Arts picks vary from return of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Superstar' to free artist talk at UA

Kerry Clawson, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
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'Jesus Christ Superstar' returns

The tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" that closed after just two days in Cleveland in March 2020 due to the pandemic returns to Playhouse Square Wednesday through Feb. 20, starring Cincinnati native Aaron LaVigne in the title role. Twenty-two Northeast Ohio strings players will join the 11-piece ensemble of touring musicians for an epic orchestra in Cleveland to celebrate the reimagined 50th anniversary tour of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. See playhousesquare.org or call 216-241-6000.

Aaron LaVigne (in white) leads the North American tour in the title role for "Jesus Christ Superstar," coming to Playhouse Square in Cleveland Feb. 2-20.
Aaron LaVigne (in white) leads the North American tour in the title role for "Jesus Christ Superstar," coming to Playhouse Square in Cleveland Feb. 2-20.

ShakesBEER fun

Folks can get on the waiting list for Ohio Shakespeare Festival's raucous ShakesBEER event, returning 8 p.m. Saturday at Greystone Hall with some modifications for COVID safety. The theater reports that several waitlisted folks normally get in to the popular event. Cost is $15. See https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/shakesbeer/.

The actors will bring back feel-good songs and stories and audiences can sing along and enjoy a pint with the performers at 103 S. High St., Akron. The event will be in the theater, not the lobby bar, to add distancing between groups. Masks are required and must be replaced in between sips. Proof of vaccination required at the door. Attendees must be 21 and older.

Ohio Shakespeare Festival will host the ShakesBEER event for the first time since the pandemic started, moved from the bar at Greystone Hall to inside the theater Saturday.
Ohio Shakespeare Festival will host the ShakesBEER event for the first time since the pandemic started, moved from the bar at Greystone Hall to inside the theater Saturday.

Get your Greek on

The modern-day mythological "Hurricane Diane," an Obie-winning comedy with a twist by Madeleine George, continues Thursdays-Sundays through Feb. 13 in its regional premiere at Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights. Think of it as a female Dionysus meets some desperate housewives. Cost is $32-$38. See dobama.org or call 216-932-3396.

Amiee Collier and cast in "Hurricane Diane" at Dobama Theatre.
Amiee Collier and cast in "Hurricane Diane" at Dobama Theatre.

Artist lecture at UA

The University of Akron's Mary Schiller Myers School of Art will offer a free artist lecture by Wong Kit Yi from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at 150 E. Exchange St., Akron. The artist explores biological answers to metaphysical questions through the mediums of video, sculpture and performance. See uakron.edu/art or call 330-972-6030.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Arts picks from return of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' to UA artist lecture