Hansel & Gretel (11/2)

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

Two charming children, a delectable gingerbread house, and a wicked witch; all the elements of the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale come magically and musically to life. It's "happily ever after" for audiences of all ages. Carnival games and prizes in the lobby starting at noon so bring the entire mini van! :)



2 pm at the State Theatre, Playhouse Square. Use the code FAMILY to buy 2 tickets at $20 each and add up to 4 additional tickets for FREE. Call 216.241.6000 or visit www.operacleveland.org to purchase tickets

Rachel Getting Married

I have been wanting to see this film for some time now...and it's here!!!

"Rachel Getting Married" is a contemporary "drama with an aggressive sense of humor" about the return of an estranged daughter to the family home for her sister's wedding. Kym's (Anne Hathaway) reemergence throws a wrench into the family dynamics, forcing long-simmering tensions to surface in ways both hilarious and heartbreaking. "Rachel Getting Married" paints a colorful, nuanced family portrait.



See if you can squeeze in a late night showing this week at Cedar Lee (www.clevelandcinemas.com). For the official trailer visit www.sonyclassics.com/rachelgettingmarried/main.html

Free French Film (10/18)

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

Girl on the Bridge (1999-France) starring Daniel Auteuil and Vanessa Paradis. Filmed in glorious black and white, this is an engaging story of a desperate girl and the professional knife-thrower who saves her. She joins the act, trusting him completely. Their relationship hits a snag, and she leaves. Then it’s he who suffers an emotional crisis. Luminous performances by Auteuil and Paradis.Directed by Patrice Leconte Rated R (French with English subtitles.)



6:00 p.m. Lakewood Library Main Auditorium

Into the Woods (10/11)

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

Meet a bewitching collection of classic fairy tale characters as they romp through a “once upon a time” kingdom in Broadway’s most magical musical. A toe-tapping tapestry of wonderfully woven fables that brims with award-winning music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this fractured fairy tale will transport you to a land where there still are giants in the sky, big bad wolves in the woods, curses reversed and “happily ever afters”.

The production is showing at the newly remodeled Hanna Theatre...it is stunning. The new layout of the space features not only many various seating options it also has a sleek bar nestled smack dab in the center...mini bottle of bubbly for $7! :)



For tickets call 216.241.6000 or visit www.greatlakestheater.org.

Williams | Sedaris (10/10)

Friday, October 10th, 2008

In theatres side by side, choose which author/comedian you would like to spend the evening with and get your tickets today!

David Sedaris = sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, he has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. Robin Williams = a consistent audience favorite since he burst onto the small screen as a red-suited alien from planet Ork in 1978, the irrepressible and irreverent Robin Williams fittingly has enjoyed one of Hollywood’s most unique and long-lasting careers. Both men are hilarious, insightful and filled with tall tales to tell! Too bad you can't go to both..but maybe you could excuse yourself for a "bathroom break" and sneak into the other theatre for a glimpse? Just a thought!

For showtimes and ticket information visit www.playhousesquare.com

Le nozze di Figaro (10/4)

Saturday, Oct. 4th, 2008

Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) : Comedy, romance and melancholy intertwine in one very eventful day at the palace of Count Almaviva. Preparing for their wedding, servants Figaro and Susanna become caught up in the follies of others' amorous pursuits. The count desires Susanna, page Cherubino loves the countess, servant Marcellita wants to marry Figaro, and the countess just wants her husband's affections back. The instances of mistaken identity that follow nurture the witty farce of Le nozze di Figaro, but true emotions--and love--are never far behind. Sung in Italian with English subtitles projected abve the stage.



Take your special someone to this charming display of romance, rendezvous, innocence and intrigue! Plus it's Italian, what could be better launguage for love? :)

Showing at 8pm, State Theatre, Playhouse Square. For more information, including ticket purchasing visit www.operacleveland.org

In Search of....

....A Midnight Kiss.

Wilson (Scoot McNairy), a twenty-nine-year old guy who has just had the worst year of his life, is new to Los Angeles, has no date, no concrete plans and every intention of locking the doors and forgetting the last year ever happened. That is until his best friend, Jacob (Brian McGuire), browbeats him into posting a personal ad on Craig’s List.

