Arts + Benefits :: What to do this week!

Joyfully spontaneous? Socially conscientious? Artistically curious?
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Readers are welcome to add their own picks for THIS week (scroll down.) For more events see the Fundraisers Datebook or the E•X•P/arts Calendar.

August 31 – Tuesday

[Opera] The Met Live in HD • Summer Encore Series
Are you in need of an opera fix before next summer’s Cincinnati Opera season? If you were in Manhattan this week, you could hit the Lincoln Center plaza every night to watch a re-broadcast of an opera from this past Metropolitan Opera season. Save yourself the plane fare and make your way to a movie theater near you, whether on the Ohio or Kentucky side. Besides, the seats are more comfortable and there’s no chance of rain! Take your pick from the following…

• Tuesday: John Adams’ Doctor Atomic, 7:45 p.m.
• Wednesday: Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, 7:45 p.m.
• Thursday: Puccini’s La Boheme, 8 p.m.
• Friday: Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel, 8 p.m.
• Saturday: Puccini’s Turandot, 8 p.m.
• Sunday: Verdi’s Aida, 8 p.m.
• Monday: Bizet’s Carmen, 8 p.m.

Where: Regal Deerfield Town Center, Mason; Showcase Cinema De Lux, Springdale and Florence.
More information: www.metoperafamily.org

September 2 – Thursday

[Visual Art] “Wall-to-Wall”
Before a leisurely dinner downtown, or jazz at The Blue Wisp, treat yourself to a visual feast. Local graphic designer, Scott Bruno, began his exclusive engagement creating marketing images for the Weston Gallery in 1999. Come see the range of his output and re-visit the history of the Weston Gallery at this party in his honor.

Where: Weston Art Gallery, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., downtown
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
More information: 513-977-4165 or www.westonartgallery.com

[Concert] The Blues Shade of Jazz
Experience how personality, background and environment can influence the interpretation and application of a distinct musical style. Ricky Nye, from right here in the Queen City, and legendary French pianist, Phillippe LeJeune, share their unique blends of jazz, blues and boogie-woogie in back-to-back solo showcases.

Where: The Blue Wisp • 318 E. Eighth St., downtown
When: 8 p.m. (Nye) and 9:30 p.m. (LeJeune)
More information: 513-241-9477 or www.thebluewisp.com

September 3 – Friday

[Fashion] From the Collection of Patricia Corbett
Arts patron Patricia Corbett attended hundreds of galas, balls and costume parties in her years supporting the performing arts in Cincinnati. As a result, she collected a wide assortment of gowns and costumes. Nvision clothing, art and furniture store and Schenz Theatrical Supply, both in Northside, have collaborated to bring these garments to the public for this one-time vintage designer fashion show.

Where: Weston Art Gallery, Aronoff Center for the Arts
When: 7 p.m.
More information: 513-542-4577 or www.nvisionshop.com

[Theater] “Much Ado About Nothing”
If your vision of Shakespeare is tragedy and death, take heart! Here’s a lively look at love and relationships from two polar opposite perspectives, courtesy of the Bard. On one side, acerbic and cynical — the other, sweet and gentle. Put them together and it simply spells brilliant. CSC continues to be one of the bright lights in local theater, and the classics just never get old, especially when dressed in 1960s garb.

Where: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company • 719 Race St., downtown
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (Through Sept 26)
More information: 513-381-BARD or www.cincyshakes.com

September 4 – Saturday

[Theater] “High”
Previewing here in the Queen City before heading to Broadway early next year, High stars stage and screen legend Kathleen Turner as a nun-come-lately torn between her fragile faith and her desire to help a defiant late-teen drug user. Here’s a chance to get the jump on your New York friends and see this before they do!

Where: Playhouse in the Park, Marx Theatre
When: 8 p.m. Runs through October 2
More information: 513-421-3888 or www.cincyplay.com

Have a suggestion for another fine arts event or benefit this week? Post it here!
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