Guardians back home at Progressive Field, Dyngus Day, 'Becoming Dr. Ruth,' New Edition in concert & more

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Guardians celebrate start of 2023 season at Progressive Field

It seems everyone is feeling optimistic about the Cleveland Guardians, who return to Progressive Field on Friday, April 7, for their 2023 home opener. The team is coming off a 92-70 season, having finished atop the American League Central and earning a postseason berth. Fans have been looking forward to this year, as the team picked up key free agents (Josh Bell, Mike Zunino) and signed other players to extensions (Andrés Giménez, Trevor Stephan). To celebrate the start of the season, cleveland.com’s Marc Bona offers 39 reasons to inspire you to head to the corner of Carnegie Avenue and Ontario Street this season. Why 39? Well, we’re feeling optimistic, too. That was the jersey number Len Barker wore on May 15, 1981, when he threw a perfect game. Call it good mojo. By the way, Friday's 4:10 p.m. home opener is sold out. The Seattle series continues with games Saturday and Sunday. READ MORE

Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees will be in the Land for three games starting Monday, April 10. It’s the Bronx Bombers only regular-season trip to Progressive Field. 6:10 p.m. April 10, 6:10 p.m. April 11 & 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland. DETAILS

New Edition headlines ‘Legacy Tour’

New Edition, a.k.a Ronny, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph and Johnny are on the road in 2023 headlining the “Legacy Tour” featuring some of the top artists of the New Jack Swing era of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The tour will stop Thursday, April 13, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Openers include Keith Sweat, Guy and Tank. Tickets start at $59. 7:30 p.m. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. DETAILS

It’s Dyngus Day on Easter Monday

Dyngus Day, a Polish and Polish-American celebration, falls on Easter Monday. It marks the end of Lent and associated fasting. This year, parties, parades, pierogis, paczki and polka can be found around Gordon Square, at Gordon Green Event Center and area bars. Tickets are $16 for adults and $5 for children. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 10. Gordon Green, 5400 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets

The Cleveland Cavaliers play the Charlotte Hornets at mid-day on Easter. 1 p.m., April 9. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Orchestra

The Cleveland Orchestra performs Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony this weekend. The composition was originally published with the subtitle “A Soviet Artist’s Reply to Just Criticism.” Its opening movement captures the uncertain mood of the times. The music then leads to an exultant finale proclaiming that all is heroic, bright, and beautiful. Tickets $24 to $94. 7:30 p.m. April 6. 7:30 p.m., April 7. 8 p.m., April 8. Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Quilts 2023 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark

Now in its 31st year, this event is known as one of the finest quilt shows in Ohio. The colorful display hosts 175 beautiful quilts. Quilts 2023 includes workshops, demonstrations, lectures, competitions and, of course, shopping. Admission, $7-$9. 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland. Through April 30. DETAILS

Italian Film Festival comes to Cleveland

More than a dozen Italian films, from dramas to comedies and documentaries to short films, are part of the traveling Italian Film Festival USA. The festival, on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, is visiting 14 U.S. cities including Cleveland. Parking for the films is available in the Veale Athletic Center Parking Tower, 2138 Adelbert Road. Through April 10. Strosacker Auditorium, CWRU, 2125 Adelbert Road, Cleveland. DETAILS

Flanagan’s Wake at Kennedy’s Cabaret

Centered on an Irish funeral, “Flanagan’s Wake” doesn’t sound like an inherently humorous play. But the interactive performance, which has taken place in Cleveland regularly since 1996, relies on audience-interactive improv, usually producing hilarious results. Tickets, $29. 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through April 29. DETAILS

‘Becoming Dr. Ruth’

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, 94, is a legendary sex therapist who built a popular persona in the 1980s. Naomi Jacobson plays Dr. Ruth in a solo show, “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” and talks about life as a child escaping Nazi Germany, time as an Israeli sharpshooter, living as a single mother in America and transformation into a global celebrity. Tickets $25 - $75. Through April 23. Cleveland’s Play House’s Outcalt Theater, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Tickets $25 - $75 Through April 23. Cleveland’s Play House’s Outcalt Theater, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Comedian Bert Kreischer at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Bert Kreischer, American comedian, podcaster, reality television host and actor will lob jokes at the audience this weekend. Tickets $25 to $75.

