Cyrus Chestnut performs 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' 'Hairspray' back at Playhouse Square, Nicki Minaj releases new album, 'Monk' returns & more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

Cyrus Chestnut & Friends: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

The acclaimed jazz pianist brings the beloved “Peanuts” Christmas TV special to Severance Music Center, performing favorites like “Linus and Lucy,” “Christmas Time is Here,” and “O Tannenbaum” from Vince Guaraldi’s classic score. Tickets $50-$125. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8. DETAILS

“Hairspray”

Returning to Playhouse Square for a limited engagement, this Tony Award-winning musical is about a teenager in 1960s Baltimore determined to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show and maybe change the world while she’s at it. Tickets $20-$105. Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Now through Dec. 10. DETAILS

Accent

The international acapella supergroup brings their signature sound and awe-inspiring arrangements to the Cleveland Museum of Art to perform their biggest hits and holiday favorites from their latest album, “Christmas All the Way.” Tickets $33-$45. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8. DETAILS

Brian Regan

Brian Regan has made a name for himself performing in clubs, appearing on late-night talk shows and starring in his own Netflix special. He brings his hilarious brand of observational and physical standup comedy to MGM Northfield Park on Friday. Ages 21 & over only. Tickets start at $39.50. 10777 Northfield Rd., Northfield. 8 p.m., Dec. 8. DETAILS

Dustin Nickerson

Best known for his podcast and special on Prime Video, this on-the-rise comedian brings his relatable, everyman style of standup to Cleveland for three nights of shows at Hilarities inside Pickwick & Frolic. 2035 E. 4th St., Cleveland. Dec. 7-9. DETAILS

Nela Park Holiday Lighting Display

Nela Park is lit up for the holidays for the 99th straight year. The theme of this year’s display is “Cync Up Your Holidays.” Nearly one million LED lights are used to create 11 vibrantly lit vignettes including a huge Santa hat and Santa gnome village. There’s also a replica of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., too. enjoy the display 24/7 through Jan. 2, 2024. 1975 Noble Rd., East Cleveland. Dec. 1-Jan. 2.

Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

There’s no better time to visit this historic estate than the holidays when it is illuminated with 1.2 million twinkling lights. Inside, the manor house is decorated in beautiful holiday fashion with several themed rooms. Don’t miss photos with Santa, shopping, hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies. Admission $7-$24. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Through Dec. 30. DETAILS

“Little Women” at Dobama Theatre

Playwright Heather Chrisler and an all-female and non-binary cast, crew and creative team breathe new life into Louisa May Alcott’s classic Christmas tale in this heartwarming play about love, loss and the importance of family. Tickets $14.98-$44.98. 2340 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights. Through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive displays located throughout the park. Featuring over one million lights, themed areas include the Enchanted Forest and Santa’s Workshop. Two dynamic musical light shows are new: one featuring the zoo’s 50-foot tree and another directly on Waterfowl Lake. Walk and drive-thru options are available. Tickets start at $22 per person or $55 per vehicle. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. Through Dec. 30. DETAILS

Magic of Lights at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

This dazzling drive-through experience returns for its ninth year with more than two million LED lights illuminating dozens of themed displays including a 32-foot-tall Christmas Barbie. The Jolly Holiday Village adds photos with Santa, ice skating and holiday snacks. Admission $23-$50 per vehicle. 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights. Through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol”

Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by a series of ghosts in this Cleveland holiday tradition now in its 35th year. Tickets, $30-$80. Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through Dec. 23. DETAILS

Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience

Explore Mr. Kringle’s top-secret laboratory to meet his team, invent a new toy and help make Christmas. The magical, interactive experience, held inside Tower City Center, ends with a private visit with Santa himself. Tickets start at $34. 230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland. Through Dec. 23. DETAILS

“The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”

This long-running touring production features an international cast of artists from over 15 countries, blending classical ballet with impressive circus techniques to tell the classic holiday tale. Tickets start at $26. Music Hall at Cleveland Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave E., Cleveland. 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Dec. 9. DETAILS

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”

