Johann Strauss' three act operetta Die Fledermaus originally opened with its fair share of trouble in April of 1874; it only played for 16 days before closing. Once it was put back on, the actor playing the role of Falke died of a heart attack on stage. Fortunately for the work, it maintained a place in the regular repertoire and was conducted by greats like Gustav Mahler. Embellished with waltzes, polkas and an immensely popular overture, this work is an entertaining and light-hearted experience. In a tale about prison, drunken nights out and bat costumes, this opera stands the tests of time. I mean, really, how different is this from your Halloween? The filming of this live performance, which screens at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre, was recorded in 2011 and conducted by the Cleveland Orchestra's own Franz Welser-Most with the Vienna State Opera. Tickets are $20. (Stoops)
Africa & Byzantium considers the complex artistic relationships between northern and eastern African Christian kingdoms and the Byzantine Empire from the fourth…