National Theatre Live: ‘Life of Pi’

5:30 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. March 29. Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland, $18. rocklandstrand.com.

See a staged version of “Life of Pi,” featuring puppetry, magic and storytelling. The performance was recorded in 2023 at the National Theatre in London’s West End. It’s based on Yann Martel’s novel, which was adapted into a film in 2012. “Life of Pi” is about a 16-year-old boy who is stranded on a life boat with a hyena, zebra, orangutan and Royal Bengal tiger.

‘The Secret Garden’

7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through March 28. 2 p.m. matinee on March 22 and 29. City Theater, 205 Main St., Biddeford, $30-$35. citytheater.org.

Lose yourself in a wondrous version of a musical based on classic children’s literature. “The Secret Garden” tells the tale of 11-year-old Mary Lennox, who was orphaned in India. Her return to Yorkshire, England to live with her miserly uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin is marked by the discovery of a magic garden. In it are haunting melodies and spirits from Mary’s past known as “Dreamers.” Forgiveness and renewal are at the forefront of a timeless, endearing story.

Femmes of Rock

8 p.m. Friday. Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St., Waterville, $52-$62. watervillecreates.org.

Women’s History Month is as good a time as any to enjoy a scintillating night of live music from Femmes of Rock. The rock band was formed, and is fronted by, violinist Nina DiGregorio. You can expect her and her fellow electric violin-wielding bandmates to put their face-melting spin on tunes by Queen, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, AC/DC, Van Halen and other titans.

Charlie Berens

8 p.m. Saturday. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $35-$75 reserved seating. statetheatreportland.com.

Wisconsin-born comic, actor, writer and podcast host Charlie Berens brings his “Lost & Found” tour to Portland. One of Berens’ earliest claims to fame is the 2017 launch of his viral video series “The Manitowoc Minute,” which pokes playful fun at Wisconsin and Midwest culture. Berens also authored the 2021 New York Times bestselling “The Midwest Survival Guide.”

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Noon Sunday. Commercial Street, Portland. irishofmaine.org.

Put on every stitch of green clothing you own and find a spot on Portland’s Commercial Street for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, presented by the Irish American Club of Maine. It starts at the Portland Fish Pier and ends at Bell Buoy Park. The procession features the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band, Dunlap Highland Band and dancers from the Stillson School of Irish Dance, among other participants, including team mascots and parade Grand Marshall, Portland Fire Chief Chad Johnson.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

1-4 p.m. Sunday. Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland, $10 suggested donation. maineirish.com.

After the parade, repair to the Maine Irish Heritage Center for a lively afternoon of revelry. The gathering features live music from Jim Sharkey, photo ops with Saint Patrick, performance by Stillson School of Irish Dance, raffles, traditional Irish bake sale, a bar serving Irish classics, book and rummage sale, kids’ crafts and activities and guided sanctuary tours. There will also be four food trucks, including Noble BBQ and Cheese the Day.