Obviously this performance is extremely important to you - have you let him know this?
You probably feel like he is choosing between you and the friend - in reality he's probably just trying to do the right thing by his friend, it is after all her birthday. But at the same time, it is your final performance. It really depends on how important it is to you - the thing is, if it really bothers you and you really want him to go, he will, however as you say, he may feel that you are controlling him too much. It really just depends on how important it is to you - if its that important, he should understand. Just let him know, but don't force him into a decision, leave it with him. And this is coming from a guys perspective -- honestly, there's no point keeping it all to yourself, let him know.
Is it not possible for him to do both? Go to your performance, then take her out later, or vice versa?
You probably feel like he is choosing between you and the friend - in reality he's probably just trying to do the right thing by his friend, it is after all her birthday. But at the same time, it is your final performance. It really depends on how important it is to you - the thing is, if it really bothers you and you really want him to go, he will, however as you say, he may feel that you are controlling him too much. It really just depends on how important it is to you - if its that important, he should understand. Just let him know, but don't force him into a decision, leave it with him. And this is coming from a guys perspective -- honestly, there's no point keeping it all to yourself, let him know.
Is it not possible for him to do both? Go to your performance, then take her out later, or vice versa?