Cinderella at Near West Theatre
Cinderella comes in many varieties, (is this the version with the talking mice or talking cat?) but in any case, the timeless heroine is a girl of little means with a great heart and work ethic. Rogers and Hammerstein narrate this epic tale with lightheartedness and enchanting music. $15, March 25-April 10, various times, 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org
Disney’s High School Musical at the Beck Center for the Arts
It doesn’t get more meta than students playing in a musical about students playing in a musical. In analysis, it’s an infinity mirror of musicals on stage, but it’s also one of Disney Channel’s most popular plights about breaking from the status quo and being fearlessly yourself, embracing the human personality in all its multiple facets. Go Wildcats! $10-$12, March 18-27, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. & Sun. 3 p.m., 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
Justin Willman: Magic for Humans in Person at Mimi Ohio Theatre
Since the 1990s, Justin Willman has worked through suburbia all the way to The Tonight Show by wedding magic and comedy. The host of Cupcake Wars and Halloween Wars will be in Cleveland this weekend to convert skeptics—whether it be to belief in magic or fandom for his humorous antics. $29.50-$39.50, March 26, 7 p.m., 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Much Ado About Nothing at Great Lakes Theater
It’s always a treat for a performing arts aficionado when a Shakespeare piece comes to town. Much Ado About Nothing makes a quick favorite, for both its drama and stinging one-liners. Beneath the surface, the social fragility of both masculinity and femininity is called into question before falling back into order by the end. But maybe we’re reading much ado into nothing. $15-$80, March 25-April 10, various times, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, greatlakestheater.org
Nari Home Improvement Show at Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
It’s time to tear down walls and build something new. The Nari Home Improvement Show, a local winner of the National Association of Consumer Show’s “Consumer Show of the Year,” is here to make your next renovation happen—in the least, inspire you with the latest trends, products and get you connected to the region’s best experts. $14-$16.46, March 25-27, Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 300 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-7764, narihomeshow.com
Paula Poundstone at Playhouse Square
If you’re looking for humor that’s smart, witty, fresh and sparkles with influence, look no further than Paula Poundstone. Host of the podcast “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone” and author of The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness (a finalist for the prestigious Thurber Prize for American Humor), Poundstone’s HBO special Cats, Cops and Stuff was declared one of the funniest stand-up specials ever by Time Magazine in March 2020.$37.50-$47.50, March 25, 8 p.m., 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Pretty Woman: The Musical at Playhouse Square
Director Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde) turns his Tony Award-winning energy loose on Cleveland this month. With a vibrant score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and leading roles held by Broadway-famous Adam Pascal and the delightful Olivia Valli, Pretty Woman is propped to be one of the most creative, lively performances of the year. $10-$115, March 8-27, Tues.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 1:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Scooby Doo Live! at The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall
Don’t forget your glasses and ascots when you grab the Scooby Snacks, gather your gang and pile in the green van to see Scooby Doo! and The Lost City of Gold in Akron this weekend. This original adventure features new characters amid acrobatics, stage magic and puppeteering—perfect for all you meddling kids. $26-$48, March 24, 7:30 p.m., 198 Hill St., Akron, 330-972-7111, calendar.uakron.edu
Symphonic Mozart at The Cleveland Orchestra Mandel Concert Hall
With Dame Jane Glover conducting and Imogen Cooper tickling the piano, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 and Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”) in D major will come to life. The works are heralded as the composer’s most interesting work, composed with contrapuntal richness and harmony amid the climax of his career. $21-$165, March 24-27, Thur.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m. & Sun. 3 p.m., 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-7300, clevelandorchestra.com
The Sonder Bombs’ Clothbound Record Release Show at Mahall’s 20 Lanes
Named in part for the untraditional definition of “sonder”—an emotive in which one is conscious intricacies exist in each passerby’s life—Cleveland-based band, The Sonder Bombs are set to release their latest album Clothbound with a release show on Saturday at Mahall’s.$14-$19.48, March 26, 7 p.m., 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com/shows