7 p.m., April 8, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. DETAILS

Laughter League – 7th Inning Sketch at Blank Canvas

Blank Canvas at W. 78th Street Studios, brings sketch comedy to its small theater. Tickets $20. 8 p.m., April 7-8. Blank Canvas Theater, 1305 West 78th Street, Cleveland. DETAILS

“Jesus Christ Superstar” at E.J. Thomas in Akron

This performance celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Tickets $10 to $82.50. 7:30 p.m., April 10 & 11. E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. DETAILS

Cleveland Monsters vs. Grand Rapids Griffins

Cleveland Monsters take to the ice against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Tickets from $10. 7 p.m., April 10. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. DETAILS

'As You Like It'

Great Lakes Theater returns to its Shakespearean roots in this romantic comedy centering on Rosalind, who is banished from her uncle’s court only to find love and adventure disguised as a young man in the Forest of Arden. Tickets, $15-$84. 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. Through April 8. DETAILS

'Noises Off'

Sometimes, what’s going on backstage of a play is funnier and more interesting than what’s happening on it. That’s the premise of Beck Center for the Arts latest production. Debuting in 1982, playwright Michael Frayn’s comedy was meta before meta was meta. Tickets, $12-$38. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Through April 16. DETAILS

The Tudors at Cleveland Museum of Art

This touring exhibition explores the art and majesty of Renaissance England with more than 90 works that show how Tudor monarchs including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I used the arts as propaganda to prop up their dynasty. Timed tickets, $15 or free for members, recommended. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through May 14. DETAILS

Easter in Tower City

Easter in Tower City will include an egg hunt, petting zoo, bunny hop bungee trampolines and more. Free. Noon to 6 p.m., April 8. Tower City Center, 230 W Huron Rd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower now open

Get outside this week at Holden Arboretum. Two of its top outdoor attractions just opened for the season. The Emergent Tower is about 12 stories tall and offers a birds-eye view of the surrounding area all the way to Lake Erie. The Murch Canopy Walk offers a 500-foot-long elevated walkway that is 65 feet above the forest floor. Included with admission. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for children. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland. DETAILS

House plant show at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Learn more about house plants at the Cleveland Botanical Garden through mid-May. Various house plants show how greenery can be used to accent your decor. Plants will be for sale in the garden store. Included with admission. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for children. Through May 21. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland. DETAILS

Return of the Butterflies at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Hundreds of newly emerged butterflies will be released to fly freely in the garden’s Costa Rica Cloud Forest biome starting this weekend. Observe more than 30 species of these colorful and curious insects as they search for nectar and explore their surroundings. Admission, $13-$19. 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland. Through Nov. 30. DETAILS

'Into America’s Wild' opens at Great Lakes Science Center

Join astronaut John Herrington, Alaskan pilot Ariel Tweto, and long-distance hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis on a cross-country adventure spotlighting North America’s natural treasures in the film “Into America’s Wild.” The 40-minute movie opens at the Great Lakes Science Center’s DOME theater. Through April 30. Tickets $10.95 adults, $8.95 youth, seniors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland. DETAILS

Egg-stra Egg Hunt at Akron Zoo

The zoo is hosting a wild egg hunt, for youngsters. All egg-hunters will receive a bag of goodies following their egg hunt. Egg hunters will be grouped by age. Admission, plus $18 for egg hunter. 9:30 to 11 a.m., April 8. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. DETAILS

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

Feel the magic when you step inside some of your favorite animated Disney films. This one-of-a-kind experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace gives you a front-row seat at Simba’s presentation ceremony, sends you on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and transports you to snowy Arendelle for a song by Elsa. Tickets start at $36. 850 E. 72nd St., Cleveland. Through May 29. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Betts and baseball: A fine pair downtown

Hotel bars and restaurants are rarely as cool as this one. The restaurant, located in the Schofield just two blocks from Progressive Field, has an array of dishes with a great bar. Plus, you can ring a bell if you order a bottle of bubbly. Betts is at 2000 E. 9th St., Cleveland. Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. DETAILS

Peppermint Thai takeout

Busy work weeks call for unwinding with takeout. I’m lucky that Peppermint Thai Cuisine, 30769 Pinetree Road, Pepper Pike, is on my way home to Geauga County. (Well, if I take a tiny detour.) Last week I picked up mango curry and peppermint fried rice to share with a friend. For the curry, diced mango was tossed with chicken AND shrimp, straw mushrooms, red peppers, onions, carrots, and summer squash in a yellow curry. Both the curry and rice dishes were enough for two meals each. I wish the restaurant was open for lunch. Restaurant hours 3:30 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays. DETAILS

‘Dine Drink CLE’ offers lively guide to restaurant, bar scenes

Get the latest news about Cleveland’s restaurant and bar scene in the new weekly "Dine Drink CLE" newsletter. With the latest on openings, closings, tastings and other events, plus recommendations, features and guides from our team of writers and critics. SUBSCRIBE

Fish fry guide 2023: 50-plus places to go in Greater Cleveland

Fish-fry season wraps up this week on Good Friday, so this will be your final chance to indulge this Lenten season. Check out final guide for the year. It's for non-profit fish frys only -- the VFW halls, churches, Scouts and other groups that hold dinners throughout the region during Lent. We have updated the list – which originally had more than 80 dinners - since several have finished already and are not offering meals on Good Friday. It’s listed in alphabetical order by city and includes almost 50 communities. Each entry ends with “fry time” so you can see times of the dinners. READ MORE

TV & MOVIES

'AIR'

Ben Affleck directs and stars as Nike co-president Phil Knight in this historical sports drama about the company’s game-changing partnership with a Chicago Bulls rookie named Michael Jordan. Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman and Marlon Wayans also star. Now playing in area theaters. DETAILS

