Thursday: "Invictus," DeBartolo 101 at 10 p.m.
Opening with Nelson Mandela's (Morgan Freeman) release from prison in 1990 and his subsequent ascent to the presidency, "Invictus" is an inspiring story of national pride and the struggle to overcome racial difference in a country divided by apartheid. Somewhat ingeniously, Mandela sees the national rugby team as a vehicle to unite his country. Through his support of the rugby team, Mandela succeeds in both inspiring the team to reach new heights and his countrymen to unite, even if it is in the name of rugby. "Invictus" will also be showed Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
Friday: The Laughing Irish, Legends at 10:00 p.m.
Three well-known comedians will perform at Legends, but what makes these comedians special is that they are all graduates of Notre Dame. Jimmy Brogan, John Garrett and Eric Hunter can all call themselves Domers, and despite their parents' best attempts to steer them elsewhere, they found a home in stand-up comedy. Hunter appeared on NBC's "Last Comic Standing" in 2008, Brogan worked for "The Tonight Show" for many years and Garrett was named "Best of the Fest" at the Detroit International Comedy Festival. All three are very accomplished funny men and are supposed to be even funnier together.
Saturday: Matt Pond PA, Legends @ 10 p.m.
Matt Pond formed the indie band Matt Pond PA in 1988, and while he remains the only original member of the band, he has experienced increasing success in recent years. His music can be heard on "The O.C." soundtrack, and he has toured with Ben Folds, Guster, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Straylight Run and Liz Phair. His most notable songs include covers of Oasis' "Champagne Supernova" and Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." The band released a new album on April 13 and are certain to play a few of their new tunes. As with all Legends shows, there is no cover.
Sunday: "Blithe Spirit," DPAC at 2:30 p.m.
Presented by the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre, "Blithe Spirit" is a sophisticated comedy that is sure to entertain. The plot opens with Charles and his second wife, Ruth, planning a night of fun with their friends. They decide to invite Madame Arcati, a medium, whom they ask to lead them in a séance. Over the course of the evening, Madame Arcati succeeds in calling forth Charles' first wife, Elvira, from the afterlife. Hilarity ensues in this enduring piece of comic theater. This is the last day that Blithe Spirit will be playing. Dates and times of other performances are available from performingarts.nd.edu.
