A BEND IN THE RIVER
Friday: Direct from Cambodia, the Khmer Arts Ensemble makes its Minnesota debut with a world premiere, "A Bend in the River." Created by choreographer and McKnight International Fellow Sophiline Cheam Shapiro in collaboration with sculptor Sopheap Pich and composer Him Sophy, the work draws upon a village tale to explore themes of love and loss as well as magic and courage. Traditional and contemporary influences — not to mention two oversized crocodile puppets— enliven this evening of fantasy-inspired work propelled by the music of a pin peat ensemble featuring gong and xylophone. A pre-show conversation starts at 6:45 p.m. at Solera Restaurant, 900 Hennepin Av. S. (7:30 p.m. Fri., $37-$59, plus fees), State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-625-6600, www.northrop.umn.edu.) CAROLINE PALMER

Five Lesbians eating a quiche
Continuing: Five members of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein gather for their annual quiche breakfast in 1956, amid worries that Communists are afoot in their tidy town. The show was a cult hit at the New York Fringe Festival and has since dropped in on a number of cities. It features a Twin Cities cast of Andrea Wollenberg, Dawn Brodey, Beth Desotelle, Anna Hickey and Erin Mae Johnson. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Thu.; 7:30 p.m. Sun., ends April 14 with reprise May 2-12, Intermedia Arts, 2821 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., $25, 651-321-8840 or www.theaternow.org.) Graydon Royce