It's far too early to be thinking about the holidays - unless, of course, you're an orchestra, TV programmer or some other company that's booking talent and making arrangements for that Most Lucrative Time of the Year. That's the situation for the Cleveland Pops orchestra, which has just signed a deal to be part of Smuckers' Hot Ice, Cool Sounds, an ice-skating musical special, which, in addition to Carl Topilow's band, will star former Chicago singer Peter Cetera and a cast of Olympic and world-champion figure skaters, including Sasha Cohen and Brian Boitano. The Pops' first appearance on national TV will be taped October 18 at Youngstown's Chevrolet Centre and broadcast nationally on NBC from 3 to 5 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Having been in location limbo for several months, Actors' Summit Theater gets to stay in its current home (86 Owen Brown St., Hudson) for at least another year. The company's lease ran out in 2006, and it had been operating on a month-to-month basis until last spring, when building owner Margaret McGrainor gave the theater notice to vacate. "The theater brings art and culture to our city and encourages shopping and dining downtown," said Actors' Summit board president Kathie Franks. "We are thankful to Mrs. McGrainor, who has helped preserve this important resource in our community." The theater will open its 10th season with the regional premiere of the musical comedy Main-Travelled Roads, which will run from September 18 through October 5. For tickets or information, call 330.342.0800.
Artchitecture Gallery and the skatepark-design consulting collective Public Square Group team with a group of local artists to bring some energy to Slavic Village on Friday night, when they screen Windows and Doorways, a film exploration of the city on wheels and wooden decks. Additionally, artists Cody Goebl, Bob Peck, Ryan Jaenke and others will show their work in support of building a new skatepark. The presentation is from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday at 5704 Broadway. For information, call 216.272.8603.
Arts Collinwood gets all beachy Saturday with the fourth annual Sand Sculpture Contest at the Villa Angela area of Wildwood Beach, which is off Lakeshore Blvd. at E. 174th St. A panel of local artists will serve as judges, awarding prizes to both children and adults in several categories, including Most Unique Use of Driftwood and Closest Likeness to a Person. Starts at 1 p.m., bring your own shovel and tools. For information, call 216.692.9500. - Michael Gill
