What’s happening around Anchorage: Fandom goes to the museum, ‘Gold Rush’ burlesque and a comic opera opener

The art of fandom

The new, all-ages "Art of Fandom" exhibit explores mass and global culture through collectibles, contemporary art and design, fan art and fandom subculture. Sections of the exhibit are dedicated to anime, manga and Japanese-inspired culture, comic books and graphic novels, literature and television, furry fandom, music and real-person fandom. The exhibit features the work of artists from all over the world. On view through March 18. Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. (anchoragemuseum.org)

'Don Pasquale'

Love is complicated. In this classic comic opera, "Don Pasquale" finds out just how complicated when he meddles in a young couple's love. With the help of the clever Dr. Malatesta, the lovers devise a scheme to teach him a lesson: she marries him. Of course, a love triangle sparks. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. $30-$130. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday. Discovery Theatre, 621 W. Sixth Ave. (centertix.net)

Gold Rush burlesque

Pulse Dance Co. returns for another special burlesque show. High kicks, quick wit and beautiful costumes set the scene for Alaska during the Gold Rush. Warning: historical accuracy may be questionable. Expect comedy, pole acts, vaudeville and dance. 8-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and November 10-11. $25-$40. Koot's, 2435 Spenard Rd. (brownpapertickets.com)

'The 39 Steps'

"The 39 Steps" is a comedic stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 mystery thriller. Richard Hannay meets a mysterious woman at a London music hall. After witnessing her murder, he becomes entangled in solving the crime, proving his innocence and breaking a spy ring that seems to be attached to the whole affair. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Runs Thurs.-Sun. through Nov. 19. $23-$25. 7-9 pm. Cyrano's Theatre Company, 3800 Debarr Rd. (cyranos.org/shows/the-39-steps)

Anchorage Civic Orchestra fall concert

The Civic Orchestra opens its season with a selection of works from two famous Russian composers. The fall concert will feature Tchaikovsky's violin concerto and "Symphony No. 2," as well as Rimsky-Korsakov's "Russian Easter Overture." The concert will feature violin soloist Oleg Proskurnya. $14.75-$23.50. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sydney Laurence Theatre, 621 W. Sixth Ave. (centertix.net)

How to work your smartphone

Seniors who are new to technology and feeling a little overwhelmed are invited to learn how to work their smartphones in a relaxed, social environment. There will be new tips and tricks taught weekly by the museum staff to help seniors get comfortable with technology. Camera functions, data storage, social media and more will be discussed. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday. Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. (anchoragemuseum.org)

Ski movies at Williwaw

Head to Williwaw for a ski movie doubleheader and dance party. At 7 p.m. "Habit" and "Lite Years: The Big Picture Movie" will play back-to-back. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. After the film screening, stick around for the Pray for Powder Dance Party featuring DJ Covy at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Williwaw, 601 F St. (williwawsocial.com)

Big Band Bash

Come out for a night of big band music featuring a 17-piece orchestra, including members of the Anchorage Jazz Ensemble. Dance the jitterbug, swing a partner and do the lindy hop with live music all night. Activities include both live and silent auctions and costume contests. $70-$85. Saturday, Egan Center, 555 W. Fifth Ave. (brownpapertickets.com)