Every Thursday, right here. Entertainment highlights for in town and beyond.

Finding identity

BRUNSWICK – Young poet Kevin A. Gonzlez, born in Puerto Rico, is known for his frank, open confrontation of issues touching on cultural and personal identity. Reading at Bowdoin College. Free. >>When: 7:30 tonight >>Where: George H. Quinby House, 250 Maine St. >>FMI: Call 514-4392 or visit fishousepoems.org

Short acts

LEWISTON – Students at Bates College direct and perform in a series of short, 10-minute plays from Eric Lane and Nina Shergold. Free. >>When: 7:30 tonight >>Where: Gannett Theater, Pettigrew Hall, 305 College St. >>FMI: Call 786-6161 or visit bates.edu

Perdita

LEWISTON – The play “Perdita” looks into the lives of Jaques and his mother, Perdita Huston, after she calls from Bulgaria to tell her son she is seriously ill. His immediate sense of relief causes him to reflect on her extraordinary life and their complex relationship. At the Franco-American Heritage Center. >>When: Friday through Sunday >>Where: 46 Cedar St. >>Tickets: $10 adults, $9 students and seniors >>FMI: Call 689-2000 or visit francoamericanheritage.org

Cabaret life

AUBURN – Maine singer/songwriters Sara Cox, Carolyn Currie and Emilia Dahlin join together in a cabaret style performance, “Life and Other Songs by Three Coastal Women,” at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch. >>When: 7:30 p.m. Friday >>Where: 14 Great Falls Plaza >>Tickets: $22 adults, $18 students and seniors ($2 more at the door), cash bar >>FMI: Call 514-2207 or visit laarts.org

Fee fi fo fum

PORTLAND – Puppets take part in the award-winning production “The Beanstalk Variations,” a new take on the classic fairy tale adventure, with catchy tunes and everything. Presented by Figures of Speech Theatre at the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center >>When: 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday >>Where: 76 Congress St. >>Tickets: $15 adults, $9 children >>FMI: Call 775-5568 or visit stlawrencearts.org

Also this week

Warren Miller’s “Off the Grid,” 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland >>FMI: 842-0800 or portlandevents.com

Christmas On The Farm, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Jillson’s, 143 Jordan Bridge Road, Sabattus >>FMI: 375-4486

The New Cars, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland >>FMI: 842-0800 or portlandevents.com

Check out Encore on Fridays for complete event listings.