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WED 11/29
Cleveland Comedy Festival
Playhouse Square will play host to 18 comedy performances today through Dec. 3, during the annual Cleveland Comedy Festival. The fest kicks off today at 5 p.m. with a Comedy Happy Hour at Kennedy's Theatre. Outcalt Theatre and Kennedy's will be among several sites for performances that will feature comedians from all across the States. The festival's feature presentation will be An Evening with Fred Willard. That performance takes place on Friday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. Consult the website for ticket prices and more details. (Jeff Niesel)
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party
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 6:30. Tonight, as part of the Cleveland Comedy Festival, comedian and Cleveland native Lou Santini talks about this "life in comedy." The menu includes Cream of Rubber Duck Soup, Woka Woka Stir-Fry and Whoopie Cushion Pie. Santini will perform standup after his talk. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
THU 11/30
Bruckner's Romantic Symphony
Bruckner's Romantic Symphony features both "subtle romanticism and raw excitement" reflecting the composer's knack for controlling the orchestra as if it were a single instrument. Tonight at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra revisits his Fourth Symphony. Arrive an hour early for a pre-concert talk with composer and pianist Lorenzo Salvagni. Performances take place at 7:30 tonight and at 8 on Saturday night. Consult the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Brandon T. Jackson
Straight outta Detroit, which he refers to as "the bankrupt city," comedian Brandon T. Jackson started performing when he was only 14 years old. He's had roles in numerous films since then; he had a significant role in the terrific comedy Tropic Thunder that helped launch his acting career. Jackson, who relies on urban slang and makes references to racial stereotypes in his routines, performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Tom Papa
The funny stuff continues tonight with Tom Papa, the fun-loving guy who used to host the NBC comedy show Marriage Ref. Papa routinely likes to joke about how he misses the day when he didn't have kids or the responsibility that accompanies them. He likes to reminisce about his young life, and notes how being a dad has him drinking more now. "Daddy is a lot more fun when he gets his magic juice inside of him," he likes to say, as he ponders the fact that all his daughter's drawings are of him with a martini glass. But the guy will also switch gears and talk about antidepressants and societal pressures. His talent lies in the fact that he comes off as an average Joe. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where you can catch his act through Saturday. Tickets start at $23. (Jeff Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Stray Cat: Sex Hunter
The Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque kicks off its series featuring Japanese actress Meiko Kaji with Stray Cat: Sex Hunter, the youth-oriented exploitation film in which she plays the leader of a tough girl gang that takes on a rival racist male gang. The movie screens at 6:45 tonight and at 9:30 tomorrow night. Tickets are $10, or $7 for students and Cinematheque members. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
FRI 12/01
Annie
With a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, the musical Annie centers on what happens when a billionaire meets an 11-year-old orphan named Annie, and the two develop a friendship. The play opens tonight at 7:30 at the French Creek Theatre in Sheffield Village, where performances continue through Dec. 17. Local actors Kayla Haskins and Ian Atwood play Annie and her benefactor, respectively. Tickets are $16 to $18 for adults, and $10 for children under the age of 18. (Niesel)
4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, 440-949-5200, metroparks.cc/french-creek-theatre-tickets.php.
Two Authors' Perspective on Cleveland
In Believing in Cleveland, author J. Mark Souther recounts how Cleveland entered the postwar period as America's sixth largest city, only to lose ground during a period of tremendous national growth. In Surrogate Suburbs: Black Upward Mobility and Neighborhood Change in Cleveland 1900-1980, writer Todd Michney discusses the creative ways that members of Cleveland's black middle class established footholds outside the city's overcrowded, inner-city neighborhoods. Both authors speak tonight at 7 at Visible Voice Books. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
Andrea Bocelli
One of the few modern-day opera singers to become a household name, Andrea Bocelli got his start singing in piano bars. By the '90s, however, he had befriended Pavarotti, who helped him launch his career. He continues to regularly tour and record and, if past setlists are any indication, you can expect him to sing songs by the likes of Verdi, Puccini and Elvis Presley. The concert begins at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $75. (Niesel).
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Jim Gaffigan
Jim Gaffigan, one of the world's highest-grossing standup comedians, embarked on his Noble Ape international arena and theater comedy tour earlier this year. While on the tour, he's performed in China, Japan, England, Canada, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. He brings the tour to Wolstein Center at 8 tonight. The slow-talking clean comic also stars opposite Jason Clarke, Kate Mara and Ed Helms in the forthcoming film Chappaquiddick, the story of the infamous event that killed Ted Kennedy's chance at becoming president. Other upcoming films include Drunk Parents, starring Alec Baldwin and Salma Hayek, and Duck Duck Goose, an animated movie that features the voices of Carl Reiner and Stephen Fry. Tonight's show should feature plenty of new material. Tickets start at $32. (Niesel)
