Republic reporter Brian Blair offers his take on events around the area.
* The Crump Theatre will host drama for what Mill Race Theatre Company leaders say is the first time in more than 20 years when the troupe presents “Inherit the Wind” Friday through Sunday at the recently reopened venue at 425 Third St. in downtown Columbus. The cast size is more akin to the group’s large, summer musicals in order the highlight this story. The work is a fictional look at the 1925 John T. Scopes “monkey” trial — a proceeding that resulted in public school instructor Scopes’ conviction for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to a high school science class, contrary to a conservative Tennessee state law. Information and tickets: millracetheatre.org
* Indianapolis-based musician Dan Kusaya “mixes traditional music from Zimbabwe with South African dance vibes,” according to his media material, and has performed at many festivals and all kinds of venues from safari lodges to wine tasting events. Courtesy of the organizers of Black History Month Columbus and the Bartholomew County Public Library, he’ll present a free concert from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at the library Red Room, 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus. Kusaya calls his performances “a celebration of diversity.” Information: mybcpl.org.
* Looking ahead: Ticket sales for Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Cabaret at The Commons series have been steadily climbing since the pandemic quieted. And tickets are still available for stage, TV and film star Cheyenne Jackson’s show slated at 7 p.m. March 7 at The Commons, 300 Washington St. in d0wntown Columbus. Information: thecip.org.
