TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.

Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem

Broadway star Bernadette Peters performs at the Opening Night at Pops on May 9 at Boston Symphony Hall. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops)

Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops kick off the 2012 Spring Pops Season on Wednesday, May 9, with a gala Opening Night concert featuring Broadway star Bernadette Peters at Symphony Hall.

The multifaceted musical theater actress, whose career has spanned five decades, will be heard in full force on Opening Night at Pops, sharing favorites such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “There Is Nothing like a Dame,” and “Being Alive,” to mention just a few.

The grand opening night festivities include a complimentary pre-concert reception and a post-concert CD and book signing with Ms. Peters. Ms. Peters’ divine voice was featured on a new cast recording of “Follies” released last November.

The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m.

The Pops season kicks off with an all-Gershwin first half to include the beloved “Rhapsody in Blue” and the photographs of Joseph Sohm set to a classic Pops tune.

For tickets and more information, call 888-266-1200 or visit www.bso.org.

Under the direction of new Artistic Director Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues its successful journey as America’s leading modern dance company. This year’s engagement runs for four days only, April 26 -29.

Dancers Kirven James Boyd and Belen Estrada return to Boston where their dance careers began.

Kirven began his formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy and joined Boston Youth Moves in 1999 under the direction of Jim Viera and Jeannette Neill. He also trained on scholarship at the Boston Conservatory and as a fellowship student at The Ailey School. Mr. Boyd has danced with Battleworks Dance Company, The Parsons Dance Company and Ailey II. He performed at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison in 2010. Mr. Boyd joined the Company in 2004. Kirven is featured in the artwork that is gracing buses, banners and print media all over Boston in anticipation of the performances.

Belen Estrada also began her formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy, where she graduated as valedictorian. She has been closely mentored by Earl Mosley and danced with Camille A. Brown & Dancers for three years, during which time she performed at The Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow and the Dancers Responding to AIDS’ annual events Dance from the Heart and The Fire Island Dance Festival. Ms. Estrada was an apprentice for Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company, and has performed with Lula Washington Dance Theater, Nathan Trice and Roger C. Jeffrey. She assisted Matthew Rushing with his ballet Uptown for the Ailey company in 2009. Ms. Estrada joined the Company in 2011.

The Ailey company has performed for an estimated 23 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents, as well as millions more through television broadcasts.

For tickets or more information, call the Citi Center Box Office at 866-348-9738 or visit www.celebrityseries.org.

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, which is sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and method of gaining entry into the race (via qualification).

DISTANCE: 26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 Kilometers)

www.baa.org

A new production of the world’s longest-running musical, “The Fantasticks,” comes to the Boston area this spring as The Fiddlehead Theatre Company in Dedham presents the captivating romantic comedy from Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 29.

Based on the tale “Les Romanesques” by Edmond Rostand, “The Fantasticks” features music by Harvey Schmidt and a book and lyrics by Tom Jones.

A quintessential celebration of love in all its gorgeous simplicity and heartbreaking complexities, “The Fantasticks” tells the story of a young boy and girl who fall madly in love at the hands of their meddling fathers, but soon grow restless and stray from one another. Will their separation provide a deeper appreciation for the love they once shared or create a permanent gulf between them?

The performance on April 25th at 7:30 p.m. will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Rita Gardner, who originated the role of The Girl in the original New York production.

For tickets and more information, call 781-329-1901 or visit www.fiddleheadtheatre.com.

For its 34th Season the Big Apple Circus dares you to Dream Big! It’s an All–New Show, where the World’s Greatest Circus artists are presented under an intimate Big Top, and no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring! Let your imagination soar and summon the most amazing acts — A juggler with a suit to fit his sweet feats of fancy handiwork! A mechanical doll who comes alive in a sinuous balancing act! Spirited horses, frolicsome dogs, and a capybara and porcupine to perk up the sawdust party! Audacious acrobats who astound with athletic grace! Comical conjurors with magical moments of grand illusion! The aerial daring of the trapeze flyers! A singing Ringmistress and the Big Apple Circus Band creating the ringing melodies of memories to last! And Grandma!! Yes, Grandma, apogee of comical aspiration and mirthful joy in her Farewell Season with the circus.

www.bigapplecircus.org

Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Misérables, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times calls this Les Misérables “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.” The London Times hails the new show “a five-star hit, astonishingly powerful.”

Les Misérables at Boston Opera House

The show returns to the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston on Wednesday, March 14 through Sunday, March 18.

Featuring hundreds of exhibits and displays, this spectacular 5-day show is New England’s largest event for flowers and gardens. Exhibitors will showcase ways to express personality and style, while adding enjoyment, value, and ‘wow factor’ to outdoor spaces.

Visitors will usher in the season as they explore more than 25 garden displays by cutting-edge landscape professionals and nurseries, and 220 vendor booths, featuring thousands of plants and the newest gardening products.

www.bostonflowershow.com

Golf comes to Boston just a little earlier for those who attend the National Golf Expo! Located at the Seaport World Trade Center in South Boston, New England’s most anticipated golf show is the first sign that spring is just around the corner and it’s time to get ready to hit the links! The National Golf Expo features tons of fantastic golf-related exhibits, displays, and interactive features, as well as the nation’s largest driving range and demonstration stage. What better occasion to round up your golf buddies and head over to the show for a day of everything golf!

2012 National Golf Expo

Prior to the parade there will be plenty of family entertainment including a face painter, balloon artist and a magician. Mayor Menino will greet families at the end of the parade and actors from the Wheelock Family Theater will do a dramatic reading from the book. The registration fee is $35 per family in advance and $40 per family the day of the event. Each family who registers will receive a special goodie bag filled with Duckling Day toys and treats.

www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org