STAGE
In the new musical Sweet Land, based on the poetic, richly charming 2005 film, a German mail-order bride struggles to find acceptance in a Norwegian farming community in Minnesota. Since WWI has just ended, this is a tall order. GAVIN BORCHERT Taproot Theatre, taproottheatre.org. $27–$50. Previews July 11 & 12, opens July 13. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., Sat., plus 2 p.m. some Sat. Ends Aug. 18.
FILM
Two Beatles films this week. First, A Hard Day’s Night—a genuinely great film by any standard, not just the standards of movies with pop stars in them. Rivaling Casablanca and The Big Lebowski for quotability (“I fought the war for your sort.” “Bet you’re sorry you won!”), Richard Lester’s 1964 comedy depicts a jauntily fictionalized screwball day in the life of the Beatles—a bit cinéma vérité, a bit extended Monty Python sketch. Ark Lodge Cinemas, arklodgecinemas.com. $8–$9. 1:15, 3:45, 6, & 8:45 p.m. Wed., July 4–Thurs., July 5.
Then comes Yellow Submarine, the archetypally trippy animated classic starring the Fab Four—or rather, the images thereof—which has been restored in 4K digital resolution and the music remixed. GB SIFF Cinema Uptown, siff.net. $9–$14. 4 p.m. Sun., July 8.
MUSIC
For years, Kacey Musgraves was the best thing going in modern country music. Albums like Pageant Material showcased a wry but emotionally sincere singer/songwriter voice and a knack for crafting infectious pop hooks. She’s turned the light pop dial all up the way on her new album Golden Hour, resulting in the most universally acclaimed album of 2018 to date. There’s only a faint tinge of her dime-store-cowgirl roots in this collection of weightless and pure love songs that go down oh-so-easy. Do we wish she was headlining KeyArena instead of opening for Harry Styles? Of course. But just give her time; we’re all right with a slow burn. SETH SOMMERFELD KeyArena, keyarena.com. $46–$96. 8 p.m. Sat., July 7.
HOLIDAY
It may be a bit of a nightmare trying to get to Gas Works Park for Seafair Summer Fourth’s annual Independence Day celebration, but the fireworks always deliver. Those onsite can enjoy the array of food vendors and live music from the likes of SassyBlack and Freddy Pink. (Or just find an alternative view of Lake Union from elsewhere in town when it gets dark.) SS Gas Works Park. seafair.com. Free. Wed., July 4
