William Luce has made his career writing about famous dead people. Actor John Barrymore, writer Isak Dinesen, and playwright Lillian Hellman were all among the dear departed when Luce wrote about them. “They’re legendary,” says the Oregon-based author. His Bravo, Caruso! — which he wrote about opera tenor Enrico Caruso 15 years ago for the Cleveland Play House’s 75th anniversary — returns on Friday. “He’s a foundational figure,” says Luce. “There’s still a mystique about him.” And don’t let the word opera scare you away. With recent opera pieces by noted writers Terrence McNally and Jake Heggie, the genre is in the middle of a renaissance, says Luce. “There’s a new modern-opera swing. It’s not dead.” Bravo, Caruso! is at the Cleveland Play House’s Brook Theatre (8500 Euclid Avenue) through December 11. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 to $24; call 216-321-2930. — Michael Gallucci
Blue Crush
11/26-12/11
Illinois’ the Living Blue combines jagged riffs and jittery vocals on its debut, Fire, Blood, Water. And axeman Joe Prokop makes us want to break out the air guitar we stashed away when Kurt Cobain died. The band plays the Spot at Case Western Reserve University (1619 Mistletoe Drive) at 11 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is free; call 216-368-2786. — Michael Gallucci
Grape Escape
WED 11/30
Cleveland Wine School’s Kris Buda won’t reveal which vino will be served until the first bottle is uncorked at Wednesday’s Wines of Italy: Understanding the Boot. Sippin’ starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Downtown at Key Center, 127 Public Square. Tickets are $40; call 216-295-9583. — Cris Glaser
This article appears in Nov 23-29, 2005.