All the world’s a stage. As Shakespeare saw it, while seasons, scenes and players all change over time, there’s always something happening, and there’s something for everyone – be it increased time outdoors, challenging theatrical works or music that stands the test of time. In any given week, you can experience the Bard's "seven ages" and learn more about yourself, and your surroundings, in the process. Cleveland really is as you like it; these three fresh picks are sure to make you more than merely players:
Becoming a Naturalist
For many of you, “more time outdoors” was on that list of New Year’s resolutions. But maybe you want to take that goal to the next level. If so, check out the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association’s open house Thursday, January 21 at 7PM and learn about becoming an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist. Sounds involved, right? Not at all. With 40 hours of “combined classroom and field-based instruction” and an equal number of volunteer service hours, you can learn something new and edify others in the process. Eight additional hours of advanced training and 20 service hours annually is all it takes to maintain your certification – and the CVNPA hosts that service work as well. Their program officially begins in April.
Big [BOX] at Cleveland Public Theatre
Bold new work that pushes the envelope is what you get with this venerable artist showcase every year. Over eight consecutive weekends, CPT’s Big [BOX] offers confidence and credence for artists to experiment by producing their own music, dance, dramatic works and performance art. Artists score the keys to the theatre at the beginning of the week and construct their new work without intervention. When the weekend comes, “It’s showtime!” and the audience never knows quite what to expect. If the thrill of the new quickens your pulse, plan to attend these performances, beginning with People4Change, presented by The Them and directed by Raymond Bobgan on Friday, January 22. The Big [BOX] schedule runs Friday-Sunday through early March.
The Song is You! Our Huckleberry Friend: The Songs of Johnny Mercer
The Savannah-born songwriter, lyricist and co-founder of Capitol Records has been called the “great folk poet.” Mercer’s lyrics are pure Americana, honored most recently in John Berendt’s (non)fiction novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and the subsequent Clint Eastwood film. The author of “Skylark,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and dozens of other unforgettable works would be 100 years old today. Cuyahoga Community College hosts a centennial concert in his honor Saturday, January 23 at 7:30PM, featuring vocalists Vince Mastro, Helen Welch and Evelyn Wright. Hosted by Bill Rudman and jazz pianist Joe Hunter, this should be a treat.
