The holiday classic “Black Nativity” returns to Karamu Theatre.
Black Nativity at Karamu Theatre – Through December 24
“Black Nativity,” the holiday classic based on acclaimed author Langston Hughes’ “Gospel Song Play,” is currently on stage at Karamu Theatre through December 24. Performances are Thursdays through Sundays, with a special Wednesday performance on December 22. Tickets range from $20-$45. Karamu Theatre is located at 2355 East 89th Street [44106].
Jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright comes to town for three shows at Another Place Banquet and Event Center December 4 and 5. (Photo: Facebook)
Gerald Albright in concert – December 4, 5
Acclaimed saxophonist Gerald Albright comes to Cleveland this weekend for three shows at Another Place Banquet and Event Center, 28600 Ridgehills Drive, Wickliffe [44092]. Saturday’s special guest is Sherena Wynn; Sunday’s guest will be Hubb’s Groove. Tickets are $59-$65 and can be purchased through Eventbrite. Use the promo “Early Bird” for the $59 tickets.
The annual Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour stops at Connor Palace Wednesday, December 8.
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour – December 8
Another Cleveland holiday tradition is the Dave Koz Christmas Tour Wednesday, December 8 at 8p at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, 1501 Euclid Avenue (44115). Special guests for this year’s concert include guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Richard Elliot and rising vocalist Rebecca Jade. Fans can expect an evening of fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics – as well as a Chanukah medley! – and hits from their respective catalogues.
Tickets range from $45-$85. Proof of vaccination or a negative test result are required for those 12 and over attending this event.
“The King of Cage Street,” a recent work by playwright/Cleveland native Michael Oatman runs December 9-12 at Playwrights Local in the Waterloo neighborhood.
The King of Cage Street – December 9-12
Playwrights Local, 397 East 156th Street (44110) presents “The King of Cage Street” for four performances Thursday, December 9 through Sunday, December12. The King of Cage Street, written and directed by native Clevelander Michael Oatman, is a love story of sorts: a character study of three broken people against a backdrop of urban decay. These three dispirited souls — D-Bear, a reformed thug; Skully, an alcoholic handyman; and Dime, a transgender sex worker — have created a space for themselves and their makeshift family. They have survived in the worst part of the worst ghetto in Ohio, thriving in what D-Bear calls “the end of the world.”
Audience members will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and to wear masks inside the venue. Photos or printed copies of vaccination records will be accepted and matched with photo IDs. Exceptions can be made for children under 12 and attendees with conflicting medical conditions or religious beliefs.
The latest episode in the New York Times Presents documentary series focuses on Janet Jackson’s ‘wardrobe malfunction’ during the 2004 Super Bowl Halftime Show. (Photo: Hulu)
‘Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson – Streaming on Hulu, FX
The latest episode in the New York Times Presents documentary series focuses on the ‘wardrobe malfunction’ incident between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during the 2004 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Directed by Jodi Gomes (The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty and Once Child Left Behind: The APS Teaching Scandal), the 70-minute documentary examines the incident that brought mJackson’s career to a near halt, while Timberlake’s popularity appeared unaffected. “Malfunction” can be seen exclusively on Hulu and fxnetworks.com. Watch the trailer.
Is there an upcoming event you’d like included in this column? Please send the details, along with a high-resolution photo/graphic, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two weeks prior to the event.
• • •• • •
