Open Air

Catch rays and a show at these alfresco venues.

by Frances Killea | Jul. 21, 2014 | 4:00 AM

The Frogs

Through Aug. 17, Cain Park

The show: This Stephen Sondheim adaptation of the Aristophanes satire debuted in Yale University's pool performed by then-students Sigourney Weaver and Meryl Streep. Why go: "This is [Sondheim's] most overtly political piece," says director Martin Friedman. cainpark.com

Henry IV, part one

Through Aug. 17, Stan Hywet Hall Gardens

The show: It's both a story of a son defying a father and a ruler trying to quell unrest in his kingdom. Why go: "You get the battles, you get the history, and you get the wonderful verse," says Tess Burgler, Ohio Shakespeare Festival actor and associate producer. ohioshakespeare.com

Inlet Dance Theatre

Aug. 7, Lincoln Park,

The show: Part of Tremont's Arts in August series, Inlet Dance Theatre performs Impaired a duet in which dancers are blindfolded.Why go: "The whole thing is sculptural," says founder and executive artistic director Bill Wade. "It's like the sculptures have come alive." inletdance.org

Celtic Union and Murphy Irish Dancers

Aug. 8, The Grove

The show: Dancers take audiences to the Emerald Isle — or at least as close to traditional costume, song and dance as you'll get here. Why go: "They're going to bring in a floor for us, so you can hear the hard shoe," says Sheila Crawford, founder and director of Murphy Irish Dancers. mayfieldvillage.com/recreation/the-grove