Lizzo in concert, Mother's Day food and fun, Cleveland Orchestra performs Puccini opera & more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

Lizzo

Turn up the music, turn down the lights, Cleveland, as four-time Grammy winner Lizzo brings “The Special 2our” to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Expect to hear hits like “About Damn Time,” “Truth Hurts,” “Good as Hell” and more. And it’ll feel like you hit the “Lottery” when hip-hop artist Latto takes the stage as the opening act. Tickets $70. 1 Center Court, Cleveland. 8 p.m., May 12. READ MORE

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

See this gripping and entertaining jukebox musical before it leaves town. Full of terrific performances and iconic songs, the inspiring story of the Queen of Rock and Roll might be the best time you have at Playhouse Square this year. Tickets $25-$129. 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through May 14. DETAILS

Mother’s Day Weekend at Cleveland Aquarium

Learn fascinating facts about animal parents when you “shell-abrate” fin-tastic moms (their puns, not mine) at the Cleveland Aquarium. The weekend features extended hours and each mom receives a free parent pin. The aquarium showcases more than 2,700 forms of marine life including sharks, stingrays and a giant Pacific octopus. Admission $13.95-$19.95. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., May 13-14. DETAILS

Menopause the Musical

This hilarious show comes to Playhouse Square’s Mimi Ohio Theatre just in time for Mother’s Day. Set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, the story focuses on four maturing women who meet at a lingerie sale and dish about navigating the “Silent Passage.” Tickets $25-$55. 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. May 12-13. DETAILS

Brian Kenny Loves Your Mother

Treat mom to dinner and a show by celebrating Mother’s Day at Pickwick & Frolic. Enjoy a special holiday menu in the dining room and then head to Hilarities where you’ll laugh out loud as Cleveland’s own Brian Kenney cracks jokes about his beloved hometown. Comedy show tickets $18-$24. 2035 E. 4th Street, Cleveland. 6 p.m., May 14. DETAILS

Chef Dante Boccuzzi’s opens Dukes ‘N’ Boots in Willoughby

Be among the first folks in Northeast Ohio to dine on chef Dante Boccuzzi’s “Glori-fried” chicken at Dukes ‘N’ Boots in downtown Willoughby. The new Nashville-inspired bar opens to the public on Friday, May 12. Pair it with a bourbon-spiked, adult root beer float. Other Southern comfort food choices include fried green tomatoes, cornbread, spicy chicken thigh sandwich (think Nashville hot chicken) and traditional banana pudding. Paris Wolfe has the story. READ MORE

Buzzard Rock ‘n’ Roll Market

Relive the glory days of Cleveland rock radio and load up on classic memorabilia from the heyday of WMMS-FM/100.7 at the Buzzard Rock 'n' Roll Market from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at at Annika’s Event Center at 36709 Royalton Rd., Grafton. Buzzard artist David Helton will be joined by former WMMS program director John Gorman, on-air personality Ed “Flash” Ferenc and other guests for a giant rock yard sale. Hundreds of Buzzard-related items for sale, culled from the personal collections of Helton, Gorman, Ferenc and others. Cleveland.com music writer Malcolm X Abram has the scoop. READ MORE

The Tudors at Cleveland Museum of Art

This touring exhibition explores the art and majesty of Renaissance England with more than 90 works that show how Tudor monarchs including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I used the arts as propaganda to prop up their dynasty. Timed tickets, $15 or free for members, recommended. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through May 14. DETAILS

Cleveland Orchestra performs Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West”

The centerpiece of the Cleveland Orchestra’s inaugural Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival is this production of Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West” (“The Girl of the Golden West”) at Severance Music Center. Franz Welser-Möst conducts what is described as the operatic equivalent of a spaghetti western about a love triangle. Tickets $25-$122. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. May 14, 17, 20. DETAILS

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Described as a jazzy musical celebration of Fats Walker, this lively and energetic show showcases five actors as they croon, jive, wail and dance their way through the jazz legend’s impressive catalog. You’ll hear unforgettable songs like “The Joint is Jumpin’,” “Spreadin’ Rhythm Around,” “Honeysuckle Rose” and, of course, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” Tickets $15-$89. 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. Through May 21. DETAILS

