Rachel and Julio's summer in Brooklyn unfolds at Madison Theatre this weekend

On Stage

Rachel and Julio
Fobidden teenage love in 1960s Brooklyn is the subject of this “Romeo and Juliet”-inspired romantic comedy at Molloy’s Madison Theatre. Veteran actors Liz Larsen and Tony Plana star as 18-year-old Rachel and Julio, who share a passion-filled summer before she goes off to college. Thirty-six years later they meet again, in a bittersweet reunion that holds a surprise for them both. The play was co-written by Long Island-native Carrol Mendelson and William Katt, who directs this production.
Thursday and Friday, April 12-13, 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 14, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 15, 3 p.m. $35-$65. Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 678-5000 ext. 7715 or www.madisontheatreny.org.

Festival Brass Band
The European ensemble visits Hofstra University for its premiere performance in the U.S., under the baton of Guest Conductor David Ramael, Hofstra Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities. Festival Brass Band, under the direction of renowned trumpet player Manu Mellaerts, is known for an unrivaled virtuosity and richness of sound. Their program includes the U.S. premiere of Sinfonietta No. 1 by Johan de Meij, who is a special guest at this performance, with additional works including the premiere of Harry James: Trumpet Concerto, William Tell Overture, Dragonheart, and Windows of the World.
Friday, April 13, 8 p.m. $25, $20 seniors and students. Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead. (516) 463-6644.

Nature Walk

Signs of Spring
Welcome spring at Muttontown Preserve on a guided walk through some the Preserve’s 550 acres of fields, woodlands, ponds and estate grounds. Look for the new season’s emerging colors, as well as “peepers” and some early migrating birds. View spice bush, snowdrops and cypress spurge, and learn about a variety of aromatic plants.
Sunday, April 15, 10 a.m.-noon. Enrollment is limited and registration is required. $5 fee. Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, Muttontown La., East Norwich. (516) 571-8500.