School of Rock
If there is one thing Cleveland knows, its rock 'n' roll and Playhouse Square is hitting all the high notes with this new hilarious musical School of Rock. Based off of the hit film, this musical about a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher features all the original songs along with 14 new fist-pumping compositions and the theater’s first-ever live instrumental kids rock band. $10-$100. March 22 & 23 7:30 p.m., March 23 1:30 p.m., March 24 1 & 6:30 p.m. Playhouse Square, Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Cleveland State University Spring Dance Concert
Cleveland State University is melting away those winter blues with energized performances by CSU Dance Co., faculty, staff, musicians and guest artists. The annual dance concert at the Allen Theatre, under the direction of Lynn Deering, includes an evening of contemporary and traditional choreography that will inspire you to leave with a little spring in your step. $5. March 23 & 24 7:30 p.m. Playhouse Square, Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, csuohio.edu
Kinky Friedman
American singer and songwriter Kinky Friedman will sure to have you laughing and singing along with his humorist twist on country folk at the Beachland Tavern this weekend. He will be performing songs from his latest album, Circus of Life, along with some of his greatest hits. Local Cleveland folk and country blues singer and songwriter Austin Stambaugh will be kicking the night off for Friedman with songs that reflect human experience. $22-$40. March 23 8 p.m., Beachland Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216 383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
The News Gallery
Extra, extra! This weekend is your last chance to check out Spaces Gallery all-inclusive exhibition, The News Gallery. Danny Volk’s project features rejected contemporary artists application materials in the form of a newspaper. The gallery remolded into a newsroom allows visitors to not only observe and read the creation of each weekly edition but also speak with Volk about the project. Free. March 22, noon-5 p.m. Spaces Gallery, 29000 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-621-2314, spacescle.org
Steven Wright
Academy Award-winning comedian Steven Wright is making a pit stop here in Cleveland during his world tour. You may have heard his lethargic, deadpan humor on shows such as Saturday Night Live, Late Night or even The Tonight Show but he will have you feeling uplifted and giddy with his standup at Playhouse Square. $45-$65. March 22 8 p.m. Playhouse Square, Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216 241-6000, playhousesquare.org