Directed and choreographed by Tony-nominated Jennifer Weber (“& Juliet”), this updated version of the beloved ballet combines hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s music into an exciting and inspirational contemporary dance spectacle. The cast includes a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers. Tickets $28-$68. KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m., Dec. 8. DETAILS

Walkabout Tremont

Tremont’s monthly neighborhood showcase takes on a festive mood. Highlighted by a holiday market at 818 Studios, the night also features new art exhibitions at Kaiser Gallery and Doubting Thomas. Bring your smartphone and Bluetooth speaker to the Lincoln Park Gazebo to participate in a group performance of “Unsilent Night.” Various locations in Tremont. 6-10 p.m., Dec. 8. DETAILS

Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet”

Semyon Bychkov conducts the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s iconic fantasy overture, “Romeo and Juliet.” The program also includes Katia and Marielle Labèque taking on Martinů's Concerto for Two Pianos as well as the U.S. premiere of Julian Anderson’sSymphony No. 2, “Prague Panoramas.” Tickets $29-$175. Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Dec. 7 & 9. DETAILS

“Wassail! An Irish-Appalachian Christmas”

Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland’s Baroque orchestra, takes you back in time to 1849 in a highly theatrical performance. It’s Christmas night in Ireland where families and friends are gathering to sing, tell stories, drink and say goodbye as many of them prepare to make the long journey to America. Tickets $15-$80. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. 4:30 p.m., Dec. 10 & 17. DETAILS

“Tease the Season: A Burlesque Holiday Spectacular”

Celebrate the spirit of the season as a talented cast of burlesque, drag and variety artists perform the entertaining and provocative art of burlesque in a holiday show that’s a bit naughty and nice. Ages 18 & over only. Tickets $1-$300. Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7-10. DETAILS

Karamu House presents “Black Nativity”

Produced by the oldest Black theater in the county in conjunction with Cleveland Play House, Langston Hughes’ dynamic and electrifying holiday show has been reimagined with new sets, costumes and choreography. Tickets $50-$70. Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through Dec.16. DETAILS

Funny Bus Lights & Laughs Holiday Tour

It’s a city bus tour and a comedy show! Hop aboard as local comedians point out area landmarks, crack jokes and interact with passengers in a unique experience that combines laughs, history and holiday music. Tickets $29. Adults only. Pickup at Collision Bend Brewing Co., 1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland. Through Dec. 23. DETAILS

Case-Barlow Farm’s Winter Wonderland

This historic farm in Hudson is offering five separate holiday events throughout December. Take a festive tour of trees or visit with Santa in the barn. Check out the farmhouse for activities intended for all ages, including gingerbread teas for children and holiday teas and wine tastings for adults. Santa in the Barn is free. Other events $5-$80. 1931 Barlow Rd., Hudson. Through Dec. 17. DETAILS

Boom! Theater Presents “Scrooge: The Musical”

The latest production by Boom! Theater, a professional theater company comprised primarily of adults ages 50 and over, tells the timeless story of “A Christmas Carol” with music and dance. Tickets $25. 182 S. Main St., Akron. Through Dec. 17. DETAILS

‘Frost’ celebrates winter at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Described as an ice-capped garden experience, the garden’s new holiday show transforms the facility into an ethereal wonderland of towering ice arches, dazzling light installations, a tunnel of flowers, larger-than-life animals and more than 500 poinsettias. Tickets $7-$26. Reservations recommended. 11030 East Blvd. Cleveland. Through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Tobogganing at the Chalet

Find your thrill in the chill at the Cleveland Metroparks in Strongsville, whooshing down twin 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes on an old-timey toboggan. Reservations required. Tickets $13-$15. Reservations required. 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville. Through Feb. 25 (weather permitting). DETAILS

Holidays at Crocker Park

The lifestyle and shopping center in Westlake boasts plenty of festive fun this season including ice skating, the Holiday Express train and a nightly light show. Santa’s House offers photo and shopping opportunities. Fee for some activities. Crocker Park, Westlake. Through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Christkindlmarkt at Sanctuary on Green

Modeled after Christmas markets in Europe, this shopping village offers unique gifts like German nutcrackers, new and vintage European ornaments, handmade jewelry, linens, leather goods and more. Free. 1936 S. Green Rd., South Euclid. Through Dec. 27. DETAILS

