As we turn the page to a new year, the Greater Columbus arts and entertainment community is gearing up to present an array of exciting offerings this winter.
From daring theater productions to dynamic dance events to highly anticipated appearances from internationally renowned singers and musicians, there will be plenty of things to do and see in the months to come. Literature, visual arts and even some events combining sport and entertainment are also on offer.
We've rounded up the details of 15 can't-miss events leading up to the start of March.
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Nate Bargatze 'Be Funny Tour'
NATIONAL ARENA, 200 W. NATIONAL BLVD.
Details: The comedian, synonymous with good-natured comedy, is coming to Columbus with his “Be Funny Tour,” and you can be sure of one thing: he will be.
Session times: 7 p.m. January 11-12
Tickets: $79.75 to $628.50
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
“The Color Purple: The Musical”
GARDEN THEATER, 1187 N. HIGH ST.
Details: Music drawn from several genres, including jazz, ragtime and gospel, helps tell the story of Celie, the protagonist of Alice Walker's southern novel about a black community.
Session times: various dates and times from January 18 to February 18
Tickets: $33.33 to $65.71
Information: www.shortnorthstage.org
US Figure Skating Championships
NATIONAL ARENA, 200 W. NATIONAL BLVD.
Details: Over seven days and multiple events, watch the country's best figure skaters in various categories (men's, women's, pairs and dance) take to the ice in search of a spot on the United States' world and junior teams.
Appointment: several times, from January 22 to 28
Tickets: single-session tickets start at $14.50; all-session and weekend packages also available
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
Author Michele Norris
KING ARTS COMPLEX, 867 MOUNT VERNON AVE.
Details: In a Gramercy Books presentation in Bexley, the author of “Our Hidden Conversation: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity” will participate in a conversation with Anna Staver, host of “All Sides” on WOSU.
Time: 7 p.m. January 25
Tickets: $40
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
SOUTH THEATER, 21 E. MAIN ST.
Details: The orchestra will be joined by one of its youngest collaborators: violinist Fiona Khuong-Huu, 16, who will perform works by Camille Saint-Saens and Maurice Ravel.
Session times: 7 p.m. January 27 and 28
Tickets: $18 to $64
Information: www.promusicacolumbus.org
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“From Struggle to Strength: The Inspiring Journeys of the Central Ohio Refugee Community”
OHIO DECORATIVE ARTS CENTER, 145 E. MAIN ST., LANCASTER
Details: Photographs by award-winning photographer Tariq Tarey will enrich viewers' understanding of the refugees who called central Ohio home.
Appointment: January 27-April 28
Admission: free
Information: www.decartsohio.org
“Dancing with the Stars: Live!” »
VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD
Details: Audiences who make the long-running hit TV show a must-see will get the chance to see the stars – and the dancers who partner with them – during this live presentation. Professional dancers include Brandon Armstrong, Pasha Pashkov and Emma Slater.
Show time: 7:30 p.m. January 30
Tickets: verified resale tickets start at $145
Information: www.schottensteincenter.com
Disney on Ice
NATIONAL ARENA, 200 W. NATIONAL BLVD.
Details: Finally, the perfect show to satisfy the young people around you who love Disney characters as well as winter sports addicts: In “Into the Magic”, the characters from “Cinderella”, “Frozen” and others Disney productions will put on their skates. .
Session times: 7 p.m. on February 1, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on February 2, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on February 3 and 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on February 4
Tickets: $15 to $90
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
“Come from far away”
PALACE THEATER, 34 W. BROAD ST.
Details: The Broadway hit – which revolves around travelers temporarily exiled to Newfoundland following the events of September 11, 2001 – returns to Columbus for just two nights.
Session times: 8 p.m. on February 2, 2 and 8 p.m. on February 3
Tickets: verified resale tickets starting at $244
Information: www.capa.com
Contemporary Ballet Complexions
PALACE THEATER, 34 W. BROAD ST.
Details: The contemporary dance group will bring its eclectic mix of styles – encompassing contemporary movement, ballet, hip-hop, jazz and more – to an equally eclectic program, “Star Dust: From Bach to Bowie.”
Show time: 7:30 p.m. February 7
Tickets: $34 to $69
Information: www.capa.com
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“Alice”
OHIO THEATER, 39 E. STATE ST.
Details: BalletMet will present an encore of its production of outgoing artistic director Edwaard Liang's imaginative ballet, inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” which first premiered in February 2020.
Session times: 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on February 9, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on February 10, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on February 11
Tickets: $38.50 to $118.30
Information: www.balletmet.org
'Business'
OHIO THEATER, 39 E. STATE ST.
Details: The late composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim is credited with offering a new vision of the American musical, and this national touring production puts a new spin on his famous 1970 work: in the musical about contemporary romantic life, the character Bobbie's main role, written as a male role, will be played by a woman.
Session times: 7:30 p.m. from February 13 to 15, 8 p.m. on February 16, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on February 17, 1 and 6:30 p.m. on February 18
Tickets: $40 to $85
Information: www.capa.com
The toughest rodeo in the world
NATIONAL ARENA, 200 W. NATIONAL BLVD.
Details: Bull riding, bareback riding and barrel racing are among the events offered at this rodeo which invites the public to get in on the action with pony rides and encounters with cowboys.
Times: 7:30 p.m. February 16-17
Tickets: $49.50 to $84.50
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
Duck
VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD
Details: As part of the “It's All a Blur Tour,” the rap artist — whose career has taken him from his 2009 debut album, “So Far Gone,” to his most recent record, “For All the Dogs” — will perform alongside J…Cole.
Session times: 8 p.m. February 20 and 21
Tickets: verified resale tickets start at $125
Information: www.schottensteincenter.com
Three dog evening
VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD
Details: “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)”, “Joy to the World” and “Black and White” are some of the signature songs from this iconic rock band.
Show time: 8 p.m. March 9
Tickets: $45 to $198
Information: www.schottensteincenter.com
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