Calendar highlights

Does God Play Dice
The next production in the Open Stage series, “Does God Play Dice,” is an original drama from writer-director Chris Scholke. The play examines the misunderstood complexities of male-female relationships. The plot turns around the concept of fate: who controls it and why some relationships work out and some do not. Are our lives in our hands or merely “some Jester who is pulling strings”? Essentially, “Does God Play Dice” asks if “we can depend on fate at all during the course of love.” It leaves the answers up to the audience. The show runs Dec. 14-15 at 7:30 p.m., Gilbert Hemsley Theatre, Vilas. Tickets: $3, Vilas Hall Box Office, 262-1500.

Cinematheque: It’s a wrap
The last event on this semester’s Cinematheque calendar is the Independent Film and Video Collaborative’s Open Film Show. Check out new works by the future Martin Scorseses, Steven Soderbergs and, heaven help us, Michael Bays. Friday, Dec. 15, 4070 Vilas. Information: 262-3627.

Reserve seats available for Sunday concert series
Beginning Jan. 7, Sunday Afternoon Live from the Elvehjem will offer members of the Elvehjem Museum and Wisconsin Public Radio free reserved seats for Sunday Afternoon Live performances, avoiding the long lines and sold-out concerts.

Sunday Afternoon Live at the Elvehjem is a free, weekly chamber music series presented by the Elvehjem Museum of Art and Wisconsin Public Radio, with the cooperation of the School of Music. Tickets must be reserved in advance, and picked up by 12:15 p.m. on the day of the concert. Information: 263-2246.

Eclipse tips offered
Jim Lattis presents information for viewing the solar eclipse forecast for Monday, Dec. 25. The talk is scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at UW Space Place, 1605 S. Park St.

Marimba team plays for free
The Madison Marimba Quartet plays a free concert Saturday, Dec. 30, that includes lots of percussion instruments and features guest harmonica soloist Charles Latimer. The concert begins at 2 p.m. in Mills Hall, Mosse Humanities.

Canned food drive continues
It’s not too late to drop off donations to benefit families served by Madison’s Community Action Coalition. Bring items to the Morgridge Center, Red Gym, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, through Dec. 21.