Modern Maturity

The two pieces that make up this weekend's Big [Box] offering at Cleveland Public Theatre actually have much in common, says co-creator Chris DiCello. In fact, Coming of Age: An Exploration of Changes/Transitions in Two Acts probably works better as a whole than as separate works. "We're both dealing with things that happen to people as they get older," says the fiftysomething DiCello, who wrote and stars with Lynn Deering. "Time can give perspective to relationships and things like that."

Coming of Age has two sections. Deering's piece, "My Past Times," features dancing, video projection, and the poetry of dead French guy Henri Michaux. "It's about a relationship," says DiCello. "Courtship, good times, deterioration through boredom, and disillusionment."

DiCello's "That's That Then" is more narrative — chronicling the life of a woman over a period of 90 years. "I've talked with lots of women of all ages," she says. "It's about them. But a certain amount turned out to be autobiographical." Coming of Age is at CPT's Levin Theatre (6409 Detroit Avenue) at 8 tonight and tomorrow and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10; call 216-631-2727. —By Michael Gallucci
Jan. 20-21, 8 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 22, 3 p.m.