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The Boston Globe's The Big To-Do Short Cuts

April 15, 2026

Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Big To-Do: Short Cuts, our midweek round-up of what’s going on around Boston, as selected by Boston Globe critics and writers.

Lena Dunham. CHARLOTTE HADDEN

Thursday

“Girls” creator Lena Dunham talks her new memoir “Famesick” with Emily Sundberg at the Wilbur.
Ian McKellen turns in a stellar performance in the new film “The Christophers,” opening in theaters.
Netflix’s revenge fantasy “Beef” returns for season 2, starring Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny.

Friday

Snail Mail rocks Big Night Live, with Swirlies and Sharp Pins also set to perform.
Ramy Youssef’s new comedy special “In Love” premieres on HBO and HBO Max.
Get pumped up for Monday’s big race at the Boston Marathon Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza Friday through Sunday.

Saturday & Sunday

British band the Last Dinner Party takes the stage at Roadrunner on Saturday.
Athlete turned author Sara Hall will sign copies of her memoir “For the Love of the Grind” at Harvard Book Store on Saturday.
Record Store Day is back on Saturday, and Globe music editor Victoria Wasylak has the scoop on all the can’t-miss Boston releases.
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi plays MGM Music Hall at Fenway Saturday and Sunday.
The annual Down Home Up Here bluegrass fest hits Club Passim Saturday and Sunday.

Ongoing

Hugh Whitemore’s “Breaking the Code” continues at the Central Square Theater in Cambridge through May 3.

Last chance

“When Playwrights Kill” concludes its run at the Huntington Theatre on Saturday.

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Thanks for reading our new Wednesday newsletter. Keep an eye out for Friday's regular Big To-Do email written by Marie Morris. Send comments to arts@globe.com.

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Lena Dunham. CHARLOTTE HADDEN

Thursday

“Girls” creator Lena Dunham talks her new memoir “Famesick” with Emily Sundberg at the Wilbur.

Ian McKellen turns in a stellar performance in the new film “The Christophers,” opening in theaters.

Netflix’s revenge fantasy “Beef” returns for season 2, starring Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny.

Friday

Snail Mail rocks Big Night Live, with Swirlies and Sharp Pins also set to perform.

Ramy Youssef’s new comedy special “In Love” premieres on HBO and HBO Max.

Get pumped up for Monday’s big race at the Boston Marathon Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza Friday through Sunday.

Saturday & Sunday

British band the Last Dinner Party takes the stage at Roadrunner on Saturday.

Athlete turned author Sara Hall will sign copies of her memoir “For the Love of the Grind” at Harvard Book Store on Saturday.

Record Store Day is back on Saturday, and Globe music editor Victoria Wasylak has the scoop on all the can’t-miss Boston releases.

Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi plays MGM Music Hall at Fenway Saturday and Sunday.

The annual Down Home Up Here bluegrass fest hits Club Passim Saturday and Sunday.

Ongoing

Hugh Whitemore’s “Breaking the Code” continues at the Central Square Theater in Cambridge through May 3.

Last chance

“When Playwrights Kill” concludes its run at the Huntington Theatre on Saturday.

Sign up here to get The Boston Globe’s latest food stories delivered to your inbox once a week.

Thanks for reading our new Wednesday newsletter. Keep an eye out for Friday's regular Big To-Do email written by Marie Morris. Send comments to arts@globe.com.