Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 21-23

Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer
·4 min read
Cincinnati Shakespeare Co.'s production of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" runs through Feb. 12.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Co.'s production of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" runs through Feb. 12.

1. August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

In this powerhouse play by August Wilson, set in 1927 Chicago, tensions and temperatures rise at a music studio when fiery, fearless blues singer Ma Rainey joins her band for a fraught recording session. She is a Black woman determined to control her art and her life on her own terms. As egos and generational ideologies clash, heated conflicts erupt between everyone present that wrestle with the complexities of racism and artistic exploitation.

"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" runs through Feb. 12 at Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. All ticketholders must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status or provide a negative test to enter, and are required to wear face masks securely over their nose and mouth while inside. Tickets run $14-$68. 513-381-2273; cincyshakes.com.

Mutual Dance Theatre will present the renowned PHILADANCO! at the Aronoff Center Jan. 21-22. Seen here are Phildanco! members Mikaela Fenton and Victor Lewis, Jr. performing in Ray Mercer’s “This Place.”
Mutual Dance Theatre will present the renowned PHILADANCO! at the Aronoff Center Jan. 21-22. Seen here are Phildanco! members Mikaela Fenton and Victor Lewis, Jr. performing in Ray Mercer’s “This Place.”

2. Philadanco

Founded in 1970, the Philadelphia Dance Company was created out of a need to provide performance opportunities for Black dancers who were systematically denied entrance in many local dance schools and had even fewer professional performance outlets. Philadanco has since grown into a professional company recognized across the nation and around the world for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers and captivating performances.

It's been 10 years since their last visit to Cincinnati. Catch this legendary dance company Friday and Saturday at the Jarson-Kaplan Theater at Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Showtime is 8 p.m. each night. Tickets run $40-$53. All ticketholders ages 12-up are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. cincinnatiarts.org.

Cirque Goes Broadway features the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performing Broadway hits while contortionists, balancers, tumblers and more display their skills. Shows run Jan 21-23.
Cirque Goes Broadway features the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performing Broadway hits while contortionists, balancers, tumblers and more display their skills. Shows run Jan 21-23.

3. Cincinnati Pops: Cirque Goes Broadway

Dizzying heights and Broadway lights come together for a captivating Pops and Cirque mashup. Marvel at the eye-popping feats of Cirque’s mesmerizing acrobats with John Morris Russell and the Pops performing top Broadway hits to accompany contortionists, balancers, tumblers and athletes on aerial silks defying gravity and doing the seemingly impossible.

It takes place this weekend at Music Hall (1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine). Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Note that all guests, staff and volunteers are required to wear masks at all times inside Music Hall, regardless of vaccination status. All ticketholders ages 12-up are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. cincinnatisymphony.org.

See outdoor landscaping designs and much more at the Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo, happening Friday-Sunday through Jan. 30 at Sharonville Convention Center.
See outdoor landscaping designs and much more at the Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo, happening Friday-Sunday through Jan. 30 at Sharonville Convention Center.

4. Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo

If the cold weather has you pining for a hot tub or more energy-efficient windows, do yourself a favor and head to the Sharonville Convention Center over the next two weekends for the Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo. You can see innovative displays showcasing the latest trends in design and product offerings, and talk with local experts about everything from kitchen and bath remodeling, roofing, flooring and home security to water conditioning, insulation, windows and the latest in landscape options, all in one convenient location.

The expo is open noon-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sharonville Convention Center is located at 11355 Chester Road. Admission is $5, free ages under 18. Free parking. homeshowcenter.com.

Grace Nowak and Robert Breslin IV portray Bonnie and Clyde in the Newport Footlighters production, opening Jan. 21, 2022.
Grace Nowak and Robert Breslin IV portray Bonnie and Clyde in the Newport Footlighters production, opening Jan. 21, 2022.

5. "Bonnie and Clyde"

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies to America's most renowned folk heroes and Texas law enforcement's worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless and alluring, this Tony-nominated play is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country.

"Bonnie and Clyde" opens Friday at the Stained Glass Theatre, 802 York St., Newport. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Performances run through Feb. 6. Tickets are $23. All guests ages 12-up are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test that was administered within 72 hours of showtime by a credible testing site with the guest's name attached. Results from at-home test kits will not be accepted. 859-652-3849; footlighters.org.

The Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show continues through Sunday at Duke Energy Convention Center.
The Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show continues through Sunday at Duke Energy Convention Center.

Honorable mention: Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show

The Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show continues through Sunday at Duke Energy Convention Center (525 Elm St., Downtown). From travel destinations to morel mushroom hunting and training hunting dogs, there's something for every outdoors lover. See Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel and participate in a turkey calling contest.

Hours are 3-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $22 for a 2-day pass or $13 per day. Ages 12-under admitted free. cincinnatiboatsportandtravelshow.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 21-23