events Picks&Previews CityScene spotlights what to watch, what to watch for and what not to miss!

Shrek the Musical

Jan. 10-15

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Broadway Across America brings to Columbus the family musical based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks flick starring a grouchy green ogre. www.broadway acrossamerica.com/ columbus

Columbus Children’s Theatre presents Aladdin

Jan. 8, 2 and 3:30 p.m.

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany

The classic Middle Eastern tale that became a smash hit film for Disney is presented in all of its magical, adventurous glory. www.mccoycenter.org

Creative Vacations Travel Show

Jan. 15, noon-4 p.m.

Dublin Embassy Suites, 5100 Upper Metro Pl.

Dublin-based travel company Creative Vacations puts on its annual travel show, offering attendees the opportunity to talk one-on-one with representatives of 16 cruise companies,

The Arnold Sports Festival

March 1-4

Downtown Columbus

13 land-based companies, two national tourism boards and one travel insurance company. The popular On Stage Alaska travel presentation by Holland America is also on the agenda. www.creative vacations.com

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 5: Folk Roots

Jan. 20-21

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

This concert is based on the musi cal inspiration of folk

The Arnold is back for another year, chock full of athletic competition and opportunities to learn more about your own wellness. The lineup fea tures longtime favorites like the Arnold Classic and the Arnold Fitness Expo; popular recent additions like Art at the Arnold and the Amateur MMA Festival; and new events like the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Weightlifting and the Arnold Morning Weekend Review. www.arnold sportsfestival.com traditions in Hungary, France and Russia. www.columbussymphony.com

Rascal Flatts

Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. Nationwide Arena, lumbus natives – Rascal Flatts bring their

Otterbein

Department of theatre & Dance

Dance 2012: Spotlight

library of hits, from I Melt to Bless the Broken Road – back home. Hunter Hayes and Sara Evans are also on the bill. www. nationwidearena.com

ProMusica presents Year of the Dragon

Jan. 21-22

Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.

Chinese pianist Di Wu performs Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 as the centerpiece to a night of works by risingstar Chinese composers. www.promusica columbus.org

Fiddler on the Roof

Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany

Cowan Hall

30 S. Grove St. Westerville box Office: 614-823-1109

This Tony award-winning musical deals with the topic of family roots, community, tradition, tolerance and faith. The McCoy Center presents the national touring Broadway version of the classic tale. www. mccoycenter.org

Harlem Gospel Choir

Jan. 26, 8 p.m. Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.

The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir will delight audiences with footstomping, hand-clapping, jazz and gospel. www.capa.com

Hit the Road, Jack: The Music of Ray Charles

Jan. 27-28

Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to “The Genius of Soul.” www.jazzarts group.org

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents The Gershwins’ Here to Stay

Jan. 28, 8 p.m.

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

This symphony concert offers not only music, but visuals from the Gershwin archives. Pianist Kevin Cole will be featured. www.columbussymphony.com

CATCO-Phoenix presents

The Rubenstein Kiss

Feb. 1-19

Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.

This powerful play, set in the Cold War and the McCarthy hearings, is inspired by the true story of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. www.catco.org

Jazz Moves Columbus

Feb. 2-12

Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.

This collaboration between BalletMet and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra will explore the history and heritage of Columbus as the city celebrates its 200th birthday. www. balletmet.org

Wendy’s Chili Open

Feb. 4, noon-5 p.m. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd. The annual Westerville Sunrise Rotary

Club fundraiser benefits a variety of local children’s charities. Offerings include children’s activities, live music, raffles, a silent auction and plenty of food from local restaurants, as well as an appearance by honorary event chairman Jack Hanna. www.wendyschili open.co m

Blue Man Group

Feb. 7-12

Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.

The energetic Blue Man Group’s act encompasses comedy, high-tech stage effects and a bit of circus style. www.broadway acrossamerica.com/columbus

Getting Near to Baby

Feb. 9-26

Columbus Children’s Theatre, 512 Park St.

This production is adapted from a Newbery Medal book and follows a family’s tough path to acceptance and understanding after a loss. www.colschildrenstheatre.org

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 6: Magnificent Mahler

Feb. 10-11

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Symphony . maestro

Jean-Marie Zeitouni directs the orchestra in two of his favorite pieces –Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 in A Minor and Wagner’s Prelude to Act 1 of Tristan and Isolde. www.columbus symphony.com

Alasdair Frasier and Natalie Haas

Feb. 12, 2 p.m.

Via Vecchia Winery, 485 S. Front St.

CityMusic Columbus presents Scottish fiddle virtuoso Frasier and premier California cellist Haas. www.citymusic columbus.com

Michael Gates Gill

Feb. 24, 8 p.m.

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany

The bestselling author of How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else discusses his path from highly-paid executive to coffee shop barista. www.mccoycenter.org

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus presents Home and Country

Feb. 24-26

Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.

The chorus partners with the OSU Men’s Glee Club to present a musical celebration of Columbus in recognition of its 200th birthday. www.cgmc.com

More....

For a comprehensive list of other happenings around Columbus, check out www.cityscenecolumbus.com.

With Michael McEwan