A bevy of terrifying choices might suggest Halloween is approaching . From “Rocky Horror Show” and vampires to “Friday the 13th” and dancing clowns, the Queen City is celebrating from top to bottom. You don’t celebrate all things macabre? How about some coffee or Shostakovich? There’s the full complement of lectures, jazz and theater. Something to suit each of you.
Location, location, location. Memorial Hall seems to be where it’s at along with an underground art exhibit, spelling bees, telescopes, ghost stories and Mozart. Want to wear your cool Jerry Garcia tie? We have just the concert for that. Theater, organ, film and Henny Penny, all at the ready.
Can we believe it this time? Is it really, finally fall? Besides crisp nights and the smell of bonfires, the most sentimental season offers plenty of opportunities to indulge ourselves in a cornucopia of culture, from our river history to new creators for the concert hall and cinema. Like a pile of leaves, let’s dive in.
Well, the neighbors down the street put up their Halloween decorations on Labor Day weekend, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that some local cultural groups are starting October with spooky doings. But the week also brings big events that are more delight than fright. Let’s see what we can scare up:
If you feel a little swing in your step this week, it might be all the great jazz you can hear from our fair city’s rooftops, parks and plazas. Dance, drama and divas are on tap, too, plus some history to absorb and historic skills to appreciate. Just another full week of arts and culture in Greater Cincinnati.
Jazz, books and theater. Opera, food and film. All in the same week. If you’ve never experienced Cincy Fringe, give this wild and wooly theatrical event a try. Emerging choreographers are featured at Mutual Dance Theatre, while Summerfair supports new and not-so-new artists. Two important films are screened and homegrown bands take the stage. Sample something new.
Theater everywhere! Two world premieres, to boot. Enjoy young dancers and opera stars at CCM. Hear the storied Miami University Men’s Glee Club. Bicycles as art? How about some mountain climbing with the CSO? Learn how to publish your great American novel or see a great movie. Have fun!
“These are stories about people finding their community and bracing themselves for the hard times to come,” said Producing Artistic Director Bridget Leak.
Some “once-a-year” festivals continue this week – early music and Jewish/Israeli films – but there’s plenty more afoot. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra celebrates incoming Music Director Cristian Măcelaru, Cincinnati-born playwright Theresa Rebeck comes home to direct a play, and several events focus on themes of love to get us in the mood for Valentine’s Day.
“I shall elucidate,” said the Mad Hatter. Please allow Yours Truly to do the same. Have a good laugh with that Mad Hatter at ETC, while teacups, candlesticks and a Beast take the stage in Price Hill. Enjoy a Feast of Carolsor or a little Bach at Music Hall. Start the holiday season off right with a bevy of artsy choices.