Keith Haring: Against All Odds

This special exhibition at the Akron Art Museum surveys the extraordinary career of Keith Haring, one of the most influential pop artists of the 1980, from his best-known works to some of his more personal pieces. Admission $8-$12. 1 S. High St, Akron. Through Sept. 24. DETAILS

Walkabout Tremont

This weekly art walk moves outdoors for the first time this season. The event features over 40 pop-up vendors selling art, food and more while an eclectic lineup of musicians set the mood. Tremont’s art galleries and boutiques will be open for browsing and shopping, and St. John Cantius Church will open for tours. Diners can find food and drink specials at neighboring restaurants, too. Free. Professor Ave., Cleveland. 5-9 p.m., May 12. DETAILS

SHINEfest

It’s good vibes only at this pre-summer outdoor festival. Held at Fred Fuller Park in Kent, the event features yoga, well-being classes, palm and tarot readings, live music, food trucks and a wide variety of vendors. General admission $19. 601 Middlebury Rd., Kent. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., May 13. DETAILS

‘What We Look Like’ at Dobama Theatre

Cleveland’s Off-Broadway Theatre hosts the professional world premiere of this comedy, which tells the story of the challenges and pressures faced by a black family after moving to a white suburban neighborhood. Tickets $15-$41. 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights. Through May 23. DETAILS

‘The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin’

What’s a Black girl growing up in Southern California to do to cope during the racial tumult of the 1960s? In "Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin," now playing at Cleveland's Karumu House, she slaps on a bubbly smile and tries to be as white as she can be, Of course, there are consequences with that kind of self-denial, all of which play out to devastating effect in this humorous and pointed coming-of-age story. Tickets $25. Through May 14. 2355 East 89th St., Cleveland. DETAILS

Egyptomania: Fashion’s Conflicted Obsession

This recently opened exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art features dozens of objects exploring the influence of Egyptomania in fashion by juxtaposing contemporary clothing and jewelry with fine and decorative artworks from the museum’s collection. Free. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through January 2024. DETAILS

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

Feel the magic when you step inside some of your favorite animated Disney films. This one-of-a-kind experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace gives you a front-row seat at Simba’s presentation ceremony, sends you on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and transports you to snowy Arendelle for a song by Elsa. Tickets start at $36. 850 E. 72nd St., Cleveland. Through May 29. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Best places to take mom to dinner on Mother’s Day, according to Cleveland’s top chefs

Restaurant folks are among the busiest people on Mother’s Day, working hard so multitudes of mothers won’t have to cook and clean up for at least one day. For most, dining with mom on May 14, is merely a fantasy. But if they could, chefs and restaurant managers told us where they would go and why. They had to choose other than their own restaurant. Cleveland.com’s Paris Wolfe reach out to Cleveland chef’s Jeremy Urmansky, Doug Katz, Brandon Chrostowski and others. Check out what they said about the restaurant and why it would appeal to their mom. READ MORE

Sip some suds at Schnitz Ale Brewery

Schnitz Ale Brewery, which is holding a beer fest this Saturday, May 13, at a local community garden, is one of Cuyahoga County’s newest breweries, having opened in 2021. It marries German food with German beer – a culinary marriage made in heaven. You won’t be at a loss for choices, either, with more than two dozen beer options. It’s at 5729 Pearl Road, Parma. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. DETAILS

Luna Bakery Café

Some moms prefer brunching at home on Mother’s Day. Local bakeries can add special treats to the morning event. Luna Bakery Cafe, 34105 Chagrin Blvd, Mooreland Hills or 2482 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, have whimsically decorated sugar cookies and elegant pastries for dine-in or take-out. If you’re looking for a casual setting, take mom to the café for lovely crepes. Paninis and salads are also on the menu. DETAILS

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opens in Avon

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is set to open in Avon on Thursday, May 11. The fast-casual restaurant is located at 35815 Chester Road in front of Cabela’s. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Freddy’s also has eateries under construction in North Olmsted and Lorain with openings planned for this year. READ MORE