When Vivian (Sara Simmonds), a strong-willed woman hell bent on being with the right guy at the stroke of midnight responds, a chaotic, sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching journey through the black and white streets of L.A. begins. In the waning hours of the year, emotional vulnerability and bitterly honest humor seem to be waiting around every corner.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss is directed by award-winning comic filmmaker, Alex Holdridge, whose last film, SEXLESS, is the only movie to have won both the Jury and Audience Award for best feature film at the SXSW film festival (2003). The veteran art house producer, Anne Walker, (Before Sunrise, Dazed and Confused) is Executive Producer.



For movie trailers visit www.midnightkissmovie.com for local showtimes visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

Free Backstage Pass (9/06)

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Ever wanted to see where the magic happens? Where the lights come down on the house? Where the drama divas hang? Visit Playhouse Square for a free backstage tour!



Beginning at 10:00am, tours will depart every fifteen minutes from the State Theatre Lobby. Tours will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include a 12-minute video before the walking portion of the tour begins. Plan to dress casually and with comfy shoes for walking. This tour is NOT handicapped or stroller accessible as it encompasses many of the historic backstage staircases, hallways and teeny dressing rooms.

If you can’t make it on the 6th, the tours are being offered on October 4th and November 1st. For more information on this behind-the-scenes event, visit www,playhousesquare.org

Magical, a perfect description. (7/25-27)

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 25th through the 27th, 2008

The Ingenuity Festival returns with a weekend-long celebration of art and technology, designed for audiences of any age and experience, staged in the center of Downtown Cleveland. Prominent international masters present original works alongside the finest of Northeast Ohio's performing and visual artists. High technology firms and major colleges and universities are presented alongside acclaimed artists to create a dazzling display of exciting and immersive new work! Ingenuity pushes boundaries, creating a unique festival experience that draws and celebrates diversity, and involves the audience as both spectator and participant!



There are so many interesting looking shows, exhibits and installations, but one that I deffinatley want to catch will be a late night performance by the Hot Cha Cha's Friday night at the Plain Dealer Star Plaza Stage.

Oh and if you haven't been to the Opening Ceremony (Friday, July 25 4-5:30 pm) before, it is worth it to skip out of work early for the big show...let's just say...it's Magical. :)

For the schedule and more information visit www.ingenuitycleveland.com

Simone sings Simone (7/26)

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

If you "want a little sugar in your bowl," than you can't miss this lifetime opportunity to hear Simone sing the tunes her mother, Nina Simone once crooned.

She is her own woman, a singer, songwriter and performer whose ability to transcend genres echoes the tradition of her mother, musical icon and pioneer Nina Simone. Blessed with a rich vocal range, an innate skill for lyrical interpretation and a soul-deep understanding of music as a means of healing, empowerment and celebration, Simone is very much her mother’s daughter, she is most assuredly a multi-talented artist in her own right.

A highly-praised live performer whose impressive resume includes starring roles on Broadway in such acclaimed musicals as Rent and Aida, Simone has developed an exciting and diverse repertoire of pop, soul, jazz, rock and funk, expressed in shows she’s done throughout the U.S. and in the UK, Ireland, Holland, Finland, Spain and France.



“This is my tribute to my mother, a chance for me to do the songs I love the most the way I hear them. It’s a glimpse of my life over four decades…” On April 21, 2006, three years after her mother’s passing, Simone paid tribute to her at Town Hall in New York, at the very venue where forty-seven years earlier a 26-year old Nina Simone had enjoyed her first major show in the city. Simone’s spellbinding, soulful performance turned into the genesis for the recording of Simone On Simone. “The idea had been pitched to me before but I had been writing a lot of my own material for almost ten years and my goal was to record those songs. It felt like an obstacle between me and that goal to do a tribute record to my mother. But after the Town Hall performance, I started considering it seriously…”

I can't wait to see this show. I remember the first time I ever heard Nina Simone I was in seventh grade and I rushed out and bought a tape of her music. Her deep vocal range astonished me as a young soprano singer, I actually ruined that tape from rewinding it over and over and trying to sing those same notes. I think this show will be a summer, must see!

For times & tickets visit www.beachlandballroom.com For more information on Ms. Simone visit www.simonesworld.com

Marie Sings (7/11)

Friday, July 11th, 2008

Don't miss the lovely, elegant and You-Tube phenom this evening at the House of Blues as LA-Based Marie Digby captures the crowd with her sweet, sensual, simply gorgeous voice.



With her new album and recent world premier video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F9q_k5TWqo) songs like "Say it Again" and "Spell" are soon to become regular whistle-while-you-work tunes, catch her while you can. If you missed her show at The Winchester back in May she will be opening for Gavin DeGraw tonight.

