WED 12/04
Chamber Music in the Galleries
This monthly concert series at the Cleveland Museum of Art places young musicians from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University in the CMA galleries, for "a unique and intimate experience." The performances often feature instruments from the museum's keyboard collection. Tonight's concert begins at 6 and lasts for about an hour. Admission is free. (Jeff Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
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 Cleveland History Center. The goal 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. Tonight features a reunion of the cast and crew of Hickory Hideout, a television program for children which was filmed in Cleveland and aired on WKYC-TV as well as nationally on NBC from 1981 to 1991. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Every Brilliant Thing
Billed as "a surprising and immersive theatrical experience that speaks openly about depression, mental illness, and suicide," Every Brilliant Thing focuses on a character who decides to make a list of things he thinks will rescue his mother from her depression. The Cleveland Play House presents its take on the play tonight at 7:30 at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre, where it continues through Dec. 22. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is a monthly storytellers' series that offers attendees the chance to grab a drink and a dog while listening to some of their Cleveland neighbors tell tall tales. Tonight's show features the best of 2019. The hosts are Adam Richard and Zachariah Durr. The program starts at 8 p.m. sharp at the Happy Dog. The program will repeat at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the Collinwood branch of the Cleveland Public Library. Admission to each event is free. Want to be a storyteller at a future session? See details at Facebook.com/KeepTalkingCLE. (Niesel) 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Mean Girls
Part of the KeyBank Broadway Series, Mean Girls centers on a newbie who must navigate a high school filled with "frenemies." Book writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin and director Casey Nicholaw collaborated on this musical that's based on the movie of the same name. Tonight's show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Connor Palace, where performances continue through Dec. 22. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 12/05
American Factory and The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant
A three-time Oscar nominee who lives in the Dayton area, Julia Reichert is Ohio's foremost nonfiction filmmaker. Julia Reichert: 50 Years in Film, a traveling retrospective that has come to the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, features screenings of restored versions of her films. Today at 6:45 p.m., the Cinematheque shows her most recent film, American Factory. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. Then, at 9 p.m., the cinematheque shows her 2009 flick The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant. Admission to that screening is free, but donations are requested. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
A Christmas Carol
The Great Lakes Theater's annual production of this Charles Dickens' classic returns to Playhouse Square tonight as it does each year at this time. The story about how a certain Scrooge comes to realize that he needs to embrace the holiday season has proven to be a timeless tale. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre, where it continues through Dec. 22. Tickets are $28 to $75. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, greatlakestheater.org.
A Christmas Story
The Cleveland Play House's production of Jean Shepherd's beloved Christmas Story returns, as it does each holiday season, to the Allen Theatre. See it tonight at 7:30. Performances continue through Dec. 23. Tickets are $20 to $97. (Christine Howey)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Cirque Musica Presents Holiday Wishes
A full symphony orchestra will be on hand for tonight's special holiday performance by Cirque Musica. The show will include acrobats, aerialists, hilarious high jinks and holiday cheer as it "blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today's greatest circus performers with the sensory majesty of a symphony orchestra." The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre. Tickets cost $25 to $175. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Flavor
Scene's annual culinary event, Flavor celebrates the local food scene by bringing together leading Cleveland restaurants. There will also be select beer, wine and cocktails. Proceeds go toward Food Strong, a local organization whose mission is to "empower and strengthen communities around food." The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Madison, and tickets cost $40 in advance, or $50 at the door. Find all the details on the website. (Niesel) 4601 Payne Ave., sceneflavor.com.
Hounds at the Hollar
The Rescue Inn is an Ohio nonprofit, foster-based rescue organization that aims to save dogs from high-kill shelters and abuse/neglect situations and place them into loving and permanent homes. The organization promotes responsible animal ownership and provides medical treatment, foster care and training. Tonight's special event will benefit the group. It takes place at 6:30 at Hatfield's Good Grub. There will be barbecue, and the Thor Platter Band will perform. Tickets cost $40; learn more on the website. (Niesel) 16700 Lorain Ave., therescueinn.com.
The Nutcracker
Tonight at the Hanna Theatre, the Cleveland Ballet takes on The Nutcracker, a ballet in two acts that tells the classic story of how a young woman's favorite Christmas toy comes to life and takes her on a fantastic trip through a magical kingdom. Tonight's performance begins at 7 p.m.; additional performances continue through Dec. 15. Tickets are $25 to $79; get them on the website. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, clevelandballet.org.
