WED 04/25
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
All hell breaks loose when six middle school students (played by adults) compete in a spelling bee, all in the hopes of getting their shot at the "nationals," in the Tony Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Cleveland Play House production opens tonight at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre, where it runs through May 6. Tickets start at $25. (Jeff Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. Through it, the folks at Music Box Supper Club hope to raise awareness of the mission of the Western Reserve Historical Society's new Cleveland History Center. The goal of the Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is to "bring to life some of the fun, interesting stories about Cleveland's past — from sports, to rock 'n' roll, to Millionaires' Row," as it's put in a press release. Admission is free, with no cover charge, although a prix fixe dinner, designed to complement the night's theme, is $20. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. Tonight, Big Fun owner Steve Presser shares stories of the hippie invasion of Coventry, during the 1960s, from his days of running the popular toy store in Cleveland Heights. Dinner includes Cream of 'Shroomies soup, pot roast, and a Cosmic Brownie Sundae. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
The Humans
Part of this year's KeyBank Broadway Series, Stephen Karam's The Humans takes place over the course of a Thanksgiving family dinner in a ramshackle lower Manhattan duplex. Typically, the family get-together turns into a serious meditation on values and tradition, mostly focused on religion. The play won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Play. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace. Tickets are $10 to $80, and the play's run continues until April 29. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Indians vs. Chicago Cubs
Many Indians fans are probably still sore after the Chicago Cubs came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Indians and win the 2016 World Series. Many of the players involved in that terrific series still play for both teams, so the rivalry will be reignited tonight at 7:10 as the two teams face each other at Progressive Field. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Turangalîla-Symphonie
Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra takes on Messiaen's Turangalîla-Symphonie, an orchestral piece that includes a difficult piano part with several solo cadenzas. An hour before the concert, guest speaker Caroline Oltmanns, the head of the piano department at Youngstown State University, gives the pre-concert talk, "Love Lost in the Stars." Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
THU 04/26
Indians vs. Seattle Mariners
The Indians started the season with three games in Seattle against the Mariners. The Mariners won two of the three, but each game was extremely close and decided only by a single run. The two teams will face off again today at 6:10 p.m. at Progressive Field. The four-game series will conclude on Sunday. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Jay Oakerson
Comedian Jay Oakerson likes to observe people, and he's crass. His observations are so spot-on that you'll think he's gotten inside your head to find the things you're too embarrassed to say. Favorite topics include rich white people in plaid shorts, attempts to hook up audience members, becoming a king in Ireland and "sugar daddies." No, really — this guy is actually pretty funny. He used to work as a bouncer for a strip club and as a children's party entertainer. How could he not be a hoot? The show starts at 8 tonight at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $23 to $28. (Liz Trenholme)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Drink a Pint, Save a Turtle
Thanks to declining water quality, loss of habitat, poaching and an increase in natural predators, the spotted turtle has become so difficult to find in Northeast Ohio that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife has listed the shallow wetlands turtle as a threatened species that should be "vigorously protected." Because of the turtles' endangered status, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium works with numerous regional environmental and educational agencies to help keep them alive. The Aquarium recently announced a partnership with Terrestrial Brewing Company, which will produce a special beer (dubbed "I Love It When I Save the Turtles Porter") to contribute to the cause. They'll celebrate its release today at the brewery from 4 to 6:30 p.m. (Niesel)
7524 Father Frascati Dr., 216-465-9999,
Tristan and Isolde
Franz Welser-Möst conducts the Cleveland Orchestra tonight as it presents another performance of the romantic-era opera Tristan and Isolde. Dramatic soprano Nina Stemme will be on hand, as will a "cast of internationally acclaimed singers." The concert begins at 6 at Severance Hall. The opera is presented in three acts with two intermissions, so be prepared for an epic performance. Consult the orchestra's website for ticket prices, parking info and other details. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Zama