Little Birdie Café creates new spring flight plans

As seasons change, so does the flight plan at Little Birdie Wine Nest, 6060 Broadview Road, Parma. Flight, here, refers to a collection of samplings served together. Little Birdie serves several beverages on flight boards, for example, cold brew coffees, mimosas, sangria, slushees and wines. Cleveland.com’s Paris Wolfe has the scoop. 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

‘The Muppets Mayhem’

Move over Kermit and Miss Piggy, the house band for "The Muppet Show," called Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, moves center stage with their own show for Disney+ called "The Muppets Mayhem." It follows the group — including Animal, Lips, Janice, Zoot, Floyd and, of course, Dr. Teeth — as they record a long-awaited album. The series is presented mocumentary-style with Lilly Singh as a music executive tasked with keeping the band on track. It's got vibes of "Spinal Tap", "Daisy Jones & The Six" and, of course, "The Muppets." Guest stars include Tommy Chong, Lil Nas X, Tommy Lee and Kesha. All 10 episodes dropped this week. DETAILS

‘Class of ‘09’

The use of artificial intelligence, also known as A.I., has become a hot topic in sectors including the government, education, and even the Hollywood writers' strike, over questions of security, ethics, privacy, and labor. It's also the focus of a new limited series called "Class of '09" coming to FX on Hulu on this week. Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara portray FBI agents in the story, which unfolds over three timelines. Throughout the show, questions arise throughout over the use of A.I. in law enforcement and whether it makes us safer or strips people of autonomy. DETAILS

‘City on Fire ‘

The new crime drama "City on Fire" for Apple TV+ is inspired by a novel of the same name by Don Winslow. The series stars Jemima Kirke, Nico Tortorella and Chase Sui Wonders and is set in 2003, kicking off with the murder of an NYU student. The investigation reveals a connection to a series of fires in New York, the city's music scene and a wealthy family. Executive producers and showrunners Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz ("Gossip Girl") don't follow the book to the letter, which is probably good because Austin Butler has also signed on to executive produce and star in a film version of Winslow's novel. "City on Fire" debuts Friday, May 12. DETAILS

‘Air’

After successfully doing the rounds in theaters, "Air" is finally making its debut on Prime Video on Friday, May 12. The film, directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery, tells the origin story of the Air Jordan sneaker and how Nike's then-struggling basketball department defied the odds and signed rookie Michael Jordan in an unprecedented deal. It's the first time Affleck has directed his pal Matt Damon, who plays Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro, and it's the first film from their joint company Artists Equity. They brought in a starry cast, including Viola Davis as Michael Jordan's mother, Deloris, as well as Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Chris Messina and Marlon Wayans, and it has been widely praised for its well-told story — smart, adult and solidly entertaining. DETAILS

‘The Mother’

Or you can watch Affleck's better half, Jennifer Lopez, in her new movie "The Mother," about an assassin who comes out of hiding to protect a 12-year-old daughter she hasn't seen for years. Unlike her recent action rom com, "Shotgun Wedding," this is a more straightforward action thriller. "The Mother" was directed by Niki Caro ("Mulan," "Whale Rider") and co-stars Joseph Fiennes, Lucy Paez, Omari Hardwick, Paul Raci and Gael García Bernal. It hits Netflix on Friday, May 12. DETAILS

‘Saint Omer’

Coming on Hulu on Friday, May 12, there is "Saint Omer," which may be the opposite of a feel-good Mother's Day weekend movie, but is one of the best movies to be released this year. It is a penetrating and restrained portrait of a matricide trial that will leave you moved and changed. It comes from a true story, fictionalized and dramatized by French documentary filmmaker Alice Diop, in this unconventional courtroom drama. In her review for AP, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that Diop "has taken us further into the emotional, social and moral crevices of this real-life case than any documentary could. And we're much the better for it." DETAILS

'Book Club: The Next Chapter'

Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen travel to Italy to celebrate an engagement. Opens Friday in area theaters. DETAILS

'Hypnotic'

(Ben Affleck plays a detective whose daughter goes missing in this Robert Rodriguez movie. Opens Friday in area theaters. DETAILS

