The Signal’s Aaron Henkin with actor George “Mr. Sulu” Takei

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• Actor George Takei is best known to the world for his role as Mr. Sulu on the original television series Star Trek. The science fiction icon will be talking about his years on the Starship Enterprise, and about his recent decision to publicly announce his homosexuality
• Baltimore poet Ned Balbo shares a reading of his work, a selection inspired by his contemplations on The Red Planet
• Signal contributor Mary Rose Madden visits an experimental art therapy class, where teacher Elizabeth Cockey is encouraging Alzheimer’s patients to use painting as a way of focusing their minds
• And a conversation with singer and actress Maureen McGovern, who’s currently starring in the musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women at the Hippodrome

This Friday and Saturday night (04.14 & 04.15), The Creative Alliance ‘goes to the dogs.’ Human and canine actors take the stage together in the New Old Theater Company’s presentation of Caesar; or the Watchdog of the Castle! A foul plot is afoot in 19th century France, and sheepdog actors Aramis and D’Artagnan are there to save the day. This kid-friendly production features a woodwind quartet, period costumes, and even a musical number by the dogs. For tickets and more information, visit www.creativealliance.org.

This Sunday evening (04.16), a very cozy rowhouse venue called The Lemon Hill presents Tranquil Music Night, featuring musicians Wheatie Mattiasich, The Tall Grass, and Andrew Bryant. The show starts at 9 PM, and The Lemon Hill is located at 700 North Howard Street, at the corner of Howard and Monument. The Lemon Hill folks have informed us, ‘it’s the rowhouse with the yellow window.’

Next Tuesday (04.18), chamber music group The Beaux Arts Trio performs at the University of Baltimore to celebrate the dedication of the college’s new student center at the corner of Maryland and Mount Royal Avenues. The performance begins at 7:30, and 410-837-6133 is the number to call to reserve tickets.

And The Stoop Storytelling Series continues next Thursday at Baltimore’s Patterson Theatre. Seven storytellers get seven minutes each to tell a true, personal story from their own life experiences. Under One Roof: Stories About Living Together (Or Trying To) will feature stories by spoken-word artist JaHipster, poet Rupert Wondolowski, and NPR congressional reporter Andrea Seabrook, among others. Doors open at 7 PM with refreshments and live music by Caleb Stine and the Brakemen, and the storytelling begins at 8. More information is on-line at www.stoopstorytelling.com.