Night & Day

Tuesday
November 17
You'd think from the title -- "Showa Threads: Kimono Tradition From the 1930s to the 1960s" -- that "Showa" is some kind of shorthand slang for "show of." And, in a way, you'd be right. The exhibition displays the flowing silk kimonos from the Morikami Museum's permanent collection. But it also illustrates the changes the kimono underwent during the Showa Era in Japan, which corresponded with the reign of Emperor Hirohito, from 1926 to 1989. The period began in the optimistic '20s, when the kimono was still the traditional everyday outfit for women. But, after World War II, an economic collapse nearly wiped out Japan's silk textile industry. Silk made a brief comeback during the more prosperous '50s and '60s, but the kimono fell out of favor as Western dress took over in the '70s. Kimonos thus became a limited-production item few could afford. The show remains on view through January 17 at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach. Admission prices range from $2 to $4.25. Call 561-495-0233.

Wednesday
November 18
When the musical The Boy Friend showed up on Broadway in New York City after a phenomenal run in London (2048 performances), American audiences were introduced to a young star named Julie Andrews. The year was 1954, and the show, which lampoons the fluffy boy-meets-girl musicals of the '20s, wasn't delivering any deep social or emotional message. It simply invited audience members to enjoy themselves. And the Broward Stage Door Theatre asks nothing more of its patrons as it opens its production today for a run through January 17. Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.; matinees begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets cost $25. The theater is located at 8036 Sample Rd., Coconut Creek. Call 954-344-7765.