Film: Oscar and Golden Globe Festival
Why is everyone raving about “Dallas Buyers Club”? Is Leonardo DiCaprio really that amazing in “The Wolf of Wall Street”? Head to Cine Magaly to catch up on your Oscar nominees. No matter who wins on March 2, this festival will screen the cream of the crop.
Film series plays through March 19 at Cine Magaly, Barrio California, San José. Various times. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: Cine Magaly Facebook page.
World Cup warm-up: Costa Rica vs. Paraguay
The two nations face off in preparation for the World Cup onslaught.
The game begins at 8 p.m. Costa Rican time. Info: FIFA website.
Music: Goat in the Basement
Two DJs, four bands, and a full night of dancing – can we hear a pura vida, mae? El Sótano (The Basement) hosts a rambunctious night of music, featuring Monte, Colornoise, Las Robertas, Ave Negra, and DJs Danny Boy and G.G. Allan.
“Chivo en El Sótano” takes place March 1 at El Sótano, Barrio Amón. 7 p.m. ₡2,000 ($4). Info: Event Facebook page.
Music: Trova Rumba
Following the release of their album, “Mi señora del Pilar,” the two brothers of Trova Rumba play their Latin love songs at The Observatory.
Concert takes place Feb. 28 at Bar El Observatorio, Barrio California. 9 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). Info: Observatorio website.
Dance: “Les Exalut!”
Frenetic movements, evolving relationships, and a jazzy, Klezmer-like score – “Les Exalut!” is modern dance at its finest, choreographed by César Alvarado.
“Les Exalut!” takes place Feb. 28-March 2 at the Dance Theater (CENAC), Barrio Amón. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡4,000 general, ₡3,000 students ($6-8). Info: Red Cultura listing.
Theater: “Concert for My Death”
Like the Edith Piaf of Latin America, Chavela Vargas turned folk music into international hits. In Mexico, Vargas became famous for her robust voice and ranchero songs, but she was a born-and-bred Tica. Two years after her passing, “Concierto para mi muerte” is a theatrical tribute to Vargas’ remarkable career.
“Concierto para mi muerte” takes place Feb. 28-March 2 at the Atahualpa del Cioppo Theater, National University, Heredia. Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡2,000 students, ₡2,500 general admission ($4-5). Info: 2277-3386.
Music: Los Waldners and Godzillasaurus
Two bands perform at the Spanish Cultural Center as part of the Rock in the Farolito series.
Concert takes place Feb. 28 at the Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Red Cultura page.
Music: Pamela Beine
At only 15 years old, Pamela Beine is the definitive protege: The teenaged pianist plays with the feeling and expertise of someone three times her age. Revel in her talents at the Eugene O’Neill Theater on Saturday evening.
“Gala de Piano” takes place March 1 at the Eugene O’Neill Theater, Barrio Empalme. ₡10,000 ($20). Info: 2207-7554, Cultural Center website.
Film: “The Suicide Shop”
In an overcrowded city, people dispatch themselves without a second thought. But when a smiling newborn arrives, nobody knows how to deal with his happiness. This macabre satire combines French élan with sophisticated animation.
“Le magasin des suicides” will be screened Feb. 28 at Alianza Francesa. 6 p.m. Free. Info: Alianza Francesa website.
“Rey Lear” Revival
The Shakespeare classic returns for an encore performance at the Teatro de la Aduana. The National Theater Company presents this acclaimed Spanish-language production starring Óscar Castillo.
“El Rey Lear” continues through March 9. Teatro de la Aduana, Barrio Carmen. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). Info & Tickets: 2257-8305.
Theater: “The House of the Spirits”
Teatro Espressivo presents a theatrical adaptation of Isabel Allende’s classic novel, “The House of the Spirits.” This epic magic-realist story receives an inventive adaptation by Caridad Svich.
“The House of the Spirits” continues through April 13 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡8,000-15,000 ($16-30). Info: Performance website.
In the Woods
The Museum of Costa Rican art presents this haunting and beautiful series of landscapes by Gerardo González. See his unique vision of the rain forest.
“Bosque Adentro” continues through April 6 at the Museum of Costa Rican Art, La Sabana Park. Tue.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info: Museum website.
Enamorate de tu ciudad
Yes, you can get gaga for San José – especially when the Culture Ministry is sponsoring Enamorate de tu ciudad, or Fall in Love With Your City, a year-long celebration of art, culture and urban parks. Check back for games, workshops, presentations and surprise performances.
Fall in Love with Your City takes place on Saturdays in various parks in downtown San José. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info: Enamorate de tu Ciudad website.