WED 12/13
Aaron Kleiber
Voted class clown in high school, comedian Aaron Kleiber has built up quite the resume. He received some terrific exposure when he embarked on the #Deathsquad Tour with Doug Benson, Tom Segura, Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban, and he's appeared on the very funny podcast Doug Loves Movies with Doug Benson. An alum of Chicago's Second City, Kleiber recently served as standup director for the Pittsburgh Comedy Festival. A frenetic comic, he likes to joke about personal things such as his marriage and kids. Tonight's performance begins at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets are $13 to $18. (Jeff Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Macbeth
In their final MFA show, the 2018 class of the acting program at Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House presents Shakespeare's Macbeth, a play about a power-hungry Scottish general. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre, where performances continue through Saturday. Tickets are $10 to $15. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.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 Estefan's journey to America to become pop music sensations. Tonight's show takes place 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.
The Santaland Diaries
The Santaland Diaries returns to Playhouse Square in a production by Cleveland Public Theatre. Now a staple of Christmas in Cleveland, this one-hour memoir by gay humorist David Sedaris, relating his incarceration (er, employment) as an elf in Macy's Santa Village, was a huge hit when he read it on National Public Radio back in the day. Since then, it has been staged locally at many venues featuring various actors. Tonight's performance takes place at 8 at the Outcault Theatre, where performances continue through Sunday. Tickets are $32.50. (Christine Howey)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 12/14
Josh Blue
Winner of the 2006 edition of Last Comic Standing, comedian Josh Blue received rave reviews for his 2011 Comedy Central special. Recently, Blue, who has cerebral palsy and often references that in his routines, debuted the one-hour Showtime special, Sticky Change. Blue, who likes to joke that he's a "white African-American" because he was born in Africa, performs at 8 tonight at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets start at $23. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Cavs vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the best franchises in the NBA, have spent the past few years rebuilding in the wake of Kobe Bryant's retirement. The team is still rebuilding, though it has one of the most promising rookies, guard Lonzo Ball, playing for the team this year. The Lakers have lost more games than they've won this year so expect the Cavs to take home a win tonight when the two teams play at 8 at Quicken Loans Arena. Tickets start at $23. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens was a hell of a writer, but he could be a tad verbose. So it's convenient that there have been so many great stage and screen versions of his classic ghost story. One of them — required viewing for anyone with a Netflix membership — is the 1951 movie starring Alastair Sim as a Scrooge for all eternity. And the other is this Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival production, which never fails to engage and delight. Framed cozily as a story within a story in this Gerald Freedman adaptation, the production really comes alive once the ghost of Jacob Marley appears, dragging his chains and creaking eerily with every movement. This annual tribute to knee-jerk liberal sentiments, like compassion for the downtrodden, is always a must-see, whether you've seen it before or not. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $28 to $75. Performances continue through Dec. 23. (Howey)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story, a near-genius piece of American reminiscence, is so period-perfect and charming that the squishy sentimentality (of which there is plenty) never leads to saccharine reflux. Philip Grecian is listed as the playwright, but everyone understands that the bulk of insights and telling detail comes from the mind of Jean Shepherd, who wrote the original story, co-authored the movie, and narrated the flick in his distinctive, triple-wry voice. The Cleveland Play House's production of Story rides a two-hour wave of intricate details to unerringly establish the period and to help even the youngest patrons make the leap back to a time before televisions were omnipresent and cowboy hero Red Ryder was king of the wireless. See it tonight at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 23. Tickets are $25 to $110. (Howey)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert
The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus celebrate the holidays with their annual series of Christmas concerts at Severance Hall. You'll find sing-alongs, guest choruses and a "surprise visitor" as the orchestra teams up with the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, the Cleveland State University Chorale and the College of Wooster Chorus for these seasonal performances. Tonight's concert, the first in this year's series of 10, begins at 7:30; the Cleveland State University Chorale joins the orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, for the performance. Consult the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
DeRay Davis
Comedian-turned-movie-star DeRay Davis has been a regular on the standup circuit for a while, so it isn't surprising to see that his most recent standup special includes a clip showing his well-honed ability to completely dismantle a heckler. Between bits from his attitude-laced routine, which touches on everything from rappers with AIDS to the perks of being a Hollywood actor, Davis shows that his quick wit comes naturally as he thinks of insults on the fly. Though one hopes he won't have to deal with such a situation when he comes to the Improv tonight, his ability to talk down a rude audience member could make for a truly memorable show. He performs tonight at 8 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $30 to $35. (Jacob DeSmit)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Flavor
Local culinary artists from restaurants around the city will participate in Flavor, Scene's annual local food event. This year's food-and-drink fest takes place at 7 tonight at the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, and features dishes from more than 40 Cleveland-area restaurants. Top chefs from around the city will compete in the Iron Fork Competition. Each chef will have 30 minutes to cook up a unique dish and impress a trio of local celebrity judges. Select beer, wine and cocktails will be available, and there will be live music as well. Admission is $40 in advance or $55 at the door, and includes six drink tickets and unlimited food sampling. The event will benefit the non-profit Kids Kicking Cancer. Tickets are available on the website, below. (Niesel)
