Off the Clock: Things to do in and around Akron
CRAIN'S AKRON BUSINESS
Ewan McGregor, left, and Robert Carlyle are in "T2: Trainspotting," which opens at the Nightlight Cinema on Friday, April 14.
University of Akron Dance Company Spring Concert
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, April 13-14; E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron.
Dance students from the University of Akron will perform works by guest choreographer Leslie Dworkin and UA dance faculty Robin Prichard, Tom Smith and Cydney Spohn. The program also will feature guest composer and pianist James Wilding.
Tickets range from $7 to $14 and are available online.
Akron Art Museum book sale
5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 14-15; Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Book and art lovers, this is your weekend. The Akron Art Museum presents its book sale, which features several new exhibition catalogs and other art-related texts from all sorts of areas of art and history. There will even be collectible books, with some signed by authors. Proceeds go to support the museum.
Admission to the sale is free.
Psychedelic Furs with Robyn Hitchcock
8 p.m. Thursday, April 13; Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Akron.
This was the alternative music of the 1980s. The Psychedelic Furs, led by brothers Richard and Tim Butler, were darlings of college and modern rock radio and scored hits with "Love My Way" and "Pretty in Pink." Robyn Hitchcock has been on the modern-rock scene since the '80s as well, releasing more than 20 albums.
Tickets range from $35 to $45 and are available online.
8 p.m. Friday, April 14; Hard Rock Rocksino, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield.
Most people know Norm MacDonald from "Saturday Night Live" or (unfortunately) those Kentucky Fried Chicken commercials. But MacDonald started as a stand-up comedian and is known as one of the funniest around. In fact, David Letterman chose MacDonald to be the final stand-up act on the "Late Show with David Letterman."
'T2: Trainspotting'
Opens Friday, April 14 (show times vary); Nightlight Cinema, 30 N. High St., Akron.
More than two decades ago, "Trainspotting" — and its wild ride through the Scottish drug scene — became a cult favorite. Now comes the sequel, in which McGregor's character, Renton, must face up to his actions in the previous film (namely stealing money from his pals). A review in the New York Times said, "Orchestrating an orgy of nostalgia — the train-patterned wallpaper in a childhood bedroom; scattered flashbacks to the men's earlier capers — (director Danny) Boyle reprises the dodgy camera angles and tricky visuals that beckon us back to the first film with shameless deliberation."
Tickets range from $7 to $9. Runs through Thursday, April 20.
'The Comedy of Errors'
8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 14-15; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16; Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Akron.
The Ohio Shakespeare Festival is behind this production. Heralded as one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies, "The Comedy of Errors" tells the story of what happens when two sets of twins land in the same city on the same day: mistaken identities, confused lovers and misplaced money.
Tickets range from $20 to $50 and available online. Sunday is "Pay What You Will-iam" day, with suggested prices between $15-$33. Runs through Sunday, April 30.
9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 15; Lock 3 Park, 200 S. Main St., Akron.
Bring the kiddos so they can hunt for holiday treats. The event also features a pancake breakfast, access to the Akron Children's Museum, indoor miniature golf and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny himself.
Tickets are $12 for children, $10 for adults and available at the door. Kids should bring their own baskets for the hunt.
Akron Roller Derby
6 p.m. Saturday, April 15; John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron.
NEO Roller Derby and the Rubber City Roller Girls joined up to form Akron Roller Derby — split into two teams, Akron Roller Derby All Stars and AK Rowdy Rollers. The new entity is in its first season, so go check out some bumps, passes and fast skating. Juniors skate from 4 to 6 p.m.
Tickets range from $5 to $15 and available online.
Pop-up Chef Dining Experience
6:30p.m. Saturday, April 15; former 3 Point site, 45 E. Market St., Akron.
Chef/artist Jason Scala and collaborating chefs Rick Carson, David Holland and Raphael Vacarro are at the helm of this dinner, which is themed after Leonardo da Vinci and his inventions. Each of the meal's five courses will represent one of Leonardo's theories and inventions, and be paired with wine.
Cost is $80 per person. Call 330-267-9251 for reservations.
Egg Zooprise
Sunday, April 16; Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron.
Spend Easter Sunday with the animals. The first 100 guests to the zoo will receive a colorful egg with a surprise inside, some with something "eggxtra" special.
Admission to the zoo ranges from $9 to $10.
'Move Beyond: Julianne and Derek Hough'
8 p.m. Wednesday, April 19; Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron.
The "Dancing With the Stars" siblings bring their dancing to Akron. The show is inspired by the elements — earth, wind, fire and water — and explores the human relationship with nature. Dancers from the Move Dance Company will join the Houghs for this performance, which will feature a variety of styles, including ballroom, tap, salsa and hip-hop.
Tickets range from $45 to $79.50 and are available online.