Columbus' Datebook for April
Cathy Guisewite (April 5)
Whether you found her self-deprecating humor lovable or annoying, Cathy Guisewite touched a nerve with her “Cathy” comic strip, which ran for 34 years in nearly 1,400 newspapers. Someone you know probably still has a yellowed clipping taped to the fridge, with the strip’s neurotic everywoman waging battle against her nemesis, chocolate. Guisewite, a Dayton native, will be in town to talk about her book of essays about life caring for both kids and parents. thurberhouse.org
“Opera Swings Jazz” (April 12 and 14)
Opera and jazz aren’t often heard on the same stage, but Opera Columbus and the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus plan to change that, collaborating for two shows of unique musical mash-ups. Under the direction of Byron Stripling, artistic director for the Jazz Arts Group, four singers will perform jazz standards with an operatic twist. Joining the vocalists onstage at the Southern will be the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, while dancers from the Columbus Northwest Fred Astaire Dance Studio will complete the old-Hollywood scene. With its mix of old-school glamour, powerful vocals and world-class ballroom dancing, “Opera Swings Jazz” is set to be a performance guests won’t soon forget. operacolumbus.org
“Cinderella” (April 12–14)
The pumpkin princess returns to the Ohio Theatre as BalletMet revives Edwaard Liang’s rendition of “Cinderella.” Liang’s first full-length production with the company, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s celebrated score, premiered at the Davidson Theatre (then the Capitol Theatre) in 2015. A larger stage at the Ohio means a more elaborate set, though the show remains the same—including the appearance of pint-size cast members from BalletMet Academy. Don’t expect Disney niceties here; the opening scene sets a somber tone for a show The Columbus Dispatch called “emotionally involving” in its warm review. capa.com
Ohio State Spring Game (April 13)
At the annual gathering for the world’s best-attended game of touch football, all eyes will be on Justin Fields, the heralded Georgia transfer. After Tate Martell’s departure, Fields will be the odds-on favorite to take over quarterback duties from NFL-bound Dwayne Haskins. Redshirt freshman Matthew Baldwin will provide the stiffest competition to Fields’ bid to lead the Buckeyes’ offense. ohiostatebuckeyes.com
Jason Alexander (April 27)
The Seinfeld star was a Tony Award-winning Broadway song-and-dance man before he became the master of his domain on television. Alexander will return to his roots for a concert with the Columbus Symphony at the Ohio Theatre. The performance will include music and comedy and trace Alexander’s show business journey, which includes an embarrassing 1985 McDonald’s commercial and a 1981 Broadway debut in “Merrily We Roll Along.” capa.com
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WAYS TO GIVE BACK
AIDS Walk Ohio (April 13)
This year, three Ohio AIDS walks—Central Ohio, Dayton and Toledo—will be consolidated for one big event in Columbus, with a 5K run or walk and a 1-mile stroll to raise awareness and funds for agencies serving those affected by HIV. aidswalkohio.com
Women of Promise (April 11)
Support New Directions Career Center’s mission of helping women in transition achieve financial stability through career guidance, education and counseling by attending the organization’s annual fundraising event at St. Charles Preparatory School. newdirectionscc.org
Serve in the Preserves (April 13–14)
Spend a spring weekend camping with Columbus Audubon in the Appalachian beauty of the Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve area, helping build a bridge and re-route a trail. Transportation and meals available; call 614-486-9253 by April 8 to register. columbusaudubon.org
See our online calendar for a full list of things to do this month.