Doors open at 7:30. Tickets starts at $22. For ticket information visit www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland/ or check out Marie at www.myspace.com/mariedigby

King Kong in Lakewood (6/07)

Saturday June 7, 2008

Catch this historical flick this weekend. See what Peter Jackson got wrong in his ill-conceived remake by joining us for the glorious original. An adventurous film crew travels to Skull Island for the scenery and ends up finding the living eighth wonder of the world. Can Kong be tamed? Will New York City ever be the same? Is this the greatest special effects movie of all time?



Directed by Merian C. Cooper & Ernest B. Schoedsack. Rated PG. 6:00pm in the New Main Lakewood Library Auditorium
KING KONG (1933)

Matt & Ben (6/05)

Thursday June 5th, 2008

"The hottest ticket in town. A twisted tale about how Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the Oscar-winning movie Good Will Hunting!" - US WEEKLY

"A Hit! Acidic, funny and affectionate! Matt & Ben spoofs Hollywood's best friendship!" - NEW YORK POST

"One of the most appealing male-bonding stories since Damon and Pythias, or Oscar and Felix. And within minutes, you don't even notice that they're not males." - THE NEW YORKER

Matt and Ben is the funny, scathing, delightfully venomous story of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (played by two women!) who are struggling to write a screenplay in their rundown apartment in Boston in 1996. Much to their surprise and delight, the script for Good Will Hunting falls from the sky and into their laps.

Written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers, Directed by Dan Kilbane. Matt and Ben was a hit at the New York International Fringe Festival and off-Broadway. Playing until June 14th at CPT's James Levin Theatre; 7:30 PM
Ticket Price: $10.00 call 216.631.2727 or visit www.cptonline.org

Blueberry Nights Opens (5/23)

Friday May 23rd, 2008

The vibrant colors, rich soundtrack and inspiring scenery make My Blueberry Nights a total Memorial Day Weekend MUST SEE.



My Blueberry Nights is a 2007 film directed by Wong Kar Wai, starring Norah Jones and Jude Law. It also features Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman, David Strathairn and Cat Power. The director describes it as "a story of a woman who takes the long route instead of the short one to meet up with the man she loves." It is Wong's first film in English and was the opening film for the 2007 Cannes Film Festival last May.

Being a fan of all three actors; Portman, Jones and the oh so beautiful Jude Law this film will be a delight to the senses. Add it to your holiday weekend plans. It's playing at Cedar Lee theatre. For times and tickets visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

Triple SNOOP! (4/26)

Saturday, April 26th, 2008

Get together with other preservation-minded individuals from around northeastern Ohio. Go “behind the scenes” and enter doors to landmarks not typically accessible to the public. Join the group and go on the "Triple SNOOP!"

Here’s how it works:

Act 1 - At 11:00 a.m. CRS members will get a private hard hat tour of the renovations currently underway at the Hanna Theatre, future home of the Great Lakes Theater Festival.

Act 2 - SNOOPing! can work up quite an appetite, so lunch at noon will be right on time! Discover Bricco, one of the newest stars of playhouse square, featuring a refreshing variety of salads, pizzas, sandwiches and pastas and an impressive wine list in a fun casual atmosphere.

Act 3 - Round out the afternoon with a 1:30 p.m. matinee of the Crucible, Arthur Miller’s timeless tale of truth on trial. This American drama tells the story of a religious community in Salem Massachusetts in 1692 that is nearly torn apart by personal spite, mass hysteria and a relentless witch hunt.

Swing by for just the Hanna Theatre tour or the entire afternoon; its up to you!
Playhouse Square, Cleveland 11:00 a.m. Tour is FREE, optional meal and show are $40 per person. You must be a member to attend. Not yet a member? Join at the special price of $15 and you too can SNOOP! www.clevelandrestoration.org

La Boheme (4/26)

Saturday, April 26th, 2008

Infused with melodic richness, La bohème vibrantly illuminates bohemian Paris. In his artists' garret, poet Rodolfo falls for the sweet but ill Mimi, culminating in two of opera's greatest arias. Throughout the plot, their troubled romance is paralleled by the tempestuous relationship of the coquettish Musetta and painter Marcello. From the lively and comedic antics in a Left Bank café to the poignancy of the bittersweet reunion, Puccini's popular opera both delights our senses and reaches into our hearts.