Wild Lights at Akron Zoo

Experience the zoo like you’ve never before as the park comes alive at night with one million lights, festive displays and synchronized light shows. The event features appearances by Santa Claus, the Grinch and local high school choirs. Admission $8-$15. 500 Edgewood Ave. Through Dec. 29. DETAILS

Candy Land experience at Lake Metroparks’s Penitentiary Glen

Candy Land has been an indoor, holiday tradition at Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen for years. It’s back with a wild birding adventure this year. Families can enjoy a bird craft, scavenger hunts, activity pages and hands-on exhibits. Each Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m., an outdoor campfire with s’mores is open. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Jan. 1. 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Willoughby. DETAILS

‘Degas and the Laundress’ at Cleveland Museum of Art

This exhibit showcases more than 100 Impressionism works by Edgar Degas and other artists including Honoré Daumier, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and Pablo Picasso. Looking beautiful and innocent on the surface, they represent an unvalued group of workers who were mostly women. Exhibit tickets $12 to $15. Through Jan. 15, 2024. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Pulpo in Willoughby is a craft beer lovers haven

Pulpo Beer Co. Makes Latin-inspired craft beers out of its brewpub in Willoughby that’s a must a must-visit for any local craft beer lover. The brewery also has a location in Westlake’s Crocker Park, but the Willoughby hub is bigger and better. Not only do customers get the chance to sample Pulpo’s distinctive lineup, but the bar serves food from both Hola Tacos and Barroco Arepa Bar, with flavor profiles that pair perfectly with the brew lineup. The huge brewpub is ideal for big groups or a last-minute pint thanks to its large space with plenty of seating. READ MORE

Cremona

Chardon Square is lit up for the holiday season. It can be admired on a trip to Cremona, a newly opened, fine dining Italian restaurant at 109 N. Hambden St. Arrive early or late for a craft cocktail and an appetizer. The meats, cheeses, pickled onions and mustard on the small board easily serve three or four people. The scratch kitchen offers the ultimate Italian comfort food – pasta -- in full and half portions. Other dishes include aged steak, chicken picatta and more. DETAILS

Mustard Seed Café and Market

You have to love a market that has a restaurant-bar above it. Shop for a bit, then reward yourself with a bite and a drink. The beer selection is solid, and the menu has strong vegetarian-vegan options that even meat lovers will like. It’s at 867 W. Market St., in Akron’s Highland Suare neighborhood. DETAILS

Royal Park Fine Wine, The Aviator team up on tasting

Royal Park Fine Wine and The Aviator Event Center and Pub are holding a holiday wine tasting Monday, Dec. 11. The tasting – which is 5 to 8 p.m. – will include more than 40 wines, 10 craft beers and five Bourbons. It will include an “around the world” charcuterie spread. Wines will be available for purchase that night. The Aviator Event Center and Pub is at 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland. READ MORE

‘Dine Drink CLE’ offers lively guide to restaurant, bar scenes

Get the latest news about Cleveland’s restaurant and bar scene in the new weekly "Dine Drink CLE" newsletter. With the latest on openings, closings, tastings and other events, plus recommendations, features and guides from our team of writers and critics. SUBSCRIBE

TV & MOVIES

‘Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie’

Grab your hand sanitizer because Tony Shalhoub is reviving his Emmy Award-winning character, Adrian Monk, a private investigator with OCD, whom he played for eight seasons on USA. "Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie" premieres Friday, Dec. 8 on Peacock. Original series stars Ted Levine, Traylor Howard, Jason Gray-Stanford, Melora Hardin and Hector Elizondo also return. DETAILS

‘Leave the World Behind’

"Mr. Robot" creator Sam Esmail directs Julia Roberts in the new psychological thriller he adapted from Rumaan Alam's novel for Netflix. In "Leave the World Behind," An ad executive (Roberts), her college professor husband (Ethan Hawke) and kids (Charlie Evans and Farrah Mackenzie) are spending the weekend in a luxurious rental on Long Island. Late one night two strangers (Mahershala Ali and Myha'la) show up with news of a cyberattack and blackout, claiming that the house is theirs and seeking refuge. No one is quite sure who to trust as the apocalypse looms. "Leave the World Behind" will be available to watch on Netflix on Friday, Dec. 8. DETAILS