Set in 18th century South America, Zama, the first film in nine years from Argentinian director Antonio Di Benedetto, centers on a servant of the Spanish crown who tries to find a way to transfer from his rural outpost into Buenos Aires. The movie makes its local debut tonight at 8:35 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it screens again at 7:15 tomorrow night. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
FRI 04/27
Bring It On: 19th Annual CMSD All-City Musical
Now in its 19th year, Bring It On, the annual Cleveland Metropolitan School District's all-city musical focuses on the "cutthroat world of competitive cheerleading" as it takes audiences on "a high-flying journey that is filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness." To create the production, the school district has partnered with local charity the Human Fund, as well as with the Musical Theater Project and Playhouse Square; the show is inspired by the film Bring It On the Musical. The performances take place at 7:30 tonight and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Flanagan's Wake
This is the final weekend for the perennial crowd-pleaser Flanagan's Wake, which is wrapping up its eighth year in Cleveland. The interactive, improvised performance transports the audience to an Irish wake where villagers tell tales and sing songs for their dearly departed Flanagan. Finding the humor in life and death, the wake acts as a dark backdrop to an otherwise hilarious show in which alcohol fuels the humorous reminiscing. Sort of like a tragic Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding, the show engages the entire audience as the guests are treated as the friends and family of the deceased. Tonight's show starts at 8 and repeats tomorrow night at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre. Tickets are $26. (Patrick Stoops)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Kent American Roots Music Festival
The inaugural Kent American Roots Music Festival debuts today, featuring Americana, bluegrass and country acts at 22 venues throughout downtown Kent. More than 20 acts, such as singer-songwriter Brent Kirby, Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys, Hey Mavis and the Thor Platter Band, are slated to perform. Consult the website for a schedule and a map of the participating clubs. (Niesel) kentamericanroots.com.
Tick, Tick... Boom!
Playhouse Square and Baldwin Wallace University have teamed up to present Tick, Tick... Boom!, an autobiographical musical about an Emmy- and Pulitzer-prize-winning composer who makes huge sacrifices just so he can get his big break. Set in 1990, the story is presented as a "a rock musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theatre styles." Performances take place at 7:30 tonight, at 5 and 8:30 p.m. tomorrow and at 7 on Sunday night at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre. Tickets are $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SAT 04/28
Believeland Beer Fest
The inaugural Believeland Beer Fest takes place today at the Huntington Convention Center. The event will feature more than 150 beers from 60 breweries; proceeds will benefit the Cleveland chapter of A Special Wish Foundation. Tickets include a 5-ounce tasting glass and 25 drink tickets. A variety of ticket packages are available. Consult the website for more info. The event begins at 2 p.m.; VIP tickets include early entry. (Niesel)
500 Lakeside Ave., 216-928-1600, believelandbeerfest.com.
Divine Ecstasy
Both the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and the Cleveland Orchestra will perform tonight at Severance Hall as part of a program dubbed Divine Ecstasy. The concert will include pieces by Gabrieli, Part, Kernis, Bach and Liszt. Billed as "an evening of works exploring musical, religious and mystical ecstasy, and their interrelationship with human meditation, transcendence and understanding," the concert begins at 8. Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Jazz Age Revue!: A 1930s-inspired Burlesque Show
Le Femme Mystique Burlesque and Ohio Burlesque, the organizers of tonight's special burlesque show at 8 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom, will try to recapture the 1930s with Jazz Age Revue! Minneapolis-based Musette, the "Mistress of Mischief," will headline the show. Other special guests include Annie Axel, Bella Sin, Poppy Poison, Peach Fuzz and Deva Diamond. Tickets are $17 in advance, or $20 at the door. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Northcoast Writers' Showcase
The inaugural Northcoast Writers' Showcase takes place today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Erie College in Painesville. During the showcase, readers and aspiring writers can interact with published authors to find out what got them into the writing game. There will be workshops, and authors will also have their books available for sale and signing. Some of the participating writers include Funky Winkerbean creator Tom Batiuk, TV anchor and writer Romona Robinson, and locally based/nationally renowned writer Les Roberts. Keynote speaker Christina Baker Kline, the bestselling author of Orphan Train, will begin her talk at 3 p.m. The showcase and Kline's keynote address are free, but registration is required. (Niesel)
