It's a weekend for the ages. Don't miss the theatre classics ("The Rat Pack") or the currents (Tony-nominated "The Little Dog Laughed") as they open their doors for all to enjoy. And don't forget the musical acts of hard workin' country boys and 80s legends. It's all here in West Michigan, so read on and plan for a pretty stellar weekend.
1. DANCERS AGAINST CANCER: Join Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Dancing for the Cure on Friday, Mar. 19 at 7 p.m. in the J.W. Marriott Ballroom. The night will include hors d'oeuvres, social dancing, a professional show and a dance off featuring local celebrities; $50.
2. GOOD QUESTION: Three months later, "Lord, Why Do I Keep Choosing the Wrong Man" is finally here. Previously scheduled for December, this play about balancing love and life will be performed on Friday, Mar. 19 at 8 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall; $37.50.
3. MR. ROBOTO: Dennis DeYoung, lead singer of Styx, and his seven-piece rock band will perform his classic rock hits along with special guests Mid Life Crisis at DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday, Mar. 20 at 7 p.m.; $39-$49.
4. SUPER GIRL: Local mixmaster and REVUE covergirl DJ SuperDre will be spinning electronic music at the Intersection on Saturday, Mar. 20 at 8 p.m. along with Kikoman, Sonnrize and more; $5-$8.
5. MY WAY: "The Rat Pack is Back" and is coming to Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo on Friday, Mar. 19 and Saturday, Mar. 20 at 8 p.m. Impersonators of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop will be joined by a live 12 piece orchestra; $25-$50.
6. HARD DAYS WORK: Honest working-class country boys Eric Church and Josh Thompson will perform at the Kalamazoo State Theatre on Friday, Mar. 19 at 8 p.m. Church's single "Love Your Love the Most" reached the 10 spot on U.S. Country charts; $22.50.
7. SEXUAL POLITICS: If you're feeling confused about gender identity or just need a chuckle, check out "The Little Dog Laughed" opening Friday, Mar. 19 at 8 p.m. at Spectrum Theater. You can also catch the latest Actors' Theatre production on Saturday, Mar. 20 or next weekend as well; $8-$22.
8. WORLD NEWS: Of the 20 films that will be screened during the Central Michigan International Film Festival, 4 documentaries were nominated for an Academy Award. The festival begins in Mt. Pleasant on Friday, Mar. 19 and runs through the 28th; times vary; $5 per film or $30 for 10 tickets.
9. IN GOOD COMPANY: The John Jorgenson Quintet has worked with Elton John, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti...the list goes on and on. Take advantage of your opportunity to see this Grammy Award winning act at the Dale B. Lake Auditorium in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Mar. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; $15.
Good Bets: Google Fiber for Grand Rapids is hosting a flash mob at Calder Plaza on Mar. 19; Bartender-turned-author Mary DeVoir will be at Schuler Books on 28th St. on Mar. 20; the Queeries, a new gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender film series, debuts on March 19 at Wealthy Theater with a screening of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."
