discounts on their sweet and savory fare as part of the 3nd annual Newton Bakery Crawl. We're building the 2024 Bakery Crawl website now and will give you a head's up as soon as it's ready!

Cherry Street Music, the new resident music program at West Newton’s Allen Center, launched last year and has added different music forms like jazz and folk to traditional classical music performances. Its 2024-2025 season opens on September 30th with saxophonist Oded Tzúr. All About Jazz calls Tzúr “a thrilling new saxophone colossus,” and his ensemble has been named “The Coltrane Quartet of the 21st century” by CDJournal. Tzúr is squeezing in the Allen Center performance between stops in New York City and Amsterdam. Tickets are just $25.

There are four other Cherry Street performances scheduled through the end of the year with more information on Newton Cultural Alliance's website.

Bridge for Beginners, Japanese Vegetarian Cooking, Woodworking, Tai Chi, a week-long trip to Sicily—and that barely scratches the surface. The breadth of Newton Community Ed’s adult course catalogue is staggering. Whether interested in learning a new hobby, speaking a new language, or traveling to a new location, NCE should be everyone’s first stop for local adult enrichment classes. And if you’re looking for another reason to comb through their catalogue, NCE offers need-based scholarships for adults so that everyone in the community can take part in their programming. Adult classes are held during the day and evenings, with fall classes kicking off next week!

Newton Community Ed is an arm of the Newton Public Schools, and its classes for kids and teens are held on weekday afternoons at different public schools throughout the city. NCE’s fall classes cover lots of students’ favorite hobbies, activities, and interests—from flag football to chess, cooking, learning a new language, 3D printing, sewing, beginner guitar lessons, SAT prep, and much, much, more. Kids can attend with a friend or on their own—knowing they’ll meet other students of the same age and interests. NCE classes are an opportunity for kids to explore new pastimes and develop new skills. Fall classes are just starting up, and the full catalogue of offerings is online. NCE has a need-based scholarship program, so all kids can pursue their interests, regardless of resources.

Ceramics? Painting? Drawing? In-person or online? A series of classes or a one-and-done for a fun evening out? New Art Center in Newtonville has lots of options for those seeking creative outlets this fall, whether taking an art class for the first time or honing one’s skills. To accommodate busy family and work schedules, classes are held throughout the day and evening. Grab a friend or come alone—fall classes kick off next week! (Note: New Art Center offers need-based scholarships for adult students!) Peruse the full fall catalogue and register online.

The GRAMMY® Award-winning National Children's Chorus has opened a new chapter in Newton, and is holding auditions on November 2 for children 5 to 18 years old. With a variety of introductory to advanced choir levels, there are openings for young singers of all levels of experience. Rehearsals are held in Newton on Tuesday evenings. Every week, some of the country’s leading music educators work with students to develop their vocal and musicianship skills from the most basic concepts through the college level. In addition to local performances, children will have the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall and on international tours. The National Children’s Chorus is a great activity for kids who love to sing, helping them learn and grow in a musical environment.

Kids from kindergarten to 12th grade dive into after-school and Saturday art classes at the New Art Center. Whether interested in “traditional” art forms like painting, drawing and ceramics, or newer ones like digital drawing and stop motion animation, at New Art kids are given the tools, guidance, and encouragement to learn new skills and express themselves through their artistic creations. New Art offers need-based scholarships ensuring all children can participate. Kids’ fall classes start the week of September 16, and the full catalogue can be viewed online.