Arts picks: Disney's 'Newsies' at Weathervane, Welch at Knight Stage, 'Waitress' at Hanna

Extra! Extra! Weathervane to present Disney's 'Newsies'

Weathervane Playhouse will present Disney's "Newsies," previewing at 7:30 p.m. June 2, opening the same time June 3 and running through June 26 at 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. "Seize the Day" by following charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly as he leads a band of teen newsies in an 1899 strike against unfair labor conditions, inspired by a true story.

The show, which has 44 actors, features one of the largest casts in Weathervane history. Performances run 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Cost is $12-$35. See www.weathervaneplayhouse.com or call 330-836-2626.

Theater review: Talented young men shine in Porthouse's 'Newsies'

Helen Welch performs at Knight Stage at Akron Civic

British vocalist Helen Welch and her trio will bring "Songwriters Hall of Fame" to the Knight Stage at the Akron Civic Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday, 182 S. Main St., Akron. The show honors songwriters representing a spectrum of the most beloved songs from the world's popular songbook, including Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Carole King, Bill Withers, Jimmy Webb, Paul Simon and more.

Playing tunes ranging from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" " to "Stand By Me" will be Joe Leaman on piano, Bryan Thomas on upright bass and Anthony Taddeo on drums. Cost is $25. Call 330-253-2488 or see www.akroncivic.com.

Sweet as pie: 'Waitress' by Sara Bareilles returns to Playhouse Square's Hanna Theatre

Sara Bareilles’ hit musical "Waitress" returns to Playhouse Square Thursday, playing at the intimate 550-seat Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St, Cleveland, through June 26. The music tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county offers her a chance at escape.

Cost is $49-$109. See playhousesquare.org or call 216-241-6000.

Cleveland Orchestra to perform 'Breaking Convention' concerts

The Cleveland Orchestra will perform in two "Breaking Convention" concerts this weekend, inspired by the themes of its current production of Verdi's opera "Otello.' The programs highlight composers who have charted their own artistic paths, regardless of convention.

At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Franz Welser-Moest will conduct the orchestra in Reinvere's "Norlisk, the Daffodils," Walker's "Lilacs" and Gubaidulina's "Light of the End." Soprano Nicole Cabell will be featured.

Saturday's 8 p.m. program will feature Welser-Moest conducting Ives' "From the Steeples and the Mountains," Shostakovich's "Passacaglia," Gubaidulina's "Light and Dark," Glass' Finale from Act II of "Satyagraha," Walker's Sinfonia No. 4 "Strands" and Barber's "Toccata Festival." Organist Iveta Apkalna will be featured.

Tickets cost $21-$165. See www.clevelandorchestra.com or call 216-231-1111.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Arts picks: 'Newsies' at Weathervane, Helen Welch at Akron Civic