10825 East Blvd., 888-377-4510, sceneflavor.com.
Sing! An Irish Christmas
Ireland's Keith and Kristyn Getty have written many a holiday hymn and carol; they'll be on hand tonight for Sing! An Irish Christmas, which takes place at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre. They'll play Celtic, bluegrass, Americana and classical tunes with a "special guest." There'll be dance and choral sounds of the season as well.Tickets are $35 to $105. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 12/15
78th Street Studios Third Friday Art Walk
Stop by SmArt Space, on the ramp level of the 78th Street Studios, for the Third Friday Art Walk that takes place today between 5 and 9:30 p.m. More than 50 studios and galleries will participate in this popular indoor art walk; be sure to check out spots like the Derek Hess Gallery, Tregoning & Company, and Hilary Gent Studio. Needless to say, this is a fine opportunity to finish up that holiday shopping. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
Holiday Feast with the Chef
Tonight at 6:30 at Music Box Supper Club, Chef Dennis will prepare a special holiday feast that'll enable him to show off his culinary skills. The menu includes a five-course dinner and festive cocktails. A ticket to the dinner includes free admission to the concert from FM Project, a local Steely Dan tribute band. Tickets are $65, or $55 for Music Box club members. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Rebels on Pointe
Rebels on Pointe, the first documentary about Les Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo, shows how the troupe has become an international success despite enduring many hardships. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the all-male drag ballet. One critic even called the movie "laugh out loud funny." It screens at 7 tonight and at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA students. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play continues at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 24. You and the kids can see how hula hoops, fish-cicles and other toys and treats keep the Aquarium's residents active and engaged. 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, a green moray eel and other aquatic creatures. Children get an original Scuba Claus coloring book and a temporary tattoo.
Aquarium hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
SAT 12/16
Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz
After losing star player Gordon Hayward to free agency in the off-season, the Utah Jazz have played remarkably well this season. Rookie guard Donovan Mitchell has played so well, he might even emerge as a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Expect tonight's game to be a tough one for the Cavs. The two teams face off at 7:30 at the Q. Tickets start at $41. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Christmas Story Dinner and Party
Today, Touch Supper Club will hold its annual Christmas Story Dinner and Party. The night will begin with a Christmas Story-inspired dinner featuring Peking duck, lo mein noodles, miso soup and wine. This special menu will be available all night. After the dinner, guests can stay for the party featuring music by DJs Go and Impure upstairs, and for a Prince-themed dance party called Princemas with DJ Darrick Grant (WCSB) spinning Prince tunes. Consult the Touch website for prices and times. (Niesel)
2710 Lorain Ave., 216-631-5200, touchohiocity.com.
I Believe: A Holiday Celebration of Song
This holiday concert promises to feature "a chance to reflect, to celebrate and to believe." The event takes place at 7:30 tonight and at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon at Kennedy's Theatre. Tickets are $24. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Jingle Bell Rock & Shop
Now in its third year, the Grog Shop's Jingle Bell Rock & Shop will feature more than 40 vendors hawking food, music, fine art and fashion. There will be booths stocked with the best gifts from Coventry Street merchants. DJ Rachel H. from WRUW's Guilty Pleasures will spin holiday favorites and their contemporary counterparts, and there will be "boozy" hot cocoa and spicy Bloody Marys at the bar. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Grog Shop and B Side. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
A Very Last Call Cleveland Christmas
Local comedy troupe Last Call Cleveland presents a special holiday show tonight at the Grog Shop. Hometown comics Mike Polk Jr., Zachariah Durr, Aaron McBride and Matt Vitelli anchor the group as it presents what's billed as "the variety show extravaganza of the year." The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $10. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
SUN 12/17
Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
Each week, we keep thinking the Browns have a chance of getting their first win. And each week, they come up empty-handed. Today at 1 at FirstEnergy Stadium, they get their last chance to win a home game this season. They take on the Baltimore Ravens, a team that beat the Browns by two touchdowns earlier this season. The Ravens, with a solid defense but a suspect offense, are still fighting for a playoff spot, so don't expect them to let up for this game. Tickets start at $30. (Niesel)
100 Alfred Lerner Way, 440-891-5000, clevelandbrowns.com.
A Christmas Story Live Watch Party
A Christmas Story is the latest Broadway show to receive the live TV musical treatment on Fox. But rather than merely watch it at home today, Clevelanders can experience the extravaganza outside Tremont's own A Christmas Story House and Museum. The free fun begins at 5 p.m. with a viewing of the classic 1983 Christmas film, followed at 7 p.m. by a broadcast of the live musical, as viewers — presumably dressed in bunny pajamas — watch from their own blankets and chairs. Expect food trucks and Jack Frost Donuts as well. Lolly the Trolley will ferry attendees to and from an off-site lot throughout the evening. The nearby Rowley Inn is hosting an after party, too. They'll serve plenty of Ovaltine as well as slightly stronger beverages. (Laura Morrison)
3159 West 11th St., 216-255-6651, achristmasstoryhouse.com.
It's a Wonderful Life
An Akron native, Arizona State University film professor Joe Fortunato introduces tonight's screening of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. James Stewart stars as a banker who discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Fortunato will discuss the film's history and provide commentary. It starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $12. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
MON 12/18
Monsters vs. Iowa Wild
Tonight at 7 at the Q, the Cleveland Monsters kick off a two-game stand against the Iowa Wild, the farm team for the Minnesota Wild. It's College ID Night, so college students can purchase $6 tickets and $6 "college meals" that include a hot dog, chips and a soda. Tickets for the general public start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
TUE 12/19
Dalida
Dalida, a new film from director Lisa Azuelos, dramatizes the life of the Egyptian-born singer and actress who sold more than 170 million albums before she committed suicide in 1997. It screens 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.
Disney in Concert: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra plays Danny Elfman's score to The Nightmare Before Christmas while the cult classic shows on the big screen. The film centers on Halloweentown's pumpkin king and his evil plan to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus. Get tickets on the website. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
