Henning Mankell, author of the “Kurt Wallander” mystery novels, revisits his Scandinavian youth in "A Bridge to the Stars," a soulful play for all ages presented by the ASU School of Theatre and Film. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; runs through March 11. Lyceum Theatre, 901. S. Forest Mall on the ASU Main Campus in Tempe. $8–$23. (480) 965-6447 or theatrefilm.asu.edu/events.

Sometimes, something’s so bad you can’t help but watch. Take any number of reality or competition TV shows, or highlight reels of grotesque sports injuries that should make your stomach turn but instead have you rewinding to watch again in slow motion.

An ASU student who co-wrote a film that stars noted character actor Luis Guzman ("Anger Management," "Carlito's Way," "Boogie Nights") and was produced by Academy Award-winning actor Benico del Toro ("Che," "Sin City," "Traffic") is bringing the movie to the East Valley for a free public screening.

A rhythmic sampling of So-Cal street life will twist, turn, jump and step its way across an East Valley stage this week.

A 1940s Los Angeles barrio comes to life in ASU Herberger Institute School of Theatre and Film’s presentation of “Zoot Suit.”

Filmmaker Jon Reiss and musician David Cutler may be masters of two very different crafts, but they share similar advice for arts students at Arizona State University.

Sex. Violence. Alcoholism. Deception.

The East Valley is the home to many interesting art and historical museums. They showcase art and artifacts from different cultural, religious and artistic backgrounds. Call the museums for current and upcoming exhibition schedules. For fans of drama, comedy and music, there are plenty of places to get out and enjoy a day or night at a show. East Valley performance venues include dinner theaters, youth theaters, community theater groups and college stages.

  With showers in the forecast over the next two days, you may need to seek shelter for good times this weekend. Luckily, a deluge of theatre productions is flooding East Valley stages, making it the perfect time to come in out of the rain. Here’s our list of new shows at nearby venues:

Three women, each from a different era in Arizona history, sit around a table playing cards and swapping stories.