Prohibition Repeal Party
We weren't alive in December of 1933, but we can only imagine the jubilation felt around the country after the ratification of the 21st Amendment put a stop to Prohibition and ended a 13-year "noble experiment" that criminalized the production, sale and transport of alcohol. From 4 p.m. to midnight today, Prosperity Social Club will commemorate the event with a party that extends into the weekend. The Tremont restaurant and bar will feature Prohibition-era-inspired food and drink specials. The opening night party includes a Hooch Happy Hour that includes $2 off speakeasy drinks. The local blues and jazz act Hollywood Slim will perform from 7 to 9 tonight as well. Themed weekend food specials include creamy chicken a la king served over a fluffy biscuit, a crispy vegetable egg roll with Thai dipping sauce, and city chicken with braised red cabbage and homemade mashed potatoes. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. Era-inspired costumes — rum runners, teetotalers, movie stars, gumshoes, etc. — are welcomed. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty
Tchaikovsky himself thought Sleeping Beauty was one of his best works, and Stravinsky would call it a "convincing example" of Tchaikovsky's creativity. Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra will perform selections from it along with pieces by Saint-Saëns and Belioz. Performances continue through Saturday. Consult the orchestra website for times and ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Guy Torry
Comedian Guy Torry likes to joke that he used to get kicked out of class for telling the kind of jokes that he now gets paid to tell on TV. His material ranges from talking about the "stand-in-line-rage" he experiences when he goes to the bank, to the generational differences he sees in the world of sports ("You don't see any black players in baseball anymore — too many games!"). All the while, he delivers his narrative-based jokes with frenetic energy. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $17 to $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Warren Miller Presents Timeless
The release of a new Warren Miller Entertainment ski film signals the start of ski season as much as anything. Tonight at 7, the Capitol Theatre will screen Timeless featuring a cast of fresh faces, including Olympic skier Jaelin Kauf and World Cup racer Erin Mielzynski alongside industry veterans Glen Plake and Rob DesLauries. Tickets are $17 to $18. (Niesel). Tickets are $17 to $18. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
The Wild Winter Lights Festival
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has brought back its holiday light event that was discontinued after the 2004 season. The zoo has reworked the bright spectacle to include thousands of lights, a visit from Santa, an extremely tall teddy bear and, of course, plenty of animals. Dubbed the Wild Winter Lights festival, the event takes place today through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; additional select dates, through Jan. 5, are listed on the website. Tickets start at $18.50 for those who aren't members of the zoo and $15.50 for members. Find out more about the event and buy tickets on the website. (Laura Morrison)
3900 Wildlife Way, 216-661-6500, clemetzoo.com.
FRI 12/06
American Dharma
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Errol Morris turns his attention to Steve Bannon — the former naval officer and banker who's become a right-wing journalist (of sorts) and White House advisor — in his latest film, American Dharma. The film makes its Cleveland debut tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it screens again at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
BAYarts Exhibition: The heART of Cleveland
Curator and local artist Scott Kraynak brings The heART of Cleveland, an exhibit loosely based on the book of the same name released last year, to BAYarts. The show will expand on the book's initial goal of celebrating not only all of the great art and artists born in our fair city but also marking the many features that make Cleveland such an amazing place. Art and artists from the book will be showcased, and other local artists will display their work as well. This exhibit promises to represent "the amazing diversity of talent born and bred right here." Tonight's opening reception takes place from 7 to 9. Admission is free. (Niesel)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
Big Fish
The critically acclaimed movie-turned-musical, Big Fish is the current production in the Near West Theatre's Season of Discovery series. Based on the Daniel Wallace novel and the film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centers on parents and their children as well as "the tales we use to define ourselves and those we leave behind as our legacy." Music is directed by Jordan Cooper and choreography is led by Katie Gibson. The musical runs weekends through Dec. 15. Tickets are as little as $10 for adults and $8 for children. Reserved Star Seat tickets are $25. (Niesel)
6702 Detroit Rd., 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org.
Frank Caliendo
Donald Trump, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Bill Clinton are only a few of the many incredible impressions that Frank Caliendo has mastered. He is a comedic genius when it comes to impersonations, somehow capturing the exact voice, body language, and facial expressions of each character he performs. His ability to effortlessly switch from one character to the next keeps the audience mesmerized. Caliendo will perform tonight at 8 at MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage. Tickets are $45 and $55. (Hannah Borison)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.
Cavs vs. Orlando Magic
In Aaron Gordon, the Orlando Magic have one of the league's most dynamic players. The guy is a true dunk artist, and he brings the Magic to town tonight for a game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse against the Cavs. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Consult the Cavs' website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.