8 pm State Theatre, Playhouse Square. For tickets and additional information visit www.operacleveland.org
Tickets start @ $25, to save 25% use code DMAIL (excludes loge & box seats)

Feist Available (4/23)

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008

Leslie Feist has long attracted serious buzz. With her song "1234" surfacing in ubiquitous commercials (aka mac!) and her face appearing on top late-night talk shows, she is taking the music scene by storm.

With roots in punk bands, Feist was known primarily as a participant in the Canadian indie-rock collective Broken Social Scene — but she possesses a naturally smoky voice that makes her instantly accessible. A remarkably gifted torch singer, Feist has the power and skill to connect with a diverse audience.



Last minute tickets still available by calling the Playhouse Square box office at 216.771.8403 or visit www.playhousesquare.org.
Show starts at 7:30...doors at 6:30.

Free Jazz (4/24)

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

Come enjoy the sounds of Rodney Whitaker on Bass, Randy Gelispie on Drums, Jackie Warren on Piano and Dominick Farinacci on Trumpet, for this years Tri-C Jazz Festival, JazzFest Lunchtime Showcase.



Free. 12:00 noon at the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square
For additional festival concerts visit www.tricjazzfest.com

Dance Dance Revolution! (3/28-30)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 28th, 29th & 30th, 2008

Not your grandmas dance recital....Groundworks Dancetheatre at Cleveland Public Theatre unleashes it's 2008 show. Do a pirouette and an arabesque and don't miss this weekend of modern dance.

Program features
> New Work Premier by Groundworks Artistsic Associate Amy Miller
> Sweet (Cleveland Premier) by David Shimotakahara
> Latitude performed with live music by Hal Walker
> Several Truths Duet by Gina Gibney

Friday & Saturday shows @ 8pm, Sunday @ 3pm. $20 general admission, $18 for students & seniors. For reservations call the CPT Box Office @ 216.631.2727 or visit www.notsoobvious.com for more information

Cleveland FIlm Fest (3/6-16)

Thursday March 6th - Sunday March 16th, 2008

The films are coming! The films are coming! This weeks marks the beginning of the 32nd Cleveland International Film Festival. So many great flicks and not enough vacation days to take off for every show. Below are a few of the films on my "must-see" list. Get your tickets early these shows are sure to sell out!

PRICELESS : Directed by Pierre Salvadori
Ah, life among the jet set on the French Riviera. A whirlwind of parties, shopping, champagne, and caviar. Nice work if you can get it, which gorgeous young party girl, Irene (Audrey Tautou of “Amelie” and “The DaVinci Code.”), certainly can. Jean is one of the have-nots, a mild-mannered bartender in one of the chicest hotels who takes on all the little jobs he can find for the cash. Crazy rich ladies hire him to walk their dogs; sad drunks tell him their stories in the bar late at night. When Irene and Jean’s paths cross, he fakes being a millionaire. Eventually, though, they find they have something in common; a lack of personal finances and a taste for the good life. When Jean begins to take tips from Irene, he soon finds it’s much easier to escort older ladies than to wait on them. In French with English subtitles. Saturday, March 15 at 7:15pm



AMERICAN TEEN : Directed by Nanette Burstein
A huge hit at the recent Sundance Film Festival, winning the Documentary Directing Award for director Nanette Burstein. Burstein spent the 2005-2006 school year shooting footage of seniors at Warsaw Community High School in Indiana. Her film chronicles some of their hopes and lots of their fears as they navigate the tricky waters of small-town high school life and impending adulthood. AMERICAN TEEN is not your grandma’s talking-heads documentary. Burstein uses brilliant animated sequences to express the kids’ fantasy lives, plus a pop soundtrack, voiceovers and graphic collages in the style of MTV’s “Laguna Beach.” It’s a new style of documentary for a new generation totally at home in front of the camera. Sunday, March 16 at 7:00pm

WORLD'S BEST COMMERCIALS!
Ballets have “The Nutcracker.“ Classical theaters have “A Christmas Carol.“ The CIFF has “World’s Best Commercials.“ Buy your ticket early. This one always sells out. Friday, March 14 at 12:00pm

Advanced ticket prices for most films are $9 per film for CFS members and $11 for non-members. Day-of-show ticket prices are $10 for CFS members and $12 for non-members. Tickets are available online, by telephone (1-866-865-FILM),or at the CIFF store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas. For more information on the 290+ films that will be shown at the Cleveland International Film Festival, log on to www.clevelandfilm.org.

