Vanishing Act
There's Magic at the Civic
Stephen Knight wants you to know that his performance today at the Akron Civic will be family friendly. But that doesn't mean it's just for kids. "I get everyone involved," says the Columbus magician. "Sure, I bring kids onstage to act as my assistants. But when it comes time to do the straitjacket routine, I need a big, burly guy to help." In other words, there really is something for everyone, including a little bit of comedy, a little bit of sleight of hand, and some large-scale illusions, including classics like sawing a lady in half and the show-stopping grand finale, the Houdini Metamorphosis. (What? You think we're gonna spoil the surprise?) A professional entertainer for eight years, Knight says he got his start like many of his fellow magicians: by perfecting the illusions in a childhood magic kit. "I performed my first show for my third-grade classmates," he says. "Hopefully, today's show will be a little bit better." See for yourself at 2:30 p.m. Adults pay $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Kids 3 to 12 are $5; those 2 and younger are free. Get tickets at the box office, by phone, or online. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. — Cicora
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Monday | 27
Which One's Pinker?
A Foot in the Door at the Civic
So you say you just can't get enough of those traveling Pink Floyd cover bands? Here comes a second helping, straight from Manchester, England. Brit Floyd, a year-old spin-off of the venerable Australian Pink Floyd show, is playing tonight at the Akron Civic Theatre. And unlike some of the competition, they don't get their panties in a bunch over the thought of a few gimmicks. "If you want the full Pink Floyd experience, you need all the visuals," says founder, guitarist, singer, and music director Damian Darlington. "You need the big light show, the inflatables, the spectacle — all the bells and whistles." That's just what you'll get tonight when the nine-piece band rips into a two-and-a-half-hour concert featuring every track off Pink Floyd's newly released "best of" album, A Foot in the Door. On the play list: "Hey You," "Have a Cigar," and a 23-minute rendition of "Echoes," off the 1971 album Meddle. What gets the biggest audience response? "Well, 'Wish You Were Here' is obviously always a favorite," muses Darlington. "And of course, 'Comfortably Numb' generally brings down the house. Then again, 'Another Brick in the Wall' is immensely popular ..." In other words, all of them? "Yeah, I think that's probably true." Pick your own fave tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.75 to $39.75 by phone, online, or at the Civic box office. — Cicora
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Tuesday | 28
Free Food!
It's National Pancake Day at IHOP
We're not big fans of chain restaurants. On the other hand, we are very big fans of free pancakes. Hence, our suggestion that you get yourself over to IHOP today for National Pancake Day. On the menu: one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes, served up between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. at more than 1,500 IHOP locations nationwide. (Find a complete list at the website below.) Of course, there is a catch: In return for the flapjacks, management would really like it if you coughed up a voluntary donation to support the Children's Miracle Network and other local charities. (Last year's National Pancake Day netted more than $2.7 million in donations.) But bottom line: It's between your wallet, your belly, and your conscience. We are only the messenger. — Cicora
Wednesday| 29
CIM Opera Theatre
Fairytales Can Come True
Talk about your fairytale season. Following a successful staging of Massenet's Cendrillon (Cinderella) last fall, the decision-makers at Cleveland Institute of Music's Opera Theatre decided to keep the magic going with Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, which opens today at Kulas Hall. That's a change from what was originally published in the season's concert calendar — Rossini's La Cambiale di Matrimonio — but artistic director David Bamberger promises it's all good. "First and foremost, we are a school, so our first priority is choosing works that will showcase the students well. And this is the better showcase." But more important, Bamberger says, Hansel and Gretel is just plain good theater. "It's just such a beautiful piece, and our production will be very traditional, sung in German with projected translations." Plus, he says, the costumes will be lovely, the score is dazzling, and the story is something that children love and adults can identify with. "It's a wonderful experience for everyone!" The CIM Orchestra, conducted by Harry Davidson, will accompany the Opera Theater. Performances continue through March 3. Tickets are $20 for adults and less for seniors, students, and groups. Buy them online or call the CIM box office. And also note: All patrons are invited to help support the Cleveland Foodbank by bringing a non-perishible food item to the show. A collection box will be waiting in the lobby. — Cicora
11021 East Blvd. 216-791-5000, cim.edu.