The Fam Five: February Arts and Entertainment Picks
THE HERO IN YOU
Six String Concerts is a fantastic music series that presents professional performing songwriters from around the world. The legendary Ellis Paul visits this month, including a stay-over concert the afternoon of Feb. 10, designed specifically for families. (The weekend includes a traditional singer-songwriter concert and a songwriting workshop as well.) Paul began doing these shows after his daughter was born, collecting songs about peace and unity for his first album. Now, a second, “The Hero in You,” speaks to themes of identity and encouragement. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Abbey Theater of Dublin, 5600 Post Road, Dublin, sixstring.org
MORE THAN JUST KICKS
Sarah DeLappe’s “The Wolves” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2017, and it’s easy to understand why. The play chronicles the conversations and more of nine teenage girls on a soccer team. The characters aren’t just thinly rendered archetypes, but are instead evocative of actual young women talking everything from boys to bodies to Harry Potter—just like the female soccer player in your family. This play isn’t for kids, but will resonate with teens. Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre presents “The Wolves” Feb. 14-24. Tickets are $20.
Roy Bowen Theatre, Drake Center, 1849 Cannon Drive, Columbus (OSU Campus), theatre.osu.edu
FAMILY DAY
This third annual celebration of one of Columbus’ most iconic artists invites people of all ages to make art, listen to music and learn more about the incredible contributions of Aminah Robinson to the world of art and to the culture of our city. Aminah Robinson Family Day is a free event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 16.
King Arts Complex, 867 Mount Vernon Ave., Columbus, (King-Lincoln District), kingartscomplex.com
UNDER THE SEA
Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” as its annual production Feb. 22-24 in the Palace Theatre. And yes, this is your animated favorite brought to the stage, complete with Ariel, Ursula and Sebastian. The local cast includes a host of young Central Ohio actors, plus drag queen Nina West as the villain. Pleasure Guild raises funds in support of the work of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Tickets start at $23.50.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus (Downtown), nationwidechildrens.org
FAIRYTALES & DRAGONS
Columbus Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor Andrés Lopera will lead the Concerts for Kids performance on Feb. 24. “Fairytales & Dragons” will feature fantastical music from “Cinderella,” “Frozen” and more. The one-hour concerts, designed for children ages 2-10, also feature hands-on musical activities. Audience members are invited to come in costume (hint: Elsa). Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids.
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus (Downtown), columbussymphony.com
The Fam Five is arts and entertainment coverage from Jim Fischer at Columbus Alive.