A Swinging Good Time (2/28)

Thursday, February 28th, 2008

The Peking Acrobats combine the color and spectacle of the circus (minus the creepy clowns) with the skill and discipline of Olympic gymnastics and live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments and you get a magical evening with performances that have amazed audiences worldwide.

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.playhousesquare.org or call 216.241.6000. Playhouse Square's Palace Theater

A Musical Hitchcock Affair (2/28)

Thursday, February 28th, 2008

Come see the newly remastered film of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. Hear the music of Bernard Herrmann performed by a Red quartet with Red's Artistic Director & Conductor Jonathan Sheffer on hand for a post-film discussion.



$20 includes the film, the musical performance and a general admission ticket to Red {an orchestra} March 8th concert. ($10, film only). For tickets and information contact the Red office at 216.361.1733 or info@redanorchestra.org. Note tickets for this event will NOT be on sale at the Shaker Square box office, they will only be available by contacting Red. Shaker Square Cinemas 13116 Shaker Square (SW Quadrant), Cleveland 7:00pm

Noche Flamenca (2/27)

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

"A soul-stirring tour-de-force of theater." The Madrid-based Noche Flamenco brings out the essence of flamenco's roots passed down by Andalusian gypsies: raw, earthy and hot. The New York Times proclaimed their performance in the New York Flamenco Festival, "by far the best...more than anyone else...breathed the essence of flamenco".



Tickets will only sold thru the Cleveland Museum of Art but the steamy performance will be at the Ohio Theatre. Call 216.421.7340 to order ticket or for more information visit www.playhousesquare.org

A "Wicked" Lottery

If you weren't able to get seats to the sold out performances of Wicked, getting your name on the list may be your ticket in.

A "day-of-performance" lottery for a limited number of seats will be held daily for each performance. 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the State Theatre Ticket Office will have their names placed in a lottery drum for tix to that day's sold-out performance. This cash-only lottery is available in-person at the box office only, limit 2 tix per person.

For information on the show, directions to the theatre and more visit www.playhousesquare.com

Down in Fraggle Rock (1/27)

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

Children of the eighties listen up! Join the Cleveland Museum of Art as they share with us, A Better World, Living in Harmony. This program of Jim Henson short films argues that it’s easy being green. Including a complete episode of the 1983 TV series Fraggle Rock, which featured/created an elaborate underground fantasy world. Also included is the 1989 rain forest-themed TV show The Song of the Rain Cloud Forest, a 1989 TV show; and as well as various Public Service Announcements.

Like Walt Disney, puppeteer Jim Henson (1936–1990) created characters that captured the imagination of millions, allowing him to build a pop-culture empire. As the creator of the Muppets, Henson became the foremost puppeteer of the television era; his lovable, pliable creations (some of which he voiced and performed) proved to be more expressive than marionettes and ventriloquist dummies, and dominated family television for decades.



1:30pm at the Cleveland Museum of Art Lecture Hall
Admission to the program is $8, CMA members $6, seniors 65 & over $5, students and children $4
www.cma.org

Relive the music of Fraggle Rock on iTunes >>

An Evening of Dance (1/11-13)

Friday, Saturday & Sunday January 11th through the 13th, 2008

Join Cleveland Public Theatre for their annual Big {BOX} Series. Artists risk it all with their newest works! Big [BOX] encourages artists to experiment and produce their own work. Now in its fifth year, Big [BOX] is a series for those who love the thrill of new work.

This weekend join them for "Companions" Presented by Meg Louise Dance (www.meglouisedance.com) Choreographed and Directed by Megan Pitcher Come to an elegant, intimate 1920’s cabaret for conversation, dance and just a touch of drama. Subtle, delicious dancing and music that is enchanting. Meg Louise Dance invites you to experience a sensuous evening in the lap of luxury.



Showtimes: Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3:00pm Tickets: $15 General Admission | $12 Students and Seniors.
For more information visit www.cptonline.org

Diary of an Elf (12/6-22)

The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris is back by popular demand! If you haven't seen it, get your tickets now!

The Santaland Diaries is told from the perspective of a 33-year-old slacker who takes a job as Crumpet, a Macy's Christmas elf. As thousands of customers come through his display, our elf teaches parents and children the realities of holiday cheer. Sedaris' hilarious retelling of his unique experience in the throes of the holidays is sure to bring a smile to even the grinchiest face!

Cleveland Public Theatre, Gordon Square Theatre, Featuring Doug Kusak
Showtimes: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3:00pm
Tickets: $18 General Admission | $15 Students and Seniors | $10 Thursdays
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cptonline.org