Holiday Market on the Farm
This annual celebration of the arts features 22 local makers, a cafe takeover by Hofbrauhaus Cleveland, and an Ohio wine and beer tasting. Held in the Gatehouse Welcome Center and new Mary Jane Davis Hartwell Community Room at Hale Farm & Village, the event will feature jewelry artists, candle makers, carvers, glass artists, soap and lotion makers, and a variety of unique fine craft artists. There will also be live music and a book signing by local authors. The event takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. It's free. (Niesel)
2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org.
Mix: Icon
The first Friday of each month, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts its popular Mix at CMA event. The museum stays open later than normal for the occasion, which features dance, drink and a theme-based program. Tonight's event celebrates iconic artists and culture. DJ Eso will man the wheels of steel. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. CMA members get in for free. The party runs from 6 to 10 p.m. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Scuba Claus
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium's annual Scuba Claus event continues this weekend. Guests can talk to Scuba Claus while he's in one of the exhibits and ask a question about diving or suggest gifts for the fish. Guests can also takes photos with Scuba Claus. Kids can also craft animal-themed snowflakes and take part in a cold weather trivia challenge for a chance to win an aquarium package valued at $200. In addition, the animal care team will present holiday- and cold-weather-themed feeding enrichment activities. Children visiting on Scuba Claus appearance days also receive an original holiday mini activity book and a Scuba Claus temporary tattoo, while supplies last. Check the aquarium website for hours and ticket prices. The event continues on select dates through Dec. 24. (Niesel) 2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Uptown WinterFest 2019
WinterFest 2019, a new holiday event that takes place today from 5 to 10 p.m. at Toby's Plaza in University Circle, will feature a wide range of winter activities. There will be outdoor fires, s'mores making, ice carving demos, gingerbread decorating, a hot chocolate and coffee bar, live music, photos with "holiday characters" and winter games. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11440 Uptown Ave., universitycircle.org.
Varda by Agnes
Varda by Agnes, the latest film from the late French new-wave director Agnes Varda, provides a tour through the auteur's 60-year career, complete with photos and film clips. It screens at 9 tonight and at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire?
Roberto Minervini directed this impressionistic black-and-white film about American race relations. The movie includes interviews with a community of black people living in the South during the summer of 2017 when a string of killings of young African-American men made national headlines. The film makes its Cleveland premiere tonight at 6:45 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
SAT 12/07
The Big Lebowski
Released in 1998, the Coen Brothers' flick The Big Lebowski has become a cult classic that regularly makes appearances in the Cedar Lee Theatre's Late Shift film series. The plot centers on the Dude (Jeff Bridges), a slacker/bowler who becomes the victim of mistaken identity when he is assaulted. The movie features a slew of cameos by actors such as John Turturro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Elliott, Tara Reid and David Thewlis. It screens tonight at 9:30 and midnight and tomorrow night at 7 at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets cost $6. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Andy Borowitz
A best-selling author, award-winning comedian and a star of the PBS series Retro Report, Andy Borowitz is a true Renaissance man. The creator of the satirical "The Borowitz Report," one of the most popular features of The New Yorker magazine, Borowitz brings his Make America Not Embarrassing Again tour to town tonight. He performs at 8 at the State Theatre. Tickets cost $35 to $150. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month again, so tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre hosts its usual 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. In addition, locals act out a floor show that mimics the movie, turning the event into a veritable party. Tickets are $9.75. (Niesel) 2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
SUN 12/08
Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
After a particularly tough stretch that found the Browns playing teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers and the New England Patriots, the team gets a break today in the form of the winless Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are so bad that most of their games have been blowouts this season. Expect the Browns to come away with a win when the two teams face off at 1 today at FirstEnergy Stadium. Consult the Browns' site for ticket prices. (Niesel)
