Fall in Northeast Ohio is a great time to ponder nature as it winds down its harvest season. The crisp fall air means it is also a good time to head indoors to the theater for a heart-warming live show.
The Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra presents Cole Porter’s classic musical comedy “Kiss Me, Kate” in concert this weekend, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Oct. 14 and 15) and 2 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 16).
The full 30-member orchestra will be on stage at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, with featured singers/actors in the lightly staged full production. In addition, there will be a special guest appearance by Elevated Dance Company, winner of the 2022 World of Dance Competition.
“Kiss Me, Kate” tells the tale of two musical theater actors — once-married, now divorced and forced to perform opposite each other in a Broadway-bound musical version of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Of course, they still love each other. It is a battle of the sexes put to music, with songs such as “Another Op’nin, Another Show,” “So In Love” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.” The show includes cases of mistaken identity, romantic entanglements and some gangsters thrown in for good measure.
Philip Formes and Cassie Utt perform the leading roles, with Alexandria Petsche, Tom Jones, Michael Rogan, Don Bernardo, Sydney Noelle Warren, Kim Bixenstine, Christine Katsaras, Julian Kruyne and Robb Muzzy backing them up.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. The theater is located at 40 River St. in Chagrin Falls. Contact cvlt.org or 440-247-8955.
Hymns and treats: The United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls invites the community to join them at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 for an evening of singing hymns in the church sanctuary, followed by apple cider and fall treats in the adjoining Harris Fellowship Hall.
Bring non-perishable food items to support the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center’s Thanksgiving meal. The church is located at 20 S. Franklin St. Contact 440-247-5848.
Take a nature break: Strengthen your mindfulness and connections to nature this fall with monthly inspired nature journaling sessions at different times and Geauga County park venues, with naturalist Renell Roebuck, beginning Oct. 24.
Record your observations in a journal and reflect on the world around you by writing, sketching and taking photos in thought-provoking ways.
Draw upon the theme of squirrels and nuts from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 23 or 9:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 at Sunnybrook Preserve.
Gather inspiration from a night hike in search of owls from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Observatory Park.
Observe natural patterns from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 or 9:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 at Big Creek Park’s Deep Woods Lodge.
Beginners are welcome. The fee for first-time Geauga County participants is $20, while out-of-county residents pay $24. This includes a new journal, pen and other supplies. Returning participants who registered this calendar year may attend free of charge.
Registration is required by phone at 440-286-9516.
Spilling the tea: Pinkies up! Help The Spice & Tea Exchange of Chagrin Falls celebrate its grand opening weekend Thursday through Saturday (Oct. 13-16) with tasty samples and special pricing.
From 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, you can score 20 percent off of tea. Tea happy hour is 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, featuring a buy-one, get-one offer. From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, you can take advantage of a 20 percent discount on salts, sugars and spices.
The store is located at 41 N. Main Street in Chagrin Falls. Contact chagrinfalls@spiceandtea.com.
Be swayed with Afro-Latin dance: Join a Latina-born and -raised dance instructor for a 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 15) workshop and learn fundamental steps and combinations to authentic Afro-Latin rhythm dance.
Included are Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Merengue and Bachata. A partner is not required.
Designed for ages 15 and older, the workshop includes music from Cuba, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
The cost to attend is $35. The workshop will be held at Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Blvd. in Russell Township. To register, call 440-338-3171.
Films on demand: If you missed out on a film at last week’s 13th annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, you may be able to watch it online through Sunday (Oct. 16). Purchase tickets for streaming, on-demand films at chagrinfilmfest.org.
Star-studded fundraiser: Bring your thirsty self to a fundraiser for the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at the Crooked Pecker Brewery, 8284 East Washington St. in Bainbridge Township. The event is weather dependent, a rain date is set for the following week.
Telescopes will be set up in the side picnic area for viewing Saturn, Jupiter and other vistas. Donations are tax-deductible with advice from your tax advisor.