MUSIC

MGK’s Mainstream Sellout Live From Cleveland: The Pink Era

Cleveland-bred Machine Gun Kelly’s concert film, shot in front of 50,000 screaming fans at then-First Energy Stadium last August, is playing in theaters for one night only. In addition to performances of hits like “My Ex’s Best Friend,” “Forget Me Too” and “Till I Die,” theatergoers will get a glimpse of what happened behind the scenes. Ticket prices vary by theater. May 12, check theater listings. The film is showing at more than a dozen local movie theaters, including Cinemark Valley View, Cinemark Strongsville, Regal Crocker Park, Cedar Lee, Atlas Eastgate, Shaker Square and more. DETAILS

Jonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers have been super-busy lately — a stint on Broadway, appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and now a new album, called simply "The Album," out Friday, May 12. The trio have released the singles "Wings" and "Waffle House," an ode to the place they would go to decompress and connect. They may need the waffle house soon: The brothers have a one-night-only show at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 12 where they'll perform five albums in one night. DETAILS

Moby

With "Resound NYC," Moby reimagines and orchestrates 15 of his old tracks written or recorded in New York from 1994 to 2010, with guest vocalists including Gregory Porter, Margo Timmins and Amythyst Kiah. The songs include "Helpless," "In My Heart" and "Run On." Moby adds a swell and depth to "In This World" and the new "South Side" featuring Ricky Wilson of Kaiser Chiefs is radically different. Says Moby: "Rather than having every song receive the same orchestral treatment, I kind of built a bespoke orchestral approach for each song." DETAILS

Natalie Merchant

Because the night belongs to lovers, take yours to see Natalie Merchant at the KeyBank State Theatre in Playhouse Square. The former 10,000 Maniacs lead singer will perform mostly songs from her solo career, including many from her latest album, “Keep Your Courage.” Tickets $39.50-$99. 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 8 p.m., May 13. DETAILS

Blink-182

Relive the early 2000s as pop-punk hitmakers Blink-182 play Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday. The tour reunites the band’s original lineup for the first time in a decade. Hardcore punk band Turnstile opens. Tickets start at $75. 1 Center Court, Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., May 16. DETAILS

Chimaira

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of their album “The Impossibility of Reason,” this pioneering Cleveland heavy metal band reunites at the Agora to perform their first shows since 2017. Tickets $35-$150. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., May 12-13. DETAILS

Baba Commandant and the Mandingo Band

Dance the night away at Beachland Ballroom as this contemporary group from Burkina Faso performs their signature blend of Mandingue and afro-beat style of music. Cleveland-based band Mourning [A] BLKstar is the opening act. Tickets $20. 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland. 8:30 p.m., May 14. DETAILS

Babyface Ray

This Detroit rapper’s “Courtesy of the Mob” tour comes to the House of Blues Cleveland for what promises to be an entertaining show. Tickets $30-$50. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 8 p.m., May 12. DETAILS

The Gilmour Project plays Pink Floyd

Gilmour Project, once described as the gold standard for Pink Floyd tribute band, explores “Dark Side of the Moon,” one of the best-selling albums in history, in a concert MGM Northfield Park on Sunday. Tickets $25-$50. 10777 Northfield Rd., Northfield. 7:30 p.m., May 14. DETAILS

‘Great Performances’

PBS' "Great Performances" is celebrating 50 years of Broadway with a concert. Hosted by two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, the special has Sara Bareilles singing "She Used to Be Mine" from "Waitress" and Chita Rivera performing "All That Jazz" from "Chicago." There's a tap number from "Jelly's Last Jam" performed by Corbin Bleu, a tribute to "A Chorus Line" and André De Shields performing "So You Wanted To See the Wizard." Additional stars include Shoshana Bean, Raúl Esparza, Ledisi, Norm Lewis, Rob McClure, Patina Miller, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jessie Mueller, Jessica Vosk and Vanessa Williams. It premieres Friday, May 12 on PBS, pbs.org/broadwayonpbs and the PBS app. DETAILS

Want more concert & music picks?

Cleveland.com's weekly virtual concert guide is HERE

Cleveland.com's weekly new music guide is HERE

Entertainment | Music | Events

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