Going out

        Ensemble Theatre: There's kind of a time warp going on here in Richard Greenberg'sacclaimed Three Days of Rain, a multifaceted family drama where three actors play their parents in the second act. Opens 8 p.m. today, ETC, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, $20-$25. 421-3555.

        Meet the cast: It's Broadway, and you don't even need a ticket when cast and stagehands of The Scarlet Pimpernel throw a free workshop. Hear fight choreographer Gine Cerimele-Mechleytalk about dodging sword points and leading man Ron Bohmer talk about the joys and woes of the Pimpernel role. 5:30-6:30 p.m. today, Aronoff Center for the Arts. Reservation required. 241-2345, Ext. 228.

        For kids: You'll need a reservation, but it's worth it when Starwing, a Shawnee storyteller, shares American-Indian stories for kids ages 7-12. 4 p.m. today, Northside Branch Library, 4219 Hamilton Ave. 369-4449.

        Adult contemporary: The mellow singer/songwriter Zack Thomas heats up the room at his regular gig at the Blind Lemon. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. today, 936 Hatch St., Mount Adams. 241-3885.

Staying In

        TV picks: Lily (Sela Ward) has her hands full on Once and Again between office politics at her dot-com magazine and bickering kids at home (10 p.m., Channels 9, 2).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says you can skip The West Wing repeat today and indulge yourself with PBS' great Jazz series with music from 1935-37 by Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Chick Webb and Teddy Wilson (9 p.m., Channels 48, 54, 16).

The Goods (What's in stores today)

        Disc picks: Veteran pop singer Patti Page is back with her Brand New Tennessee Waltz (Gold Label; $16.97 CD only) with some help from Emmylou Harris, Kathy Mattea and Trisha Yearwood.

        Also on the country beat, Alabama is back with When It All Goes South (RCA; $17.98 CD, $11.98 cassette).

        Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis returns with Evolution II (Atlantic; $17.98 CD only).

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Yet another show jumps into the fray: The Cincinnati Hunting and Fishing Show joins the huge setup at Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, tossing into the mix everything from fly-fishing rods and hunting gear to seminars and trips. 4:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, $8, $2.50 for children includes admission to Cincinnati Travel, Sports and Boat Show and Cincinnati Vacation Travel Show. 281-0022.

        48 hours out: Swedish folk band Frifot, considered the flagship band of the genre's mellow revival, launches a new world-inspired concert series at the ever-so-laid-back Grammer's restaurant. 8 p.m. Friday, 1440 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine. 661-3668.

        72 hours 'til Saturday: Madcap Productions Puppet Theater and its giant puppets take a whack at the classic fairy tale Rapunzel. 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday with performances through Jan. 28, Cincinnati Art Museum theater, Eden Park. $6-$8. 721-2787.

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