100 Alfred Lerner Way, 440-891-5000, clevelandbrowns.com.
Gospel Brunch
The monthly Gospel Brunch has been a spiritual Sunday staple for years at the House of Blues. The recently reinvigorated show puts a bit more emphasis on the music. As for the food, the all-you-can-eat musical extravaganza features Southern classics like chicken jambalaya, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles. Seatings are available today at 10 a.m. Detrich Burgess & Company will perform. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online, by phone or at the box office. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Gary Gulman
In a routine he delivered on Conan, comedian Gary Gulman talked about seeing a documentary film about how the states first received their abbreviations. He explains how the post office assembled "a crack squad of abbreviators" to take all 50 states down to two letters. His funny account of the film shows off his astute storytelling abilities. Gulman performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities. Consult the website for ticket prices and more info. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Holiday Circlefest
The annual Holiday CircleFest, which takes place today from 1 to 7 p.m. at University Circle, includes activities at more than a dozen of the cultural district's museums, gardens, galleries, churches and schools. The venues will feature music, food, fun, and shopping. Outdoors on Wade Oval there will be ice skating at the Rink, ice-carving demos, horse-drawn carriage rides and other activities. The Cleveland Museum of Art hosts a Winter Lights Lantern Procession at 5:30 p.m. The event is free, although some venues may charge a small admission. (Niesel)
The Idiot
Director Akira Kurosawa takes on Dostoevsky's tale of a saintly prince and his love for a kept woman in the 1951 film The Idiot. Kurosawa sets the movie in postwar Japan, and it stars Masayuki Mori, Setsuko Hara, Toshiro Mifune, and Takashi Shimura. It screens today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art as part of the museum's Overlooked Kurosawa series. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Jesus Christ Superstar Sing-Along
Ted Neeley, the actor who stars as Jesus in the 1973 movie Jesus Christ Superstar, will be on hand tonight when the Cedar Lee Theatre hosts a special sing-along screening. Neeley will introduce the movie and provide behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the flick. He'll also take questions from the audience. The screening features an all-new, digital European restoration that's never been shown before in Cleveland. Neeley was nominated for two Golden Globes for his starring role in the movie; he also starred in the original Broadway production and has reprised the role in acclaimed revivals all around the world. A VIP reception will be held before the film; fans can meet with Neeley for photos and autographs. General admission tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the Cedar Lee box office. VIP tickets are $175 and available only at tedneeley.com. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Toxic Burlesque
Over the past few years, the folks at the local burlesque promotion company Toxic Burlesque have thrown a number of events at Brothers Lounge. According to promoter Frank Ian, who runs the company with his wife, there's been a "packed house every time." Tonight's theme is 12 Teases of the Season, and Carmen M'Knoxide, Ms. Fever Blister, Lakota Shekhar, Bee Awkward, Kaydence Jayne and Samantha Echo will deliver holiday-themed performances. The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $15. (Niesel)
11609 Detroit Ave., 216-226-2767, brotherslounge.com.
Zelos 'Devotion to What You Love' By No Numbers
A series of photographs encompassing local photographer No Numbers' vision of love, Zelos 'Devotion to What You Love' opens today from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Bop Stop. No Numbers is the artistic name for Arron Bound, staff photographer for the 2019 Cleveland Photo Fest. Today's performers and the pieces are a reflection of the artist's understanding of love. Performances exemplify the "zeal that promotes and protects love." For the reception, two poets have been matched with two musicians to emphasize the uniqueness of the individual poets' message. Te'Erra "Ladee Pe3t" Jones will perform with saxophonist Alex Henry and poet Mo Grays with guitarist Anthony Hitch. Additionally, there will be two musical performances by Nais Nechama Isreal and Apostle Jones Band. The whole event will be livestreamed and professionally recorded. (Niesel)
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
MON 12/09
Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre 'Now and Then'
Tonight at 7:30 at Nighttown, the Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Class of 2021 will present excerpts from the Broadway musicals Guys & Dolls and Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. Over the years, Baldwin Wallace grads have gotten lead roles on Broadway and elsewhere. Baldwin Wallace's music theater program was recently ranked as the top music theater program in the country. Tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-795-0550, nighttowncleveland.com.
Science Cafe
The second Monday of each month, Music Box Supper Club hosts Science Cafe, an informal lecture series that brings scientists from throughout the region to the club so they can talk about science topics. Tonight at 7, Andrea Waksmunski and Jonathan Haines from the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at Case Western Reserve University will speak about electric propulsion as an emerging new paradigm for space propulsion. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
TUE 12/10
The 11th Annual Ryan Humbert Holiday Extravaganza
The 11th annual Ryan Humbert Holiday Extravaganza, a benefit for the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, returns to the Akron Civic Theatre today. The special performances will feature Humbert's terrific honky-tonk band the Shootouts as well as alt-country group the HawtThorns and local singer-songwriter Gretchen Pleuss. A different surprise guest will appear at each performance. This year's show will feature a blend of holiday classics and songs from the Shootouts' debut album Quick Draw, which spent over nine weeks on the Americana Radio Album Chart this past summer. During each performance, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank will collect non-perishable food donations. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $35 for two (date-night special). Performances continue through Dec. 12. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
