5/26/10: Today’s Tips: Wednesday

THEATER: “The Whipping Man” @ Barrington Stage Company Stage 2, Pittsfield. The New England premiere of a rich new play by Matthew Lopez about the intersection of Jewish faith and slavery at the close of the Civil War. Directed by Christopher Innvar and starring Clarke Peters (HBO’s “Treme”). 7:30pm. $25, $30. (Through Sunday, June 13)

FILM: “Maybe God Is Ill” @ Schenectady County Public Library, Schenectady. The Reels Film Series presents this 2010 documentary from director Franco Brogi Taviani that examines the complexity of the problems facing the people of Mozambique, Angola, Senegal, Cameroon, Uganda and South Africa. Italian with English subtitles. 12noon. Free. (also 7pm Thursday)

MUSIC: The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Preview Tour @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs. Three winners of Falcon Ridge’s 2009 Emerging Artist Showcase – Chuck E. Costa, Swing Caravan and the Brilliant Inventions – roll into Lena’s to get you psyched for this summer’s fest in Hillsdale from July 23-25. 7pm. $10.

THEATER: “Dancing at Lughnasa” @ Union College’s Yulman Theater, Schenectady. It’s opening night for Brian Friel’s captivating Irish memory play, directed by Tim Dugan. 8pm. $10; seniors/alumni $7. (Also 8pm thru Saturday; 2pm Sunday)

OPERA ON FILM: Das Reingold @ Proctors Theatre, Schenectady. Watch a performance, recorded in high-definition and surround sound at La Scala, the world’s most famous opera house. Wagner’s Das Rheingold is the first opera is the fabled Ring Cycle, and its overture is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. Sung in German with English subtitles. 2 & 8 pm. $25 general admission.

MUSIC: The New York Players @ Dale Miller, Albany. Yeah, summer’s here and everything’s moving outdoors – especially the music. Dale Miller opens the expansive outdoor terrace tonight for the summer season of live music under the stars. Casual summer menu available. Reservations suggested. 7pm. $5.