'The Super Mario Bros. Movie'

The studio behind “Minions” brings your favorite Nintendo characters to the big screen as Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day) and Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach) team up to stop Bowser’s (Jack Black) evil plan. DETAILS

‘Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields’

"Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields," a two-part documentary debuting this week on Hulu, reconsiders how Shields was sexualized throughout pop culture as a child model and as the 12-year-old star of Louis Malle's controversial 1978 film "Pretty Baby." Shields, now 57, intimately discusses how the early labeling of her as a sex symbol affected her personally and shaped her career. Director Lana Wilson's film, which debuted in January at the Sundance Film Festival, revisits plenty of infamous episodes from Shields' life — her friendship with Michael Jackson, her relationship with Andre Agassi, her odd run-in with Tom Cruise — as well as new revelations, including that she was sexually assaulted by someone she knew professionally. DETAILS

'Beef'

On Netflix this week, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun team up for the first time in a new dramatic series “Beef” in which a road rage incident between two strangers — a failing contractor and an unfulfilled entrepreneur — sparks a feud that brings out their darkest impulses. DETAILS

‘The Brokenwood Mysteries ‘

—The popular New Zealand murder series "The Brokenwood Mysteries" returns for its ninth season this week on Acorn TV, a streaming service offering British TV shows and other international television. The show stars Neill Rea as Mike Shepherd, a detective who in the pilot episode, is assigned to a murder case in the small, fictional town of Brokenwood. Shepherd, who uses unconventional methods in his work, must team up with local detective, Kristin Simms, played by Fern Sutherland, who is more structured and straight-lace. Shepherd stays on in Brokenwood, enjoying the town's idyllic charm, but there are still plenty of mysteries to solve, with Simms' help, of course. DETAILS

‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies ‘

The new Paramount+ series "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" shows the origin of the girl gang before Frenchy, Rizzo, or Sandy ever donned their own pink jackets. "Rise of the Pink Ladies" takes place four years prior to the events of the "Grease" movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. It features original music by Justin Tranter, a producer who has worked with recording artists including Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande and The Chicks. The show's creator, Annabelle Oakes, says her hope is to create a "Grease" cinematic universe much like Marvel's, centered around Rydell High. "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" debuts Thursday. DETAILS

‘Tiny Beautiful Things.’

Kathryn Hahn portrays a character inspired by writer Cheryl Strayed in the Hulu series "Tiny Beautiful Things." It's based on Strayed's book of the same name, which excerpts an advice column where she went by the pseudonym Dear Sugar. In the series, Hahn plays Clare, a writer who agrees to take on an advice column, where she writes beautiful, heartfelt responses to people's problems, incorporating her own life experiences, and all the while, Clare's real life is messy. Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern, who both starred in a film adaptation of Strayed's memoir "Wild," are executive producers on the series. 'Tiny Beautiful Things" premieres Friday, April 7. DETAILS

MUSIC

NF

Michigan rapper NF has a new album out Friday, April 7, and some tough love for his record label. "I could write a record full of radio songs/Do a bunch of features that my label would love," he raps on "Motto," the first single. "Sounds like a nightmare if you ask me/Went from my bedroom to the big leagues." The 13-track album "Hope" boasts features with singer-songwriter Julia Michaels and rapper Cordae. It marks the rapper's first full-length release since 2019's platinum-selling "The Search." DETAILS

Lewis Capaldi

Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi is ready for his spotlight in 2023. The artist who gave us the pop ballad "Someone You Loved" will have a new album — "Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent" — out on May 19 and he has been announced for Glastonbury 2023. This week, Netflix will release "Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now," a documentary that follows the Grammy nominee returning to his Scottish roots and attempting to reconnect with his old life and the family and friends he left behind. The new music includes the aching love song "Pointless," with lush strings and powerful percussion. DETAILS

Linkin Park

Linkin Park fans can celebrate the band's landmark "Meteora" album with a 20th anniversary edition dropping Friday, April 7. It's got a lost gem — literally, a complete and mixed, yet forgotten, song from the era, appropriately entitled "Lost." Says bandmember Mike Shinoda: "Finding this track was like finding a favorite photo you had forgotten you'd taken, like it was waiting for the right moment to reveal itself." Another lost track is "Fighting Myself," with the late Chester Bennington in fine force. "Meteora" landed on March 25, 2003, went No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 before selling 27 million units worldwide. DETAILS

Andrew Bird

Singer-songwriter Andrew Bird brings his “Inside Problems” tour to Cleveland on Saturday, April 8, for a show at the Agora, 5000 Euclide Ave., Cleveland. Ted Poor opens. Tickets $36-$66. 8 p.m., Saturday, April 8. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Bop Stop features Jamey Haddad Quartet

Jamey Haddad Quartet will be at the Bop Stop featuring musicians from The Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival. Tickets $20. 8 p.m., April 8 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Want more concert & music picks?

Cleveland.com's weekly virtual concert guide is HERE

Cleveland.com's weekly new music guide is HERE

Entertainment | Music | Events

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