391 West Washington St., Painesville, 440-375-7000, divi.geaugalibrary.net/northcoast-writers-showcase.
SUN 04/29
Cleveland Improv Jam
The Angry Ladies of Improv has hosted the Cleveland Improv Jam for almost seven years now. A few years back, Scene described the show as "fierce, formidable and very funny." The women have some serious experience too. Katie White-Sonby is an actress who's performed at Clague Playhouse, Karamu and Kennedy's Cabaret. Marjorie Preston is an alumna of Something Dada and Rockwell 9 improvisational comedy troupes. The event begins with a short-form set of improv games, followed by a long-form improv set. It begins at 5 p.m. at Coffee Phix. Arrive early if you want to sign up and perform. Admission is free. (Niesel)
4485 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid, 216-381-5706, coffeephixcafe.com.
Rob Kovacs in Residence
After forming 15 years ago, the local indie pop band Return of Simple released a couple of records and became a fixture on the scene before eventually relocating to New York in 2009. A few years ago, after getting "burned out" in New York, the band's frontman, singer-pianist Rob Kovacs, moved back to Cleveland. He just recently relaunched Return of Simple. Now Kovacs has announced a Euclid Tavern residency. He'll perform at the venue at 8 tonight and every Sunday through May 13; each week's program will be unique. Admission is free. (Niesel) 11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
Sunday Beat
As part of a Sunday Beat promotion at Visible Voice Books, if you purchase a New York Times at the store, you'll receive a free cup of coffee or tea and a Jim Alesci's Place pastry. An added bonus: A jazz, Americana, samba or bossa nova band will perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Anyone who shows a Sunday receipt from Music Box, Prosperity Social Club or any of the Tremont restaurants that offer brunch can enter a same-day drawing for a $30 Visible Voice gift certificate and a $25 Visible Voice Loyalty Card. They'll also receive 10 percent off any Visible Voice book purchase. The bookstore is open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
MON 04/30
Indians vs. Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers got off to a rough start this year, losing three out of four games. Of course, playing the world-champion Houston Astros will do that to you. Still, the takeaway from the series was that the Rangers' bullpen needs help and the bottom part of its order needs more offensive firepower. Expect the Tribe to exploit the Rangers' weaknesses at tonight's game, which begins at 6:10. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Shit Show Karaoke
Local rapper/promoter Dirty Jones and Scene's own Manny Wallace host Shit Show Karaoke, a weekly event at the B-Side Liquor Lounge that allows patrons to choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock." Participants are encouraged to "be as bad as you want." Fueled by drink and shot specials, it all goes down tonight at 10 p.m. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
Wing Ding Doodle
Blues icon Howlin' Wolf famously covered "Wang Dang Doodle," the old blues tune penned by Willie Dixon. Prosperity Social Club in Tremont has adopted that slogan, calling its wing night Wing Ding Doodle. The weekly event features specials on Buffalo wings and cold brews. Prosperity will not only serve up substantial, $1 whole wings, but it'll also offering meatless Monday "wing" baskets for vegans. Discounted drafts and a playlist of vintage-electric blues and soulful R&B will be on tap as well. Wing Ding Doodle takes place every Monday from 6 p.m. to midnight. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
TUE 05/01
Classical Revolution Cleveland
Today, and the first Tuesday of every month, Classical Revolution Cleveland brings chamber music to the Euclid Tavern. Performers like the Trepanning Trio, Anime Duo, students of Cleveland Institute of Music and even Cleveland Orchestra members grace the stage in these exciting concerts. Tonight's free, all-ages performance starts at 8. (Stoops)
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, the Winchester hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesday. DJ Kris Koch offers 20-minute slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. Turntables are provided; you can play three to five songs during your time slot; and a mic is available to talk about the selections. (Niesel)
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/The WinchesterMusicTavern.
Vinyl Night
Jukebox owner Alex Budin has described his 1,350-square-foot music-focused bar in the Hingetown 'hood as "a place where people can expect to hear and learn about music of multiple genres, all of which is concentrated in a constantly evolving jukebox." The club hosts a vinyl night every Tuesday that serves as a listening party for new releases, partnering with Loop in Tremont, so patrons can hear a new album on vinyl. You can bring your own vinyl and spin it too. It all starts at 5 p.m. (Niesel)
1404 West 29th St., 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com.
