When looking at the new TV series Smash, I tried mightily to keep Glee in mind. Glee, after all, is the gold (and gold-generating) standard for music-based dramatic programming, having spawned not only a hit show but CDs, downloads, DVDs, concert tours and a big-screen movie. I was very enthusiastic about the Glee pilot, which…
New releases on DVD, Blu-ray
Productions coming to DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday include: Blu-ray — A Star Is Born (Judy Garland); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Grave Danger (Quentin Tarantino episode); Dangerous Liaisons; Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat (Jim Carrey); and Love Story. Titles below with an asterisk are also being released on Blu-ray. Movies — A Very…
“Downton Abbey,” more on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday
The drama series Downton Abbey has become a public-television phenomenon, recalling the days when shows like Brideshead Revisited and Upstairs Downstairs would be buzzed about by viewers who otherwise paid little attention to public broadcasting. Downton, which owes more than a little to Upstairs Downstairs in its storytelling, has a seductive blend of melodrama and…
Television picks for the week of Feb. 5-11
Art notes: Contemporary artists talk landscapes
Regional artist Michelle Droll, creator of Landslide: Between a Rock and a Place, builds environmentally friendly landscapes out of recycled materials.
Movie review: Woman in Black
Movie review: ‘Big Miracle’ is film family can enjoy
The title isn’t an exaggeration. It was something of a Big Miracle, the way the plight of a family of gray whales, stranded under the Alaska ice, captivated the country and forced oil men and environmentalists, natives and Cold War foes to team up back in the waning days of the Reagan administration.
Michelle Yeoh calls Myanmar’s Suu Kyi her hero
Auditions
AUDITIONS Akron Pops Orchestra — Seeking musicians, especially strings and keyboards, for the volunteer orchestra, which performs a variety of concert music. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Quirk Cultural Center, 1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls. Most concerts are on Thursday evenings, with a few weekend concerts. Contact Kristan Crane at 330-203-1926 or…
A Chance to Dance
A CHANCE TO DANCE Adult Ballet Classes Beginner — Four-week session, 9-10 a.m. Thursdays, starts today at the Quirk Cultural Center, 1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls. Registration fee: $8 resident/$12 nonresident. Class fee is $20. 330-971-8225. Contemporary Line Dancing — 1-2 p.m. today, Springfield Township Boyd Esler Senior/Community Center, 2491 Canfield Road. $4. 330-733-2556. Polka…
Zoo events
ZOO EVENTS Akron Zoo — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. Creature Features — Bugs, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Each Saturday a different animal group will be featured, and visitors will get to meet some animals up close and personal. Winter admission through April 30: $6. 330-375-2550 or www.akronzoo.org.…
Fresh Air
Today Extreme mammals — Paleontologist Dr. Darrin Croft from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland will speak on Extreme Mammals at 7 p.m. at Medina County’s Wolf Creek Environmental Center. It is at 6100 Ridge Road (state Route 94), Sharon Township. For ages 10 to adult. Free. 330-722-9364. Where’s my shadow? — The Stark County…
Et Cetera
ET CETERA Winter Sports — Sled, skate and ski at various spots in the parks within Metro Parks, Serving Summit County. To learn if winter sports areas are open, call 330-865-8060. The Ice Rink at Falls River Square — Open through Feb. 20, Broad Boulevard and Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls. $3, free for residents. Skate…
Art Best Bets
ART BEST BETS Laura Kolinski-Schultz Exhibit — Through Friday at Akron Woman’s City Club Gallery, 732 W. Exchange St. Also, David Shankland exhibit opens Monday and continues through March 2. A reception will be 5-7 p.m. Feb. 10. 330-762-6261. Michelle Droll: Landslide Between a Rock and a Place — Through Feb. 19 at Akron Art…