‘Maestro’

Bradley Cooper directs and stars as Leonard Bernstein in this biopic focusing on the legendary composer and conductor’s complicated relationship with his wife, Broadway actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan). Opens Friday in area theaters. Premieres on Netflix on Dec. 20. DETAILS

‘Eileen’

Thomasin McKenzie (”Jojo Rabbit”) is a secretary working at a prison who strikes up a friendship with a glamorous psychologist (Anne Hathaway) with a dark secret. Opens Friday in area theaters. DETAILS

‘My Life with the Walter Boys ‘

Production on season three of Prime Video's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" hasn't begun yet but there's a new swoon-worthy teen romance about a love triangle with two brothers coming to Netflix. In "My Life with the Walter Boys," a recently orphaned teen named Jackie moves from New York to Colorado to live with her mother's best friend — and her 10 sons. Jackie must adjust to a new home, new school, new family, and new feelings for two of the brothers, Alex and Cole. "My Life with the Walter Boys" is adapted from a novel originally published on Wattpad. All 10 episodes drop Thursday. DETAILS

‘Showing Up ‘

Indie auteur Kelly Reichardt ("First Cow," "Wendy and Lucy") reunites with her longtime muse Michelle Williams for the fourth time in "Showing Up," about a ceramic artist in Portland, Oregon that begins streaming on Paramount+ on Thursday. Hong Chau co-stars as her landlady in a film that AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote was about the "The compulsions and pains of making modest, hand-crafted art. " In an interview earlier this year, Reichardt said, "We were trying to make a film about someone who's caught up in balancing the day-to-day, someone for whom working is like eating, but life has all these other demands of you." DETAILS

‘Great Photo, Lovely Life ‘

Photojournalist Amanda Mustard turns her lens to her own family, investigating sexual abuses committed by her grandfather in "Great Photo, Lovely Life," streaming on MAX this week. On this eight-year-journey, Mustard tries to uncover the abuses, coverups and secrecy — her grandfather was a chiropractor in Pennsylvania — and understand the impact of the generational trauma inflicted on her family. DETAILS

MUSIC

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj has reason to celebrate and so do we. The rapper's "Pink Friday 2" album lands on Friday, Dec. 8, her birthday. "This entire album will be the biggest gift I have ever given humanity thus far," she modestly says of the album that has been five years in the making. "I have never in my life been so in love with something that I'm working on." Its lead single, "Super Freaky Girl," dropped back in August. As a frame of reference, the 10-time Grammy-nominated artist dropped her debut album "Pink Friday" in 2010. DETAILS

Dave Koz & Friends

Saxophonist Dave Koz celebrates the 25th anniversary of his holiday tour by performing songs off his latest holiday album, “Christmas Ballads,” and more favorites. Friends include guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, saxophonist/flutist Marcus Anderson, vocalist Rebecca Jade and musical prodigy Justin-Lee Schultz. Tickets $45-$85. KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m., Dec. 10. DETAILS

Blue Öyster Cult

There's good news if you're burning, burning for Blue Öyster Cult: The classic rock band is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an album of three live sold-out shows, "50th Anniversary Live – First Night." The set is built around three sold-out shows the band played in September 2022 at Sony Hall in New York City. Each show featured the band playing in its entirety one of their first three albums ("Blue Öyster Cult", "Tyranny and Mutation" and "Secret Treaties"), followed by a set of deep cuts and classics from their other albums. DETAILS

Neil Young

Neil Young is looking back with "Before and After," an album of solo acoustic re-recordings of songs from his deep catalog. The album will feature an "eclectic" fresh takes on songs like "My Heart," "On the Way Home" and "Mother Earth." "The feeling is captured, not in pieces, but as a whole piece — designed to be listened to that way. This music presentation defies shuffling, digital organization, separation," the singer-songwriter warns. There's also the previously unreleased song "If You Got Love." DETAILS

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Entertainment | Music | Events

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