2000 Prospect Ave., 216-687-9292, wolsteincenter.com.
Holiday Bar Blast Bar Crawl
Tonight is the night for Holiday Bar Blast in downtown Willoughby. The holiday-themed bar crawl features stops at downtown Willoughby bars, including Willoughby Brewing Company, the Morehouse Willoughby, the 1899 Pub, Frank and Tony's Place, Mullarkey's Irish Pub, Ballantine, the Wild Goose and Nickleby's Rounder. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at Willoughby Brewing Company. At 7 p.m., groups will head out with their captains to one of the eight participating bars. Every 30 minutes, the captain will blow a whistle and you'll move on to the next bar. The bar crawl is part of a weekend-long celebration that brings the holiday spirit to town, including the Miracle on Erie Street annual tree lighting ceremony. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door. (Niesel)
Mix at CMA
The Cleveland Museum of Art's monthly Mix event takes place tonight from 6 to 10. In keeping with the upcoming holidays, the theme is "Illuminate," and there will be an illuminated dance floor, "dazzling" visuals and glowing lanterns awaiting you. Tonight's party also serves as a preview of light installations from the CMA's annual Winter Lights Lantern Festival, which happens on Sunday, Dec. 3. Enjoy performance art and DJ Red-I's music in the atrium. Tickets are $10 in advance on the website, or $15 at the door. CMA members get in for free. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
The Nutty Nutcracker
Ballet Theatre of Ohio proves it has a sense of humor with tonight's The Nutty Nutcracker, a sendup of the classic ballet it performs each year at the Akron Civic Theatre. Organizers assure us that the performance is family friendly but admit that "parts might be considered adult humor." The performance begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $38 to $50. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play
Like many local institutions, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium embraces the holidays with special seasonal activities. This year, it presents Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 24. At activity stations, you can see how hula hoops, fish-cicles and other toys and treats keep the Aquarium's residents active and engaged. Stimulation and "environmental enhancements" include wrapping presents for the tortoises to discover and adding seagrass for the stingrays to explore. Seas'n of Play also features parallel sensory activities such as practicing to aim like an archerfish spurting a stream of water at a moving target. From noon to 1:30 p.m., patrons can see Scuba Claus dive into 230,000 gallons of water. You can even ask him questions while he visits a porcupine pufferfish, green moray eel, goliath grouper and other aquatic creatures. Children visiting for Seas'N of Play will receive an original Scuba Claus coloring book and a temporary tattoo. The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Sidemen: Long Road to Glory
A 2016 documentary film Sidemen: Long Road to Glory focuses on piano player Pinetop Perkins, drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and guitarist Hubert Sumlin, guys who played alongside blues greats such as Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. The movie makes its Cleveland debut tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it screens again at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Star Wars Burlesque: The Return of the Tease
The local burlesque company Le Femme Mystique Burlesque regularly hosts events in Northeast Ohio. One of its most unique events, Star Wars Burlesque: The Return of the Tease will return to the Beachland Ballroom at 8 tonight. Organizers promise there will be a 7-foot C-3PO drag queen, a Latina "hip-shaking" Captain Phasma and a sexy Lando Calrissian. "Jedi" Ken Schneck serves as the host, and special guests include storyteller Dana Norris and the Crooked River Comedy Improv group as well. Tickets are $20 for general admission. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
SAT 12/02
The Cleveland Clinic Get Fit Healthy Living Expo
While most people tend to start thinking about getting in shape as part of their New Year's resolutions, the Cleveland Clinic Get Fit Healthy Living Expo gives you a chance to get an early start on a fitness program. The expo, which take place today and tomorrow at the I-X Center, features group workouts, healthy cooking demonstrations, fitness challenges, obstacle courses, an interactive fit kids zone, a yoga workshop and more. Hundreds of vendors featuring the latest products and services in fitness, nutrition and wellness will be on hand. Consult the I-X Center website for times and ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 I-X Center Dr., 216-676-6000, ixcenter.com.
Food Insecurity: A For Freedoms Town Hall Discussion
Following a town hall program held earlier this year, MOCA has partnered again with For Freedoms, an artist-run Super PAC founded by artists Hank Willis Thomas and Eric Gottesman and the City Club of Cleveland. The partnership features a two-year residency that includes a series of quarterly events that investigate how art and activism can shape America. This afternoon's discussion at MOCA will focus primarily on freedom from want. At 1, a panel of local, regional and national leaders working in food production, distribution, access and policy will discuss food insecurity and inequity in our country. For Freedoms' founder and artist Eric Gottesman will moderate. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11400 Euclid Ave., 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org.
The Nutcracker
In the past, Akron Beacon Journal readers have voted the Ballet Theatre of Ohio's production of The Nutcracker as Akron's No. 1 holiday show. Set on Christmas Eve, the ballet, as you know, tells the story of a young girl and her beloved doll. As the clock strikes midnight, magical things begin to happen. Today's performances takes place at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. Tomorrow's performance takes places at 2 p.m. Tickets are $38 to $50. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month again, so tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre hosts a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 cult classic that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie. Tickets are $9.50. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5411, clevelandcinemas.com.
SUN 12/03
Prohibition Repeal Party
Prosperity Social Club's annual Prohibition Repeal Party will include live music, dinner specials and drinks. This year's party is on from 7 to 9 tonight. The event is free, and attire reminiscent of 1930s' moonshiners, rum runners, trigger men, teetotalers, coppers, gumshoes, politicians and popular entertainers is encouraged. In addition, Prosperity will serve up classic cocktails and old-school platters like "city" chicken with sweet-and-sour red cabbage. The local vintage blues, swing and jazz act Hollywood Slim will perform as well. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
MON 12/04
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 curated by local musician Clint Holley 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 12/05
Classical Revolution Cleveland
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. (Patrick Stoops)
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
From the Land of the Moon
Nicole Garcia directs From the Land of the Moon, a French drama set in the 1950s. The film focuses on a sickly woman (Marion Cotillard) who falls in love with a veteran at the spa where she goes to recuperate. The film makes its theatrical debut today at 1:45 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
On Your Feet
Directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) and featuring choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys), the musical On Your Feet tells the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefans' journey to America to become pop music sensations. The play opens tonight at 7:30 at Connor Palace; performances continue through Dec. 23. Tickets are $29 to $109. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Retro Cocktail Night
Tonight from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Prosperity Social Club hosts an "intimate retro cocktail evening" with Stephen Harrison, the Cleveland Museum of Art's curator of decorative art and design. Harrison will talk about The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s, the current CMA exhibition. Plus you'll find a special "high society" drink menu inspired by the The Savoy Cocktail Book, by Harry Craddock, a bartender who worked in Cleveland before heading to Europe during Prohibition. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
